Lesson 1: Overview
What is MBS?
MBS is the nation's leading textbook wholesaler with numerous "firsts" to its credit, among them computerized and scanning buyback, which you will be using.
Established in 1973, we also supply systems solutions to college bookstores as well as course materials distribution services.
We produce over one million promotional pieces each buyback season to help bookstores advertise.
Over 31 million books are processed annually through our facility in Columbia, Missouri.
What is buyback?
Buyback is a college bookstore industry term that refers to "BUYing BACK a used book." It is part of a "life cycle" that extends the life of a book. Used books increase the profit margin for bookstores, give the students an alternative to new books, earn cash for unwanted books, and keep the books in circulation.
Buybacks occur on college campuses several times a year, usually at the end of a semester or quarter, depending on the school. Some bookstores even offer a year-round buyback allowing students to sell books at their convenience.
A typical buyback is staffed by MBS, the bookstore, or both. The person in charge of the buyback is called the "Lead Buyer." This person is responsible for every step of the operation, which is discussed in Lesson 2.
Staff, other than the Lead Buyer, that buys books are called Support Buyers. It is important for the Support Buyer to understand the entire buyback procedure to back up the Lead Buyer in case of emergencies.
At larger buybacks, there are usually additional staff to help organize and ship the books after they are purchased.