Many UA students are unaware of the UofA Bookstore’s “”highest cash back guarantee”” promotion that offers an additional 10 percent if books are sold back to the bookstore for store credit instead of cash.

Kurtis Durfey, the marketing specialist for the bookstore, said he does not see many customers taking advantage of these guarantees because he said he believes the bookstore is already offering the lowest-priced textbooks at the beginning of the semester and the most cash back for used textbooks at the end of the semester.

“”The guarantees actually serve more of a benefit to the students who can rest assured that we’re doing what we need to do in an effort to reduce their costs as much as possible,”” Durfey said. “”This is a promise that cannot be made by any of our off-campus competitors, all of whom are interested primarily in making a profit.””

In addition to the “”highest cash back guarantee”” promotion, the bookstore also offers a “”lowest price guarantee”” promotion, where they guarantee they will match any other campus-area store’s offer for a used textbook and give the student a $5 gift card, according to Durfey. These promotions are only offered during the “”end-of-semester buyback promotion”” which runs for about two weeks every May and December.

Many students knowledgeable about the promotion said they plan to utilize it.

“”It is more cost effective for when you’re buying books for the next semester,”” said Katie Franz, a chemistry freshman. Jordan Rotenberg, a psychology junior, normally sells her books for cash but will now sell back to the bookstore.

“”It’s just a better deal,”” she said.

However, not all students believe the bookstore gives the best financial benefit when selling back textbooks.

“”What they (the bookstore) offer does not reflect what the book is actually worth,”” said Nae Schnee, an interdisciplinary studies major. “”Ten percent isn’t enough for me to even consider selling back the book.””

Carla Ruiz, a business junior, would rather get cash back than store credit and an additional 10 percent.

“”You always need it (cash) and you can use it or save it up for whenever,”” she said.

Ultimately, the bookstore wants to keep the books physically on campus for resale the following semester, according to Durfey.

“”It (selling back to the bookstore) results in a 25 percent savings for the next student who purchases the book and also supports the sustainability objectives of the bookstores and of the university,”” Durfey said.