Does Barnes & Noble rent books? (What to know!)
Needless to say, Barnes & Noble isn’t a library, but it still makes us wonder if you can rent books there.
We looked into it and here’s what we found…
Does Barnes & Noble rent books?
Barnes & Noble offers a textbook rental program. The only books included in the program are regular college and university textbooks, which represent some of the most expensive books on the market.
This article describes the Barnes & Noble textbook rental service: what it is, how it works, and why students should take advantage of it.
What kind of books does Barnes & Noble rent?
The B&N Book Rental Program started in 2010. It includes textbooks required for formal learning and is reusable. This means that workbooks, study guides, lab manuals, journals and other consumable materials are not rented out.
The program is facilitated through college and university bookstores and is most popular for the types of textbooks needed in a relatively short period of time. Students can use their course link to search for material, then choose a format – print or e-book, old or new, and finally, buy or rent.
You can also complete the same purchase at an actual college bookstore. Barnes & Noble recommends that the return of leased textbooks does not take place in its brick-and-mortar stores.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy textbooks?
Critics of the program argue that substantial savings (up to 50% or more of the cost of outright book purchases) can be achieved by renting textbooks. They also say it’s often a faster and more convenient way to organize college materials.
Popular features of the program include:
- You can return your books in the mail with free return shipping from B&N
- You can return books at the University Bookstore
- Thousands of books to choose from
- You can choose the lease term (60 to 130 days), which can be extended at any time
- You can buy books at any time during the rental period (minus the rent you already paid)
Important things to remember about the program are:
- There is a fee for each extension
- If you return books late, you will automatically be charged a 15-day extension fee
- If you do not return the book at all, you must pay the full list price for the book (minus the rent and extension fees you already paid).
- If you damage the book, you must pay the full list price for the book (minus the rent and extension fees you already paid).
How do you return a loaned Barnes & Noble textbook?
Returning textbooks is easy – it’s important to remember to return them on time to avoid late fees.
- When renting books, note the return date
- If returning by mail, please make sure to send your book back before the lease expiry date. You can also buy or extend the lease if you need it longer. If ordering through the post office, you should have received the shipping label returned with the book.
- If you manage rentals through your account, you can log in to the My Account/Rental Management page and click Manage Textbook Rentals. Here you can print free UPS return shipping labels and packing slips. Always record the tracking number provided on the shipping label.
- Remember, Barnes & Noble stores do not accept textbook rental returns
Are there any conditions for renting Barnes & Noble textbooks?
Barnes & Noble publishes clear and detailed list Textbook Rental Terms and Conditions. It’s worth scrolling through these before using the program.
Here are some of the most important points:
- You must be at least 18 years old to use the service
- Once the order is complete, you will be charged for the book
- You must have a payment method on file (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
- Rental materials can include new materials and used materials, and the rental fee is the same
- If you receive a damaged rental item, you must contact B&N within 21 days and report the problem.best to do this as soon as possible when you receive the book Otherwise you will be responsible for the damage.
- Always pack rental returns and purchase returns separately
- You can return your books for no reason for a full refund. However, you will be charged an early return fee of $5 per item.
- B&N is not responsible for reminding you of expired items
- Textbook rentals only available in the U.S.
Want to learn more about Barnes and Noble? Check out our related posts to find out when Barnes & Noble restocks, does Barnes and Noble have Starbucks, and why is Barnes & Noble so expensive?
in conclusion..
Barnes & Noble book rental services are available for textbooks only and are available through college and university campus bookstores.
The savings from renting instead of buying is considerable – during the rental period, you can change your mind and buy the book.
You must accept Barnes & Noble’s terms and conditions to use the program.