Foreword Online

Ideas, information and industry news for collegiate retailers



Tips to Streamline Rental Return Processing

Posted by Liz Schulte on 5/2/22 6:30 AM

The end of term is naturally a busy time for college stores. There is a lot to do in a small amount of time and you may have limited resources available. We have gathered some time-saving tips for you to help streamline rental returns this term.

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University of Calgary Bookstore Ensures Students Receive the Best Possible Price

Posted by Liz Schulte on 2/21/22 6:30 AM

College stores do not operate with the same goals and priorities as traditional retail stores. Where traditional retailers may seek to encourage shoppers to buy unnecessary goods and push profit margins, college stores are tasked with ensuring students have the necessary materials for class and to help provide cost savings. We spoke with Shannon Blackadder, Textbook and Trade Manager, University of Calgary Bookstore, to discuss how the store ensures students receive great services and prices.

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Three Ways to Streamline Order Fulfillment

Posted by Liz Schulte on 4/5/21 6:30 AM

Order processing for online orders needs to be fast and accurate. However, this can be a challenge with limited staff and resources. College store associates often have to fulfill many different roles in the store, and the recent uptick in online orders, while great for the store, might strain your traditional methods. How can college stores simplify online order processing?

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Managing Buyback and Rental Returns Student Communication

Posted by Liz Schulte on 3/29/21 6:00 AM

Buyback is an important event for the college store. It helps stores ensure you have the low-cost used book inventory necessary for the following term and gives students an easy time and place to return rental books. However, due to state, local and campus restrictions, it may not be possible to have an on-campus buyback this term.

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South Central College Book Store Simplifies Online Shopping

Posted by Liz Schulte on 2/15/21 6:00 AM

College bookstore websites have always been important. However, due to COVID-19 the college store website became the primary connection bookstores have with students. South Central College Book Store has worked hard to ensure that its website offers students easy access to current information, detailed how-to instructions and every product a student could buy in the store.

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How to Help Students Understand the Importance of Course Materials Marketing Plan

Posted by Liz Schulte on 1/6/21 6:30 AM

Students who are prepared for their classes have a better chance of mastering the subject, especially with the rise of online learning. Why are so many students choosing not to purchase course materials? The usual reasons are the cost is too high, the professor doesn’t use the book or the student has heard from friends that the book isn’t necessary for the course. With many schools relying on online learning, course materials are more important than ever to student success. So, how can the bookstore help students understand the importance of course materials?

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The Top Updates College Stores Made for Fall

Posted by Liz Schulte on 9/21/20 6:00 AM

Fall term is underway. As campuses settle into a new routine, many college stores have made it through the first rush with COVID-19 restrictions. In preparation for this term, stores made updates to help protect students and staff and provide faster, more convenient service. Today, let’s review some of the most popular college store updates for fall.

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How Reworks Help You Get More Books

Posted by Lilli Brooks on 3/30/20 6:30 AM

Wantlists can be handled in different ways, but the goal is always the same: get more access to books you need at the lowest possible cost. One of the best methods to do that is by utilizing wantlist reworks. A rework is when your wantlist is compared to the available inventory more than once a day. For example, when you submit a wantlist to MBS and leave it there for a length of time, it can be compared against our inventory multiple times a day. Each time the list is compared, that is a rework.

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