Your Institutional Bookstore…
the model that WORKS!
Mark Palmore
Executive Director
Connect2One
4/10/2015
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Why should you keep YOUR
bookstore institutional?
Because your Institutional bookstore…
• is an essential part of the success of your campus!
• contributes to the quality of life at your institution.
• meets and exceeds the academic needs of your students,
faculty, staff, administration, and alumni.
YOUR institution is your bookstore’s primary concern!
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YOUR Institutional Bookstore…
• is a window to your school.
• exists to serve the needs of your campus.
• offers a balance of service and revenue.
• listens to the needs of faculty, students,
staff, administration, and alumni.
• is part of the positive image of your
institution.
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By staying institutional…
• YOU control any changes in:
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the level of service and staffing.
merchandise and product mix.
pricing and return policies.
marketing and advertising.
staff training and morale.
course material options for students, including
used and new books, rental books, digital
materials, e-books, and buyback.
• YOU control the success of YOUR store!
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What could happen if you
decide to outsource your store?
• Your staff morale decreases and you lose
the expertise of long-term dedicated staff.
• You lose touch with your customers because
of centralized buying.
• Your service level declines.
• YOU lose control of the store and any
revenue increase!
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Contract management firms’ first
obligation is to their corporation,
NOT to your institution!
• Students and parents pay more for
textbooks, supplies, and apparel.
• If you outsource, you have allowed
someone outside of your institution to
take control of an important facet of
your campus image…is that a good
decision for your institution?
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With contract management...
• The institution does not share in the
benefits of the buying power.
• Selection of items is reduced.
• Additional profits beyond the contract go to
the corporation…not your institution.
• You have NO input in the management of
YOUR store, outside of the contract!
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What are your OTHER options?
• If the issue at your institution is bottom-line, raise prices on
GM items (the lease companies will), reduce outdated
services, and partner with a wholesale book company to
expand your rental program.
• You can do it, we can help you succeed!
• Keep the store institutional and use the many resources
available to you as a member of Connect2One.
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Connect2One
An Alliance of Independent College Bookstores
• Buying Power!
• Store Consulting!
• YOUR Institution directly benefits rather
than contract management company!
• YOUR store stays INSTITUTIONAL!
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Thank You!
mpalmore@connect2one.com
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