College students are constantly trying to find ways to save money. When it comes to textbooks, students are looking for the best deal, and they may have one.

 A store here in Rexburg, called Book Viking, which has been in operation for over three years now, specializes in selling and purchasing textbooks. However, there is an option that is even more popular to students — one that Book Viking offers that the University Bookstore doesn’t: renting textbooks.

 For over two years now, Book Viking has been renting their textbooks to BYU-Idaho students, not only helping the students further their education, but also saving them some money.

 “The average student spends about $300 to $500 on textbooks every semester. By renting textbooks they do not plan on keeping, students are able to save their money rather than buy and sell the book back,” said Brian Ward, owner of Book Viking. “On average, students get 50 percent back of what they paid for a book; when they rent a $100 textbook for $30 they are saving $20.”

 Ever since Ward has implemented the rental system in his business, he has seen more students come to his business then he had in previous semesters.

 “Book Viking is ran by word of mouth,” Ward said. “I encourage students to not only tell their friends but email me their book list every semester.”

 Every semester Ward tries to help meet the students’ textbook needs. This becomes difficult for him as BYU-Idaho is a private institution and is not required by law to make their textbook lists public.

 “If I do not get the textbook lists from students every semester, then it is difficult for me to stock up on books they need or even to know if there is a new edition that will be used from now on,” Ward said.

 Ward offers a few incentives for those who rent textbooks. If you need the same textbook two semesters in row, he offers a discount toward the second semester rental that could be up to 25 percent off the rental price. Also, if a student rented a book and wants to buy it at the end of the semester, they can pay the difference of the rental and purchase price.

 Even though Ward offers different prices from the University Bookstore, he isn’t always the cheapest. “I suggest that students should always shop around. There are many different resources they can use to find the most affordable textbooks and if they don’t shop around they could miss out on some great deals,” Ward said.

 And while the University Bookstore and Book Viking are competitors, Ward still has a great respect for the university store.

 “The University Bookstore is one of the best bookstores in the country as far as buyback percentage goes. The only thing that hurts them is they deal directly with publishers who charge high fees,” Ward said.

 After Ward graduates he plans on taking his business online in hopes of having his business grow.

JR Briscoe

Assistant Campus Editor