Brooks School
Background
Small classes and individualized attention set Brooks School apart as a place that fosters close relationships and meaningful educational opportunities for its students. When operating a traditional book store became too much of a financial burden, the school sought an online alternative that, like Brooks itself, has a reputation for flexibility and responsiveness.
The ClassBook.com Solution
“Two years ago, we decided that we needed an online alternative to the traditional bookstore,” said Lance Latham, Academic Dean. “Our research indicated that ClassBook.com had the best customer service, and that has been borne out by our experience.”
ClassBook.com operates more like an extension of the school than a third-party vendor, according to Latham. For example, ClassBook.com accepts returns through the beginning of the semester, so that if a student drops a class, he or she can return the book for a full refund any time. “With other vendors, if a student ordered a book the first day we posted it, and dropped the class after the normal return period, the student would be unable to get a refund.”
ClassBook.com’s customized delivery process also maximizes convenience for students and their parents. Day students’ books are delivered directly to their doorstep. Boarding students’ orders are delivered to the school in individual boxes bearing each student’s name. The books, along with a box for returns, are waiting for the students when they arrive, so they don’t have to pack and carry them to school.
From deficit to profit-sharing
“All the benefits we had hoped for came true the first year,” reported Latham. “We went from deficit to profit-sharing. We eliminated the bureaucracy of department chairs dealing with the bookstore, who dealt with the publisher, who then dealt with me. Now the department chairs input the orders themselves. We have eliminated the middle person, which has given us much more control.
“Whether it’s answering a question from a parent or keeping in touch about a back-ordered book, the ClassBook.com staff is always on top of things,” said Latham. “It’s been a fantastic relationship from the beginning. It’s like having your neighbor in the book business.”