The University of Hawaiʻi Bookstores, with a location at each of UH’s 10 campuses, is not just talking the talk when it comes to providing the best prices possible for textbooks. It’s walking the walk by providing a value comparison tool that shows UH Bookstores prices alongside the prices of its top competitors.
“They are gong to be able to see right off the shelf or on our online website, how we stack up against the competition,” said Tricia Ejima of the University of Hawaiʻi Bookstores. “So we are almost daring them to compare us to those that are out there. What we want to showcase is that we are reasonable and we are here for them. We are here to serve and support them.”
The comparison tool is available at www.bookstore.hawaii.edu and can be used on all formats—personal computers, laptops, tablets and smart phones.
“All of our prices will show,” said Ejima. “Our new, used, rental, if we offered in digital and it will also show our online competitors such as an Amazon or like at half.com”
“I found that it is a lot cheaper than I thought,” said UH Mānoa student Kristen Ikehara after using the comparison tool for the first time. “I thought it would be more expensive than those other websites. So it was a nice surprise.”
“It’s really great,” said fellow UH Mānoa student Jeremy Tomono. “It is easy to use. It gives me peace of mind to know that we are getting reasonable prices at the bookstore and it’s also more convenient being from the Big Island to buy it right away here than have it shipped home.”
The comparison tool is already being used at about 350 other universities and campuses across the country.
“With the high cost of education, we are committed to our students to be able to give them new products, best products and also offer them at competitive, reasonable prices and this program does that,” said Ejima.
Competitive prices and the fact that all of the proceeds from the bookstores serve and support the university are just some of the only reasons students should purchase their textbooks at UH bookstores.
“For one, you know you are getting the right book because we work really closely with our staff, our faculty to get the proper information; it’s convenient, they can come in quick and easy, pick it up off the shelves or order right through our online website; and thirdly, we have really knowledgeable staff that are here to support them and help with any questions they have,” said Ejima.
