ESI offers its single-use academic pricing to parents as well as teachers. Customers who find that a title is not in the lending library can purchase and return it if unsuitable, according to the directions given in the Web site's thorough FAQ section. Many other software resellers do not allow returns of opened software and may charge restocking fees of up to 15 percent for unopened returns. Using the site's search engine, we easily found the latest school versions of all our test software at prices that equaled or beat other academic software competitors. Products requiring academic proof with purchase are clearly marked and accompanied by ordering instructions.
Retail versions are also available for some software programs.
Returns are permitted on preview and damaged merchandise only, but previewing is also available on a purchase order if submitted on a school letterhead. The Genesis Technologies home page provides easy access to promotions and bundled specials. The 2,500-program online catalog is all text. To find a specific software program, use the search option in the red bar at the top of the home page or the information screens. Other options, such as the software price list, allow users to browse by publisher only.