The stores' prime selling point, besides price, is convenience. Adding to convenience is the ability at some sites to find books by course number, as is done in a traditional college bookstore. Despite the advantages of online bookstores, they also face challenges in attracting business. Most of the online stores offer only new textbooks, which increases students' costs.
Students know what they are getting.
Gator Textbooks co-owner Duane McManhan said students should be wary about buying used books online. Another hurdle for these online businesses is student awareness. With most college students using the Internet daily, however, the booksellers are not worried. I don't see the end of traditional bookstores. VarsityBooks will just augment what already exists.