Letter to the editor
Student requests others to be aware
October 3, 2008
Typically, I don’t think someone who saves me hundreds of dollars per year as a dictator. Textbook Services (TS) is a wonderful resource on this campus and I would say nothing to discredit their extremely efficient and money-saving operation.
Every semester I’m left with a feeling that can only be described by Geico commercials: I just saved a bunch of money on textbooks by attending UW-River Falls.
Working as a manager at McDonald’s for five years has taught me that when employees make mistakes it’s an “inconvenience” to the customer. However, when customers lose common decency when complaining to the employees, the inconvenience is promoted to a “problem.”
I had an extremely similar occurrence last year. I explained that I was willing to pay, but I believed that there was a mistake. The response I received was (I paraphrase), “Your book appears damaged, but there must have been a miscommunication. Thank you for being understanding and we will waive the fine.”
I do agree with your warning to freshman. Except, we shouldn’t beware, but be aware. Yes, be aware of the rules given to you the day you check out your books. Be aware of your attempt to fix the problem and not the blame. Be aware of how fortunate you are to have Textbook Services at this University.
Jordan Harshman
Student