Two of the seven registers failed at one time during the first weeks. The high cost of textbooks is a frequent complaint. After expenses and the percentage paid to the school, we usually only clear about 1 percent. A recent survey by Barnes and Noble College Bookstores, owner of the Runner Bookstore, found the average markup at Fresno State University, Bakersfield College, and the University of California at Los Angeles ranging from 25 percent to 32 percent. The markup here in Bakersfield compares favorably at 27 percent.
Students also complain about the buy-back price of textbooks.
Whether or not the professor gets a book order in on time determines whether the buy-back price is 20 percent or 50 percent of the original price. They need to have their book list in about three months prior to the quarter. When the deadline approaches I send my people around with candy to remind them to put in their order. The buy-back rate is 50 percent of original price if the book is going to be used the following quarter. If a new edition is coming out or an old book will not be used, the buy-back price is 20 percent.