We know that going to college costs more now than ever before and books are big ticket items. To help ease the burden, your bookstore is now offering you the ability to rent your textbooks. Just as with anything else, renting has some advantages and disadvantages over buying. Here are some answers to a few commonly asked questions to help you decide if renting your books is the right choice for you.
Q: What is Rent-A-Text?
A: Rent-A-Text provides you with the option of renting a new or used textbook for an academic term rather than purchasing it. At the end of the term, you simply bring or ship the textbook back to the bookstore where it is checked in. Renting instead of buying can save cash up front, as opposed to having to wait until buyback cash at the end of the term.
Q: Is rental available at my bookstore?
A: Rent-A-Text can be found on more than 850 campuses today. To find out if your bookstore will be participating in Rent-A-Text, please head to the front page and use the search box under "Find out if your school has Rent-A-Text."
Q: Why doesn't my bookstore offer Rent-A-Text?
A: Bringing textbook rental to a campus is tricky process that requires more than just a simple decision by your bookstore. We're working with campus administrations all over the country every day in an effort to bring the Rent-A-Text program to as many schools as possible. And remember, only Follett managed bookstores are eligible for the program.
Q: Why is the bookstore rental option better?
A: When you rent from the campus bookstore, you have more choices, which means more convenience because every book you need is in one place. You can shop in-store or online. We accept all forms of payment, from cash, to credit, campus cards and financial aid. You have the option to buy the textbook during rental term for a small fee, plus you have the assurance of seeing the book you're renting before making your decision.
Q: Why would I rent my textbooks?
A: When you rent your books, you'll pay, on average, less than half the new price. Guaranteed! That's right, the exact same book, over half off. What other reason do you need?
Q: I love to save! But is there a catch?
A: No catch. Inquiring consumers, such as you, will find that Rent-A-Text books are without a doubt the cheapest way to get your much needed textbook during the hectic back to school seasons.
Q: Sounds good so far. How do I actually rent my books?
A: Well, here's what you'll need to get started: First, you just need to be 18 years or older, with a valid credit card. An email address and a government issued ID (like a driver's license/state ID) is also a must. Finally, you'll need to complete a rental agreement, which signifies your commitment to bringing your book back by the check-in date.
Q: How can I pay for my rental books??
A: You can pay for your rental books with any tender available at your bookstore: financial aid, a campus card, a credit card, debit card, by check, or with cash. (Look for that date on your receipt!)
Q: I'm not 18, can I still rent?
A: Yes, but only with the help of your parents (or guardian)! Just remember that they probably won't be here at finals to return the rented books… and nothing will get you a stern talking to like an unwanted credit card charge.
Q: Do I need to register to rent?
A: Yes, but you’ll tackle that during the rental process – no need to register in advance. If you rent online from your bookstore, you’ll be taken through the necessary steps during checkout to complete your Rent-A-Text registration. If you shop in-store, they’ll start your registration at checkout… to make sure your transaction is quick and easy, you’ll be sent an email to complete your registration later, from the comforts of home (or any computer/device with internet access.)
Q: So when is the check in date? Right before my finals?
A: We ask that all rented books be checked in to the bookstore by the check in date on your receipt (or packing slip, if you order online). This should give you plenty of time to glean an entire semester's worth of knowledge and carry you through finals. We'll also attach a sticker to all the books you rent AND send you reminder emails at the end of term to help you remember to bring your rented books back.
Q: OK, let's say I forget to bring my books back. Then what?
A: If you don't return your books by your bookstore's return date (shown on your receipt/packing slip), we'll charge your credit card (otherwise known as collateral) a non-return fee as well as a processing fee. After all, if you rent something, you are traditionally expected to return it. The book will be yours, which means you have some options. If you want to keep it, feel free. Otherwise, you can always attempt to sell your book back for top dollar.
Q: Why the extra fees if I check-in my rental book past the deadline?
A: If you don't check in your rental book on time, the bookstore will need to source another copy of the book in order to have enough quantities on hand for the next semester. The fees cover the additional expenses of finding another copy of the book.
Q: What if I rent a book and then decide I NEED to keep it?
A: So, you’ve decided that Biology is your life’s calling and not just another “Gen Ed” class, huh? If you want to keep a book that you've rented, you just need to let us know sooner rather than later. You have the option to convert your rental into a standard, everyday purchase based on the original condition: new or used. If you make your decision during the refund period, you’ll again be charged based on its condition. If you decide after the refund period ends, you’ll still be able to purchase your book....you’ll just have to pay an additional 10% on top of the books price. A small price for the years’ worth of knowledge to come.
Q: What happens if I drop a class?
A: Rental refunds will be allowed during the normal store refund period. Of course, the regular refund rules will still apply: the book needs to be in the same condition as it was when it was rented and you'll need a copy of your receipt.
Q: Can I highlight and take notes?
A: Yes we respect you and your learning style enough to not dictate what you do (or don't do) with your books…within reason, of course. Normal highlighting and note-taking are perfectly acceptable. So, what's prohibited? Any excessive markings that would render the book unusable for the next customer. It's the note takers golden rule!
Q: Rental sounds great! So can I rent all my books?
A: Unfortunately, not every title is available for rent right now. But we're working hard with your professors and textbook publishers to identify as many rental titles as possible. Generally speaking, a book needs to be a popular title early in its lifecycle (a recently released edition) to be rentable. The good news is that these are the types of books that you may have generally had to buy "New" in the past, so hopefully you'll really feel the savings!
Q: So I don't HAVE to rent my books, right?
A: Nope. At the bookstore, we're all about giving you options. Some people are going to want to rent new books. Others may want to own a used book. No matter what your studying style or budget, you can get what you need here.
Q: Can I use other discounts with rental?
A: Fair question, thrifty student… With text rental already being the cheapest way to buy your books, we can't honor other bookstore discounts.
Q: How will I be able to tell if the book I need is rent-able?
A: Just find the book on the shelf, like usual, and see if there's a "FOR RENT" shelf tag. Simple!
Q: What about if I'm shopping on efollett?
A: Any book available for rent in store is also rentable online at your efollett site. Look for the "Rent-A-Text" button on the textbook's efollett page. Visit your store or website today to see what's rentable now.
Q: Can I rent textbooks from Rent-A-Text.com?
A: Nope. The goal of this website is to simply give you all the facts you need to become a successful textbook renter. Again, check out the search box on our front page to see if your store is renting right now – in-store or online.
Q: Can international students rent textbooks?
A: Yes! International students with a passport issued by their country of origin can rent their textbooks. Other requirements include a United States phone number (cell phone, dorm phone or host family home phone is fine) and a United States zip code attached to their collateral. Note that most international credit cards can have their billing addressed changed by contacting the credit card company.
Q: How will renting a textbook impact the requirement that students using disability materials must show proof that they have purchased the book before we can convert it, or ask the publisher for the electronic accessible text? Do you have an agreement in place with publishers to handle this?
A: In order to qualify for disability materials, the student much purchase a copy of the book or a copy must have been purchased on their behalf. Rental does not currently meet the publisher requirements for providing this service.
However, Follett policy will allow a student who rents a book to check-in that same book after it has been guillotined and rebound. We cannot control publisher policy, but the FHEG process will not discriminate against disability students.
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: Visit the bookstore; we'll be glad to tell you more about it. Or, keep exploring Rent-A-Text.com for the latest program info, rentable titles by subject area, and more. If all else fails, stop by our Facebook page to ask questions or tell us what you think about textbook rental.
