Used Textbook Association

Bundling Case Study 1

Title: Exploring Psychology with Study Guide and Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers
Publisher: Worth

The 5th edition of Exploring Psychology was used during the fall 2005 term.

• The bundle was re-adopted for the spring 2006 so students who sold back the bundle including all three pieces, received $39.25 for the bundle.
• The true cost of purchasing the new bundle was $39.25; the true cost of purchasing the used bundle was $19.65.
• For the fall 2006 term, the bundle had a new ISBN number, so students weren’t able to sell back the used textbooks at the end of the spring 2006 term.
• Students taking the course during the fall of 2006 were forced to purchase the bundle new.

However, the bundle ended up being the same as the previous year; the only change was the ISBN number. The publisher had bundled an identical package with a reduced net cost. However, even with the reduced new cost, a used copy in Spring 2005 was $46, compared with the Fall 2006 new cost of $61.30.

Bundling Case Study 2

Title: Algebra & Trigonometry
Edition: 3rd
ISBN: 978-0-13-220261-9
Copyright: 2007
Publisher: Pearson
Bundled Items: Textbook, Student Study Pack, Student Access Kit

The Algebra & Trigonometry textbook represents the double-edge sword of bundles.

• If a professor utilizes all of the components to enhance the course, the bundle offers value.
• However, if the professor only utilizes the textbook, the bundle becomes slightly more expensive.

UTA Solution: Eliminate Bundling and Price Each Component Separately

Too often, bundles contain nonessential items that both surveyed students and professors say aren’t needed for their class. The bottom line: If a textbook originally sells as part of a bundle and the student isn’t able to return all components or loses part of the bundle, they lose 100 percent of their investment.

We advocate that the marketplace should determine if all components have value. The UTA doesn't want to see students forced to buy nonessential items.