Delta College
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BOOKSTORE

When are textbooks available for a given semester?

What if I'm taking an online course and can't make it to campus to pick up my books?

When can I sell my books back?

Does the Bookstore accept credit cards?

Does the Bookstore accept a parent's check?

What can I expect to pay for textbooks? How can I find out exactly how much my books are going to cost?

What is the refund period?

Why should I purchase my books the Delta College Bookstore? Why not order them from somewhere else?

How can I find out if my books are in stock?

What happens if I drop a class or if my instructor changed and I need a different book?

Why won't the Bookstore buy my book, and what can I do with it?

Why are textbooks so expensive?

I still have a question that wasn't answered here. Who can I contact?

When are textbooks available for a given semester?
Books are usually available approximately three weeks before the start of the semester. Used books generally aren't available until after Buy Back has begun, during final exam week.

What if I'm taking an online course and can't make it to campus to pick up my books?
Mail order is available on our secure web site at www.bookstore.delta.edu, or by phone at (989) 686-9030.

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When can I sell my books back?
For your convenience, the Delta College Bookstore buys books back from students every day of the year. Each semester during finals week is a designated buyback period where, depending on need, the Bookstore pays higher prices for your used books. The dates for the next buy back are available on our web site, or by calling the Bookstore at (989) 686-9030.

Does the Bookstore accept credit cards?
The Bookstore will gladly accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover. We also accept debit cards with the MasterCard or Visa logo.

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Does the Bookstore accept a parent's check?
We do. Per our check cashing policy, the check must be signed by the parent whose name is on the check, and made payable to Delta College Bookstore. The amount should be left blank for the student to fill in at check out. The student's driver's license and/or Delta College picture I.D. is also required.

What can I expect to pay for textbooks? How can I find out exactly how much my books are going to cost?
You can figure approximately $125 to $150 per course for books. Some classes may be higher, others lower. The more technical the subject, in general, the higher cost for books. For price quotes, you may call us at (989) 686-9030, or visit us in person. You may also visit our e-commerce site. Please remember that not all books are available used, even though the web site lists a used price for them. Course packs, study guides, workbooks, and new editions, will never be available in a used format.

What is the refund period?
For complete details, please see our refund policy. Short term classes, those lasting less than five weeks, usually are not refundable unless the class is cancelled by Delta College. Proof of cancellation is required. Books purchased for reference are not refundable.

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Why should I purchase my books from the Delta College Bookstore? Why not order them from somewhere else?
The Delta College Bookstore has the most current information on the specific books and editions your faculty want to use in their classes. Often, books purchased elsewhere are not complete, not the correct edition, and are lacking the information you must know to do well in your class. If your instructor changes, they decide to change books, or if you drop a class, the books you purchased through the Delta College Bookstore are returnable for a refund according to the Bookstore's refund policy. You may also purchase books from us with a check, credit card, or with your financial aid.

You may be able to find books elsewhere. We have researched other online book sellers, and have found their prices to be comparable to ours. Some of the pitfalls of other, online booksellers include: they often charge shipping; you need to be careful to get the exact book your instructor wants; delivery time can take up to 4-6 weeks; there are no returns if you drop a class; and, you cannot purchase with your financial aid.

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How can I find out if my books are in stock?
To find out if your particular books are in stock, you can call us at (989) 686-9030, visit us in person, or email us at bookstore@delta.edu.

What happens if I drop a class or if my instructor changed and I need a different book?
Bring your book, receipt and schedule to the refund counter in the Bookstore. They will give you a credit slip to apply toward the purchase of other books and supplies you need, or you can take it to a checkout for a refund or credit to your credit card or financial aid.

Why won't the Bookstore buy my book, and what can I do with it?
The Bookstore purchases books based on future need (if the instructor asked to use the book next semester, and we need more). If the book is not needed to sell to next semester's students, we often are able to offer a wholesale price. These books are sent to our used book supplier to recycle them to other campuses. If the book has no value to us or our wholesaler, you might try selling it on your own, or try our next buy back.

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Why are textbooks so expensive?
Textbook prices are set by publishers, not your Delta College Bookstore. Publishers base their prices on research and development costs, keeping current information in the textbooks, and competing with other publishers in a limited market. If you can purchase used books, you save money both buying and selling them. Textbooks are a significant part of a student's expenses. Do you know all the costs that go into the price of a textbook? Check out “Where the New Textbook Dollar Goes” at www.nacs.org/common/research/textbook$.pdf.

I still have a question that wasn't answered here. Who can I contact?
You can contact the Bookstore directly at (989) 686-9030, or email to bookstore@delta.edu.

 

Delta Bookstore
Comments or questions, contact the Bookstore at (989) 686-9030 or e-mail at bookstore@delta edu
Copyright © 2004 Delta College - Revised: December 3, 2008