The Adirondack Community College (ACC) Bookstore proudly supplies the ACC Community with textbooks, supplies and
tools for success in school and in life.

Your Book Store has adhered closely to its mission of providing goods and services at the lowest possible prices consistent
with sound business policy.

The ACC Bookstore is owned an operated by the Faculty Student Association (FSA), a not-for-profit organization that is run
by the faculty and students of ACC.  Any profits are returned to the FSA for use by Student Activities, Clubs, and Athletics.

Textbook Purchasing:  Can I get a better deal online?

Everyone knows that there are many websites available to purchase textbooks.  Nowadays, college is expensive. 
On top of that, textbooks have become more expensive every year.  Who hasn’t tried to find a cheaper way to buy what you need for class? 

The ACC Bookstore would like to offer some suggestions on what to consider when choosing an online retailer to purchase your books:

Make sure you are ordering the correct book!   
Frequently, we have had customers tell us they ordered their book online, only to find out it was an incorrect edition.  Confirm with your
instructor whenever possible before placing your order to ensure you are requesting the correct edition of their required text.

Does your textbook have any items bundled with it, such as a CD or Online Access Code? 
Are these items included in the book you are purchasing online?  If not, are they available for purchase separately?  If so, how much are they
to purchase separately?  Again, confirm with your instructor that they will, in fact, be utilizing these additional components.

Be sure that the online retailer actually HAS the book available for immediate shipping. 
Occasionally, online retailers will indicate that a book is available for purchase, but they do not have it currently in stock.  They need to wait
for their supplier to provide them with the book, or notify their supplier to send it to you.  These additional steps can cause significant delays
regarding when your book will arrive. Will you have it before classes start?  If not, how long will it be before it arrives?
Does the online retailer offer free shipping? 
If not, remember to factor in your shipping & handling fees with the cost of the book.  Most of the time Rush shipping will incur an additional cost as well.

Does the online retailer have an office or warehouse in your state?    
If so, by law they may be required to charge you tax on your purchases as well as any shipping & handling charges (in NY, shipping & handling is taxable).

Confirm what the online retailer’s return policy is. 
If you do end up with the wrong book, will you be able to send it back? What if you drop a class?  How long do you have to return it by? 
There are many online retailers that do not permit returns at all, or that will charge a substantial restocking fee.

Benefits to purchasing textbooks at the ACC Bookstore:

You know you are getting the correct edition of the book. 
Your instructor contacts the Bookstore and lets them know which text(s) they will be using, and which edition.

Bundled textbooks have all required CDs and Online Access Codes included in the price.

Generally, required textbooks are available for purchase the week before school starts.  
You can take them home immediately.  This means you can get a preview of what is involved with your course work, get a jump on your reading,
and be ready to go to class the first day! 

No stress about when your books are arriving at your house.  If there is a delay in the textbook’s arrival at the Bookstore, staff is available to tell you WHY, and when it is expected to arrive.  Your instructor is also made aware of the delay by store staff, so he or she can make arrangements for you to have temporary access to assignment materials, if necessary.

No Tax.  In NY, textbooks are non-taxable. 

Straightforward return policy.  If you have to switch your schedule and need a different book, or withdraw from a class, all textbooks
bought at the ACC Bookstore are returnable with a receipt within the first few weeks of class.  Please review specific requirements for returns at
The ACC Bookstore each semester on the back of your cash register receipt.

More Questions?  Feel free to contact The ACC Bookstore 
Monday—Friday, 8:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m. at 518-793-5250