Books

Peter_Griffin

hi there,
have looked elsewhere but can't find the answer to this, its a student/customers rights question.

I have an exam in just over a week and need a text book for it, however it costs £70, the library books are either out or "missing". Apparently people have been taking the books out, scanning the bar code then taking the copied bar code back to the self retrun area, thus the book goes "missing". I hate this but can't do anything about it, but my question is.... if i were to buy the book for £70 use it for a week, then return it to the book shop would i get my money back, under the 30 day consumer protection law??

bit sneaky but i really need it, but not for £70!!!!!!!!

Clareo

It depends how unread you can ensure it looked when it went back! If you took it back all creased and stuff then they'd probably say something but if you take it back in the same condition you bought it then I'm sure they'd give you a refund. May be worth paying cash and then giving it to your Mum or Gran to take back, they always seem to look more kindly on older people! Plus it's more believable that they'd buy the wrong one if it was for someone else!

WH Smith online have these details:

In accordance with WHSmith.co.uk’s policy of offering outstanding customer service, you may return any item you have received from WHSmith.co.uk under the following conditions:
The item must be returned within 14 days of invoice date.
Books must be in unused (re-saleable) condition.

student100

rob5983 wrote:

hi there,
have looked elsewhere but can't find the answer to this, its a student/customers rights question.

I have an exam in just over a week and need a text book for it, however it costs £70, the library books are either out or "missing". Apparently people have been taking the books out, scanning the bar code then taking the copied bar code back to the self retrun area, thus the book goes "missing". I hate this but can't do anything about it, but my question is.... if i were to buy the book for £70 use it for a week, then return it to the book shop would i get my money back, under the 30 day consumer protection law??

bit sneaky but i really need it, but not for £70!!!!!!!!

It's not really ethical and is bordering on illegal. Moneyback guarantees aren't there for that reason. In fact legally shops only have to give a refund/exchange if the item is faulty; if you just "change your mind" or "buy the wrong one" then they are perfectly entitled to turn you away. Any 30-day or whatever moneyback guarantee is offered by the retailer and is not a legal right.

I'm surprised people can get away with stealing books from the library like this, I'm sure your uni should crack down on it sharpish!

The unfortunate fact is that you have to weigh up the cost of buying the book (£70) versus the benefit you'll get from it. If it's worth it you have to pay for it!

If you buy the book can't you sell it second hand afterwards, or share the cost with someone else etc...?

squeaky

My uni had a second hand book shop on campus. It wasn't widely advertised. Has yours got one?

Edit:
Sources for second hand books; apart from your local charity shops and boot sales etc; are:-

www.amazon.co.uk

www.abebooks.co.uk

www.greenmetropolis.com

Among others

r.mac_2

try buying it second hand as suggested by squeeky. try amazon if you havn't a second hand book shop on campus. Alternatively, try advertising for a copy from older students who may not need it anymore.

otherwise, could you and a couple of your friends ont he course get together. I did this when I was a student when there were lots of books on the list. There were three main text books and we couldn't afford three each, but the library only had a couple of copies. We bought one of the books each and studied together, sharing the books.

It could work well. At the end of that day though, if you really need it, buy it and then sell it afterwards.

Eliza252

errrmmm...I personally admit that I have done that before (bought the book cus all the copies were gone from the library and then took it back in mint condition of course!)
I am a bad person and not going to heaven I know! - but desperation being what it is!
- alternatives are: organise a study session which focuses on that particular book, then you'll at least get the chance to look at it and with any luck they'll be some studious monster who has finished with it already
- buy it and then sell it on amazon, or if you are a really really mean person :cool: keep it till next year and sell it to the other students right before the exams - guaranteed to get very close to the asking price! That is sooooooooooooo mean - but hey, I dont keep your karma!! :A

Mango

is it too late to get it on interlibrary loan?

beadysam

What book is it? Maybe someone on here can help?

SAM xx

Chadsman

If you try a google search for either the ISBN or the title and author of the book that will often find an e-copy.

Peter_Griffin

Thanks for all your replies, i decided in the end to get on and buy the book, i went thirds with two mates, we won't be returning it instead plan to sell it next year to someone in our situation, will be including the extensive notes we've made from the book so who knows we may even get our money back!!!

Cheers for your advice.