Columbia University Bookstore — Attraction in New York

TEXTBOOK REVIEW

Summary: Textbook provider is not catered to students on a budget who need to use the textbook within a timely manner.

I ordered a used textbook for pickup on September 10 instead of getting one online because I needed the newest imperial edition of it and I had a BN gift card to use. Keep in mind that I didn't know which textbook would be used until the first class. I received confirmation of my order, which stated that I would be notified when it would be ready for pickup. I waited two weeks before calling the bookstore, and they said the book is still out of stock. Meanwhile, I'm using PDFs of old editions to do my homework assignments. On October 3, I received an email that my book was ready to be picked up, 23 days and three homework assignments later. They say when you order a textbook that their "local inventory changes daily" and if they "substitute a different format than the used or used rental that you requested, you will see that in your final bill." Indeed, they charged me for a new edition of the book, which is $60 more (a total of $216.65), but what I don't understand is how in over three weeks their so-called changing local inventory could not provide me with a used edition. I wish they had told me there were no used editions weeks ago because I would have cancelled the order earlier. Luckily I was able to get a full refund within the 30 days of the start of classes according to their Textbook Refund Policy, but if this book came a few days later I don't know how that would play out. Lastly, if they're going to be the provider for student textbooks, it's senseless to make students wait weeks on end to receive a book because of assignment deadlines. I would have asked to borrow someone's textbook, but literally everyone is a working grad student who studies part-time (I'm an undergrad). Online old SI...

A lot of the merchandise is very expensive, and you mostly pay for the Logo. I bought stuff in Spring 2025 and so far have no issues with the clothing (no print, only embroidery) - still: wildly expensive. However, I also bought a couple other things, and one in particular has given me grief. I bought a bottle opener (regular opener, with a plastic button with columbia on it in the handle), which lost its plastic button just a few days in to me having it. So I glued it back together with my own glue and it has been rock solid ever since, but the little hole where you attach it to the ring that goes on the keychain broke off completely unwarranted. I used the keys to get into my house today, and then again later and the opener was broken. Didn't use it in between or even used it as a lever to open bottles, it is just blatant crap, and it cost me wayyy to much money (cant remember the price, but probably $15). I also got a shot glass and put it in the washer after getting it, and after coming out it almost slipped out of my hand because the paint or whatever that made it slightly rough to hold it now is completely flat and kind of slippery. If you know it it's fine, but cmon guys, this is you official store, please don't offer only crap for those prices, tuition is...

wrong item received and no response Updated 7/6/1/20 3:30 pm- After sending message from their "contact" link on the website, Abby reached out to me. She is sending a new sweatshirt and has provided a new tracking number.

I ordered a Columbia sweatshirt on June 6th. I received a Reolink solar panel on June 26th. I sent an email right after opening the package and finding the wrong item. I received an automatic reply email so I called the store manager, Tom Spalango, listed in the auto reply email. The message on the voicemail stated the box was full and I was unable to leave a voicemail. I called the listed store number. I've not gotten any response and still do not have the sweatshirt. I sent another email stating I would be more than happy to return the solar panel so that I could receive the item that I ordered, which costed more than the mini solar panel (as advertised on amazon). It's now July 6th and still have not heard from the store and still do no have the sweatshirt. I would definitely avoid ordering anything online...