Why are Unisa textbooks relatively expensive ?

1. Unfortunately books do not write themselves. This means that the authors must be paid. They invest considerable time in writing the books.

2. All books are proof read and edited by professional editors/proofreaders.

3. A layout artist and or graphic designer is involved in the appearance of the book (including the text and cover)

4. Books are printed / published.

5. Books are transported.

6. Book shops need to cover all their costs and of course make a profit. Some of the costs include: staff salaries, rent, computers, electricity and all the other costs incurred in running any retail business.

* Remember every person involved in steps 1- 5 not only needs to cover their costs but also needs to make a profit (otherwise they would be working for free). At each stage the costs are passed on to the next group/organisation/person involved in getting the finished product (the book) to the customer. This means that the customer pays for every process involved in producing the book. The same applies to all other items: cars, food, paper,furniture etc.

So, What is the good news about Unisa Books? 

1.Remember if you can find a Unisa prescribed book cheaper at any other South African based bookshop Armstrong’s will beat their price.

2. The first 1000 people to follow @armstrongsbooks on Twitter will get a 10% discount on their Jan/Feb 2012 book purchase at Armstrong's Jhb shops. (currently this does not include online purchases). Terms and Conditions apply: