Textbooks

Pearson Expands Textbook Rental Program

• By Rhea Kelly
• 04/21/17

Pearson is offering textbook rentals at up to 1,500 independent campus bookstores through a new deal with indiCo — the first partnership that allows on-campus bookstores to participate in the textbook company's recently announced rental program. Beginning this fall, 50 of Pearson's most popular titles will be available for under $100 via a "rental-only" model; the company plans to expand the titles included in the program over time.

A subsidiary of the National Association of College Stores (NACS), indiCo is "a collaborative of campus stores committed to supporting affordability, student success, and the academic missions of higher education institutions," according to a press release. Its partnership with Pearson "gives students access to affordable course materials along with the convenience and customer service provided by the local campus store."

The rollout of Pearson's rental-only model comes after the company's January move to reduce the prices of 2,000 e-book titles by up to 50 percent. According to a company statement, the new model "allows Pearson to reduce prices by up to 60 percent and ensure that all students have access to affordable textbooks." Through the indiCo deal, the company said, "campus bookstores will receive the books on consignment from indiCo, lowering the inventory cost for bookstores and streamlining the supply chain so savings can be passed on to students."

"indiCo is committed to helping independent campus stores offer students a range of course material options at the lowest cost possible," said Bob Walton, NACS chief executive officer, in a statement. "Rentals can provide a significant cost savings, but online returns can be a hassle and it's easy for students to select the wrong materials when shopping with online retailers. This rental program partnership with Pearson allows students to save on what they need to be successful in the classroom without sacrificing the convenience and purchasing assistance provided by the campus store."

For more information, visit the Pearson and indiCo sites.