Bookstores Can Soon Sell, Buy Back Used Textbooks Through Ingram
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Independent bookstores will soon be able to sell and buy back used higher education textbooks through Ingram Content Group’s expanded textbook program, the company announced last week, a development that will enable booksellers to become more competitive in the college book market.
Booksellers currently have access to thousands of new textbooks through ipage®, Ingram’s online search, order, and account management portal. With the addition of a new interface, they will be able to buy back and sell used textbooks through the same portal.
“We’re excited to be able to bring these offerings to ABA’s independent bookstores,” said Shawn Everson, chief commercial officer for Ingram Content Group. “We thought this was a natural fit so we’re excited they’ll be able to take advantage of these offerings.”
Beginning next month, booksellers can buy back higher education textbooks from students year-round through the updated ipage interface by uploading an ISBN or a list of ISBNs. Ingram says it plans to buy back textbooks at a higher price than other wholesalers and to accept a wider variety of books. Booksellers will receive a commission on the buyback price.
Everson noted that Ingram’s new buyback program is a great opportunity for booksellers to secure new customers by offering competitive buyback prices to students. “As they hand the student that money, there’s a good chance the student might spend it right in the store,” he added.
Come early summer, booksellers will have access to Ingram’s selection of used textbooks through ipage. Independent bookstores develop relationships with readers from early childhood through high school, Everson said, and he is pleased that they will have the ability to provide a variety of textbook options to their readers as they enter college. “It allows them to compete in an environment where they’ve been on the sidelines,” he said.
Booksellers who have questions about Ingram’s enhanced textbook program can e-mail [email protected]. Program announcements will be made through ipage, as well as through traditional marketing channels and social media.