[MikeWP316]

I am 18 years old and on my way to Brown University next year. I did some research on the textbook system there and students buy their books for very expensive prices at the Brown bookstore, and when they are done with them sell them back to the store but only get about 1/4 of what they bought it for. I was thinking of starting a business where students could buy and sell their textbooks from one another at prices less than that of the bookstore. This way both sides benefit because in the long run they'll loose less money than they would had they used the regular bookstore. I realize there are already huge companies out there that invest millions into this business, but I am thinking very small scale... my company would be directed only towards Brown students and if it was successful maybe i could expand to other schools in RI. Like I said both the buyer and the seller benefit... so I think it would be a great idea. However, I have zero experience with business... which is where you guys could maybe help me. Any feedback, comments, or criticisms would be really appreciated. Thanks guys.

[akula]

welcome.

are you thinking of setting up a classifieds service for Brown university?

( You know...a place where sellers can list stuff for sale and buyers can contact them directly )

it takes about 30 minutes to set up.

[Bored]

Your idea is good, but it would not work too well. Many classes require newer editions of a books practically every quarter/semester. Of course, the book companies want more money so they pump out newer editions. In classes like chemistry, math, biology, compsci, physics, etc. having the correct edition is quite important because of different problems and page numbers.

In my college, I remember trying to sell my books back to the book store and they only accepted 1/5 of the books I had. Either they had enough in stock or newer editions.

How would your business be more of a bargin then sellling back to the bookstore?

[Bscivolette]

This is always a good idea, but remember this idea is being done. Nothing wrong with healthy competition...but Ebay and Half.com as well as Amazon and several other sites dedicated directly to college text books and re-selling (i.e bigwords.com and ecampus.com). In addition, big classified site such as Craigslist & Backpage do it for free.

[TekTeen]

This is a good idea, but like one poster said, a lot of professors require newer editions. One way of getting around that is by talking with some professors to see if they can just pass out copies of the few new pages, because usually new editions have like one new chap. and my professors are sometimes pretty loose on making students by new editions.

Also most professors agree that books are too high, so I'm sure you would have some professors who would fully support you and you could partner with to increase publicity.

I have some friends at Harvard who have a company letting students buy and sell to one another and he's doing pretty good.

SO yes, this idea can work at a small scale and grow to other school's new Brown, you just have to be innovative and work with professors and students to make it happen.

peace,

Josh M.
Co-Ceo
www.genynow.com
geny@genynow.com

[akula]

Originally Posted by Bscivolette

This is always a good idea, but remember this idea is being done. Nothing wrong with healthy competition...but Ebay and Half.com as well as Amazon and several other sites dedicated directly to college text books and re-selling (i.e bigwords.com and ecampus.com). In addition, big classified site such as Craigslist & Backpage do it for free.

Good points.

This is actually not a worthless topic.

The best evidence that I am aware in terms of classifieds and social networking, is that whilst there is a multitude of these services out there- there is still room for more entrants because community matters more than substance .

Practically speaking, the poster could set up a classifieds site for Brown U using ning.com and I think he'll have a chance to compete with Craigslist. Why? Because his is a Brown U community, Craigslist is not.

This is to the poster: Don't waste time. Set up the classifieds, monetize with Adsense and you're done. Then move on and do smth else.

[Bscivolette]

I agree. My post was not to deter you but to make you aware this idea is being done. Best of luck.

[The Weez]

http://www.collegebooktrade.com/

BUt if people know they will do it. Facebook!!!

[kotor]

I think every college student at some point wants to set up a book trading business. I know my friends and I said it every semester when it was book buying time.

I really think it would work, but only for a select few. I would use this business and so would my friends, but that's because we were the type of students that never bought new books, didn't care about new editions, and never really read the books anyways.

Bookstores are for suckers (read freshman). Buying new editions is for suckers. I don't care what your prof says about it having a different problem on a different page number. BS !! I went through 4 years at University of Florida and never bought a new edition (unless it was the only option). I was using a 2nd edition chem book that barely had a binder on it, but you know what.. it was the same freakin book that the student next to me had and paid $300 for.

Amazon and half.com are where its at. Bumming books off your friends is where its at. I would never recommend someone to buy a new textbook from a bookstore ! talk about throwing your money away.

Dude, if you can figure this business out and set it up small and locally and aim it at juniors and seniors (because they are smart enough to not buy books), it will work.

[MikeWP316]

Thanks for all the feeback so far guys. I realize that there are already major competitors and what not in this business but like I said I'm thinking very small scale, and my company would be for Brown students only... or at least it would start off that way. I guess I'm just wondering whether I'd be able to get the majority of Brown students to use my site and not go to national competitors. What do you guys think? Any possible profit coming out of this?

[tshesse]

what would be cooler (i think) is a doodad that was able to download books to itself. Kinda like a laptop but designed specifically / only for books, or like the iPod but bigger screen and for books etc ...

carry all your textbooks around in one "book" machine