Letters to the editor
March 30, 2005
Book bargains
University Book Store on par with online prices
Lisa Best's letter to the editor referencing the March 28 article "Book Bargains" hit me pretty hard. I have never in my life been accused of misleading or deceiving anyone. That this would be said in an open forum with respect to University Book Store's and my commitment of service to UW students is unfair and hurtful.
These are the facts with respect to the book Best referenced in her letter:
Amazon.com's price for a new copy of Garrison's Managerial Accounting is $124.37. But The University Book Store's price for the new book is $117.90 after patronage refund, a 5.2 percent savings.
As of yesterday, Amazon.com had only one used copy of the book for $79.99, not $18.00. The rest of the used copies (15) range in price from $100.74 to $167.52.
The University Book Store's price for the used book is $98.25, as you stated, but it is $88.42 after patronage refund. Either price is less expensive than 15 of the 16 books offered on Amazon.com.
This is a pretty common scenario. I don't see how the words, "deception," "misleading," "blatantly overcharging," and "overpriced" apply.
UW students are among the most important customers we serve, and I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this with you further.
-- Bryan Pearce
CEO, University Book Store
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