FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 
Browse this FAQ for answers to frequently asked questions. If you need further assistance, please contact us directly at 800-255-1896.
Q: What is a textbook bundle? Do I need it?
A: A textbook bundle is usually the textbook that is needed for the class bundled together (in plastic) with supplemental materials that may or may not be required for the class. Typically, a bundle is only available new (although used copies may be listed on the website). The supplemental materials may be study guides, solution manuals, or online access cards. Occasionally, professors may require the supplemental materials, but usually, a student does not need to purchase the bundled version of the textbook, ordering the “Text Only” is sufficient for what the professor requires.
Q: What if I can’t find my class listed on your website? What books do I need?
A: If a class is not listed on our website, then the professor has not requested any textbooks yet. Do not buy a book required by a similar class, textbooks vary from professor to professor. Check the website again closer to the start of classes, your course listing may have updated, or wait until the first day of class. The professor will let you know where to get your course materials.
Q: I need my books today, but I just placed my order. The website says it is taking 'X' hours to process, how can I get them right away?
A: Come into the store and collect the books you need for your class and bring them over to the Web Order department (located in the basement with the textbooks). We can process your order right there.
Q: Why was my textbook cancelled from my order?
A: There are several reasons why a book may be cancelled from an order:
  • If the professor has cancelled a book previously required, we will cancel it from your order.
  • We may have substituted an alternate version of the textbook for the one you selected; the alternate version is acceptable for the course.
  • If you have selected “No Substitutions” for a specific book. If we do not have any of the version ordered available, we will cancel the book from the order, rather than charging you for the copy you did not want.If you prefer used books, but do not want to have any cancelled books from your order, select “Ok to Substitute.” We do try our hardest to locate a used copy for you, but sometimes a used copy is unavailable.
Q: Why are used copies listed on your website when they are not available in the store?
A: We show new and used books for each text because we do not know if we will receive new or used books from our vendors. Also, our inventory changes very rapidly, we show what we may have on hand. To increase your chances of getting used copies, place your order as early as possible, or select “No Substitutions.” If we do not have a used copy to give you, we will cancel that textbook from your order.
Q: How can I make sure I get used copies of my textbooks?
A: To increase your chances of obtaining used books, order your books as early as possible. We open up ordering at least one month before classes begin, and we pull and process orders in the order they were received. The earlier your order is placed, the better the chance of used copies still being available.
Q: Why is my total different from what my confirmation email stated?
A: There are a couple of reasons your total may have changed:
  • We may substitute an alternate version of a textbook you have selected. A publisher may release the same book with updates, in which case, it would have a different ISBN, and may differ in price by a few dollars. If we do not have the book you ordered, we will give you an alternate version that is acceptable by the professor.
  • If you have selected “Ok To Substitute” and we do not have a used copy of the textbook you need, we will give you the new copy, and the price will change accordingly. We do try our hardest to obtain used copies, but they sell out quickly and are sometimes unavailable.
Q: What is a Custom Published book?
A: Custom published textbooks have been printed and bound by the Co-op’s Custom Publishing Dept. A professor may opt for a course packet if they require readings from several different textbooks or journals. Another reason may be if the text they want is out of print, the Custom Publishing Dept. will create a bound version of the book.

Q: What is a Course Supply Kit?
A: Course Supply Kits are designed by your professor and contain a selection of supplies that will be used for a course. Kits may include lab supplies, art supplies, or any other tool that students will need for class. The kits are offered at a discounted rate to help students save money while buying supplies for classes. If a kit is required for your class, there will be a note on your course listing at the Co-op. Course kits must be unopened for a full refund.
 
Textbook Orders:
Q: I have a rebate card/gift card, but it doesn’t cover the full amount of my purchase. How can I place an order?
A: After you have added all of your items to your cart, go the Check Out, and there is a drop-down menu for “Payment Option.” Please select “Gift Card” and login or select “Order as Guest.” The next page will allow you to put your credit card information into the “Customer Notes” section; we will ring your order up manually in the store as a split payment.
Q: What does it mean if a textbook is on backorder?
A: If a textbook is out of stock, we will process it as soon as our next order arrives in the store, we try to have all books arrive in time for class. If we do not have any outstanding orders for a textbook, we will special order a copy for you, which usually arrives in 2-5 business days.
Q: Where can I pick up my order?
A: When you place your order, you can choose to have your order shipped to you or sent to one of our two Austin-area locations for pick-up. Orders are available for pickup at the Main Store Co-op and Co-op East. All orders are pulled and processed from the Main Store location, so please wait one business day after you receive your second email to pick up your order.
 
Calculator Buybacks:
Q: How often does the University Co-op buy back calculators?

A: The University Co-op buys back calculators year-round.

 
Q: When is the best time to sell back my calculator?

A: The best time to sell back your calculator is during semester finals.

 
Q: How much can I get back for my calculator?

A: We try to offer the best buyback prices possible.
 
Q: What types of calculators do you buy back?
A: Currently we buy back higher end Financial and Graphing calculators. We will look into buying back other types of calculators in the future. Call 800-255-1896 opt 8 for more details.
 
Q: What do I need to bring when selling back my calculator?
A: A valid ID and a working calculator are all that is needed. User manuals are a helpful resource, please consider passing yours along with your calculator.
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