Give us a break

T.I.S. wants bursar billing. On the surface, it makes sense. IU Bookstore has it, so having bursar billing would move T.I.S. up to the level of IU Bookstore competition-wise. But just below that, in reality, we have to say it: Give us a break.\nIf T.I.S. had bursar billing, more students, theoretically, would shop there. Whether we like to admit it or not, IU Bookstore already has a huge advantage simply because of its locations in the Indiana Memorial Union and Eigenmann. But this isn't the way to level the playing field. Next thing you know, www.Amazon.com will want bursar billing. \nOur suggestion? If you really want our business, give us a real deal. Confidential to T.I.S.: Charging nine cents less for a textbook or giving us 11 cents more on a buyback doesn't not count as a deal. Whether we pay for our books with cash, check or our bursar account, we're still paying too much. Cut your overhead, get rid of a few employees, do whatever you need to do to lower prices -- that will get students into your store. But cut it with the "Me too!" attitude.\nWhen the prices between the two stores are as negligible as they are, the choice of whether to shop at T.I.S. or IU Bookstore is probably pretty arbitrary for most students. Bursar billing may be a drawing point for some, but if T.I.S. follows our suggestions, they could use their lower prices to lure every last student into their store.