Willmar - Sandbox

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Store Hours

Bookstore Hours
Monday - Thursday: 7:45AM - 4:00PM
Friday: 7:45AM - 3:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Store Calendar

Contact

Textbooks: (320) 222-5590
Other Inquiries: (320) 222-5590
Email: bookstore.willmar@ridgewater.edu

Store Policies

Returns Policy
Privacy Policy

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHERE IS THE WILLMAR CAMPUS BOOKSTORE LOCATED?1
- A: The Bookstore is located right inside the front door of the Student Center building.
ARE USED BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR MY CLASS?1
- A: Used textbooks are available in limited quantities for many classes on a first-come, first-served basis.
WHAT IS THE BOOKSTORE DOING TO DECREASE TEXTBOOK PRICES FOR STUDENTS?1
- A: In 2016, the Bookstore decreased prices for all textbooks available through the Bookstore: new, used, rentals, e-books, student manuals, online access codes and all other course materials. In addition to decreased prices across the board, the Bookstore is offering students more options such as purchasing a loose-leaf book instead of hard cover or purchasing an e-book or access code only instead of the textbook. The Bookstore encourages faculty to submit book orders early thus increasing the possibility of finding used textbooks from wholesalers instead of having to purchase new books from the publishers. In addition, renting textbooks is the lowest cost option to students. A used rental book often is about one-fourth the cost of a new textbook.
CAN I SELL MY USED TEXTBOOKS?1
- A: The Bookstore buys books back from students during finals week each semester. There is also usually a one-day book buyback during the first week of the semester. Our policy is to buy every book we possibly can, offering you as much as we can. We hope the following information will explain how the process of book buyback works.
  - Books that have been ordered by professors for the next term and are needed for store stock, will be purchased at 1/2 the used selling price during our end of term buyback.
  - The quantity of books needed for any given class varies from term to term. The bookstore will only buyback at 1/2 the used price the quantity needed for the upcoming term. When that need is filled, the wholesale value will be offered, if one exists. The wholesale value is determined by the used book wholesale companies based on the national demand for the book. Some books, including old editions, do not have a resale value and will not be purchased.
  - Damaged books, or books in poor condition, will not be bought. This includes missing or loose pages, broken bindings, water damage, or excessive writing.
  - Professors, not the bookstore, determine which books are used for classes. Professors are responsible for notifying the bookstore of their book selection in a timely fashion. The bookstore can only work with the information we have at the time of buyback.
HOW DO I BUY MY TEXTBOOKS?1
- A: Textbooks can be purchased in person at the Willmar campus Bookstore or ordered online by clicking here. Orders placed online can be shipped to you (UPS) or picked up at the Bookstore at your convenience. For online orders, you will immediately receive an e-mail confirmation that your order was received. You will receive a second e-mail when your order has been filled, your account charged and your books are ready to be picked up or shipped out per your request. No charge will occur until your books are ready. Please wait for your second e-mail before trying to come in and pick up your web order. A photo ID is required to pick up your web order.
CAN I CANCEL MY ONLINE ORDER?1
- A: If your order has not been processed, we can cancel it for you, but you need to contact the Bookstore at 320-222-5590 with your name and Tech ID or order number.
DO I NEED A WEBSITE ACCOUNT TO ORDER BOOKS ONLINE?1
- A: Yes, you will need to create an online account that will be used by the Bookstore to manage your order and shipping information. You may use your Ridgewater e-mail address or personal email address when creating your account. You will need your Tech ID (not your social security, not your star ID). .
WHICH FORMS OF PAYMENT ARE ACCEPTED?1
- A: We accept VISA, Mastercard and Discover. Students may also charge to Financial Aid, which includes grants/loans, 3rd party funding and PSEO. We also accept cash and personal checks (with ID) in the store.
CAN I RETURN TEXTBOOKS I PURCHASED?1
- A: We will give a full refund on textbooks purchased from our store if returned in the same condition as purchased and within the timeframe specified in the Ridgewater College Bookstore Return Policy. All returns require the original receipt. If purchased using a credit card, the original card used must be presented in order to process the return.
DO STUDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO DISCOUNTED SOFTWARE?1
- A: Yes! Students with Ridgewater College email accounts can access Microsoft Office 365 FOR FREE! Go to www.ridgewater.edu Student Portal. Under Other Student Resources, click on Microsoft Software for Students.
HOW DO PSEO STUDENTS GET THEIR TEXTBOOKS?1
- A: PSEO students may pick up their books in the store or place an order on our website. An ID is required. Students will be required to sign a PSEO agreement when charging their books. PSEO only covers the cost of required textbooks. Students will be required to pay for any materials they choose to get beyond required textbooks. When ordering online from the Bookstore website, students must choose the Financial Aid option to charge their books to PSEO. They will also be required to enter credit card information to cover any materials not covered by PSEO funds and also to cover shipping charges if they choose to have books shipped to their home. Students will be e-mailed their PSEO charge slip for signature for online orders being shipped. Once the Bookstore receives the signed slip along with a copy of the student’s ID, the books will be sent UPS. Note: All PSEO books are the property of the Bookstore and must be returned to the Bookstore in good condition by the last day of the semester. Students will be responsible to pay for any textbooks that are damaged (water, etc.).
CAN I USE MY FINANCIAL AID FOR ITEMS OTHER THAN TEXTBOOKS?1
- A: Financial aid (grants/loans) must first be used to pay for tuition and then textbooks. Financial aid funds can be used for tool and art kits, chemistry supplies, lab coats, and other items required by the instructors for class. Excess financial aid funds can be used to purchase up to $30 in supplies at the Bookstore or one back pack. Financial aid cannot be used to purchase clothing or food items.
DO YOU OFFER STUDENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES?1
- A: Yes, the Bookstore employs 6-8 work study students each year. The Bookstore is a fun, upbeat work environment seeking work study students with good people skills in dealing with students, staff and the general public. Job duties include: checking in, marking and stocking clothing, gift items, candy, books, supplies, tools, making displays, and various office duties such as filing. Work study will also need to operate the cash register and computer. Good interpersonal and communication skills including quality phone skills, moderate lifting and ladder climbing are required. Call or stop by the Bookstore to fill out an application. Please bring a copy of your class schedule and work and personal references with you.