Foreword Online

Ideas, information and industry news for collegiate retailers



The Duck Store Overcomes Buyback Competition with Price Comparison

Posted by admin on 4/15/12 11:00 PM

Two years ago, the Duck Store at University of Oregon received an unwelcome surprise; they realized a competitor had rented table space directly across the street from their store in an attempt to buy students’ books.

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Three Rivers College Bookstore Increases Net Profit with Serialized Rental Program

Posted by admin on 4/8/12 11:00 PM

Although a rental program had long been in place at Three Rivers College Bookstore, Bob Jansen, director, decided that it could use a little updating. With the goal of becoming the most profitable college store in the nation as a percentage of sales with one of the lowest textbook costs, he wanted to expand the store’s program. Recognizing the difficulties of doing so on an outdated system, however, Jansen first went in search of a serialized rental program that could be more effectively managed.

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Transition to Timelines

Posted by Stephanie Kubas on 4/1/12 5:30 AM

Transition to Timelines

The new Facebook Timeline is here and on March 30, 2012 all brand pages will have to convert to the new layout. To help make your transition a little smoother, we're providing you with some creative Cover Photos that will capture your fans' attention! We've designed these images with your students in mind, integrating the latest trends into each theme! Better yet, we've added promotional posters to go along with each Cover Photo so that you can easily implement an entire campaign for buyback, rush, or any time in between!

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Wichita State University Bookstore Saves Time and Effort with Non-Serialized Rental

Posted by admin on 3/26/12 11:00 PM

With upfront savings on their minds, students across the country are demanding textbook rental. But, many college stores are hesitant to offer the option because of the extra labor and financial risk involved. Wichita State University Bookstore, who has offered rental for the past three semesters, was definitely no exception.

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The Secret to Hosting Successful Secret Sales

Posted by admin on 3/13/12 11:00 PM

No advertising is required for you to host a ‘secret sale’ for all your loyal social media followers. Simply designate a slow-traffic time period to provide a specific discount, and then post it to your Facebook or Twitter account. You can make it more fun by requiring a specific action that your fans and followers must complete in-store to take advantage of your promotion. Try posting a password, providing a printable coupon or asking those students to mention Facebook or Twitter during their transaction.

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Convert College Seniors into Long-Time Customers

Posted by admin on 3/8/12 10:00 PM

The time for graduation and finals is near. Many seniors will be making some of their last purchases at their college store for caps, gowns and any supplies they may need to make it through their last exams. Now is the time to reach out to them so they will remain loyal customers as alumni.

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Bring Them Back with Buyback Bucks

Posted by Stephanie Kubas on 3/1/12 4:00 AM

Buyback Bucks

Only see most of your students when they buy and sell back books each semester?  Increase the likelihood of additional visits by offering Buyback Bucks!

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March Marketing Plan - Announced!

Posted by admin on 2/29/12 10:00 PM

Between rogue buyers and online retailers, students have options when it comes to selling their books. So, this month, we devised a marketing plan that will help you save market share by offering students an extra incentive to shop with you first!

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Holy Cross Bookstore Brings Traffic to Buyback with Exclusive T-Shirt

Posted by admin on 2/19/12 10:00 PM

For years, Holy Cross Bookstore’s buyback was a breeze. Students came in, sold their books, and the store generated the quantities of titles that they needed for future semesters. So in 2009, when they suddenly noticed a decline in their buy, they knew something had changed.

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University Co-op Plays Defense During Buyback

Posted by admin on 2/12/12 10:00 PM

Just as online retailers have threatened many stores’ rush sales, so too have rogue buyers begun invading campuses during buyback. The most proactive industry leaders, however, understand that just because these buyback predators arrive, doesn’t mean that they have to stay and have started fighting back!

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