Portland State Bookstore

Portland State Bookstore Reviews

Reviews 88
3.3
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My second all time favorite bookstore in the US (i...

My second all time favorite bookstore in the US (it's hard to beat Powell's City of Books in Portland, OR). Amazing selection of full priced, as well as bargain books over multiples levels. Enjoyed a delightful selection of local gifts including postcards and apparel at lower prices than neighboring shops. Sincerely plan to make this a must on future trips to Massachusetts.

Hours should be longer; overpriced and owned by th...

Hours should be longer; overpriced and owned by the book selling arm of a for profit company; the university should own its own bookstore not sell it off to the Nebraska book exchange. (Which doesn't have the best support anyway)

I understand why there's a textbook return cut-off...

I understand why there's a textbook return cut-off date, but it's ridiculous that there's not a system in place for people who purchase a textbook after that date has passed. I called 4 days after I purchased a book, before I'd even opened it, to see if you would match an online competitor's price (as your "Best Price Promise" clearly states you do). I didn't even want to return the book; I just wanted a portion of what I paid refunded to match the better price I found, but your associate said it couldn't be done. You've lost the next 4 years of my business just so you could keep my $15 now. This is the exact opposite of good customer service, and such pointless policies will cost you business in the future.

Love Portland State University Bookstore! First of...

Love Portland State University Bookstore! First of all, it's not Borders or B&N. Second, they've also got lots of fun gift stuff and cards.

I haven't spent a ton of time here because I'm not in Coolidge Corner all that often, but I love going here when I am in the area.

I really can't say much more than what's already been said. They're a great independent bookseller. Great displays, fun gifts, and a local business. What more can you ask for?

Not a review from me, but on behalf of my daughter...

Not a review from me, but on behalf of my daughter. She had a hard time getting her books before the term started. She was upset and then ordered her books elsewhere because she could not get her books from the bookstore? Not sure how that is even possible. Wow have things changed since my day.

Horrible hours why aren't they open more often?? S...

Horrible hours why aren't they open more often?? Students need supplies and books at all times and if I'm paying thousands of dollars to go to school I should be able to go get my textbooks on a Sunday.

Your price match "promise" is ridiculous and not h...

Your price match "promise" is ridiculous and not helpful at all. Your return policy is also unreasonable considering students are still adjusting their schedules and classes for the first 2 weeks.

I've used my fair share of pencils, but the PSU bo...

I've used my fair share of pencils, but the PSU bookstore has gone above and beyond with their diverse pencil selection. I was blown away to find that they carried No. 2 and No. 7 pencils for only four pennies each.

Awesome bookstore!

Awesome bookstore!

I have to say just the size of the place is pretty impressive. The graphic design could be bigger, but overall, a must stop for anyone in the area.

It's a typical college bookstore. You'll pay $180 ...

It's a typical college bookstore. You'll pay $180 for a book then they'll give you $13.55 to buy it back. And you only have 2 days to return items after the session starts to get a refund. If you live outside Portland and you can't get down there your just screwed out of whatever money you paid.

Price of textbook on Amazon: $7.41 used - good

Price of textbook on Amazon: $7.41 used - good
Price of textbook in bookstore: $204.56 - used - looks like someone spilled three pots of coffee on it.

Avoid.

Also their "price match" is a gift card.

This bookstore is great! Friendly, attentive staf...

This bookstore is great! Friendly, attentive staff, comfy environment, conveniently located! I never feel ignored or unwanted here, and everyone is helpful and genuinely pleasant and want to assist you as best they can! Only reason it isn't a full 5 stars is the website I find very difficult and can never seem to reserve things on, and sometimes they don't get all my books by the beginning of the term. However, they are quick to remedy difficult situations and help you navigate the shelves. Special mention to Tamarsh, who has been excellent in his service.

My favorite bookstore ever. I could spend hours br...

My favorite bookstore ever. I could spend hours browsing through all the books on any given day but never have to because the staff recommendations are always excellent. This is my first stop whenever I need a unique fun gift or a silly birthday card.

More like "PSU clothing store". 1 or 2 shelves for...

More like "PSU clothing store". 1 or 2 shelves for general reading and a whole floor devoted to university-branded merchandise? What terrible version of a "bookstore". Compared to other universities of thIs size, this selection is embarrassing.

Their selections are very good for just about ever...

Their selections are very good for just about everything and the prices are usually competitive. The actual books are spendy here though and be prepared to wait in long lines at the beginning and end of term.

Books here are far too expensive, even if renting....

Books here are far too expensive, even if renting. Also, assuming a purchased textbook is eligible to be bought back by the bookstore at all, the rates are laughable (so far I've had 1 in 5 textbooks bought back for a whopping $5). I suggest checking Powell's or eBay, or see about renting through Amazon, first.

As now an infrequent visitor (no longer a student)...

As now an infrequent visitor (no longer a student), the direction of late is more focused on strictly textbooks required for classes. There is no longer a general interest books area. All the textbooks are arranged alphabetically, so no more easy perusing your general field of study for potential new books of interest. I'm sure you can still special order a book if you know what you want. No longer a bookstore for shopping, unless you want PSU logo garments.

Have always loved this place. The staff recommenda...

Have always loved this place. The staff recommendation shelf is my favorite. I love that I can locate my favorite book and find four used versions with four different covers. There's a good autographed section. They've got magazines and all the lit journals. One of the best bookstores in the world!

Nice!

Has some neat stuff if you're looking for knick kn...

Has some neat stuff if you're looking for knick knacks like quality pens, paper types, school essentials. They carry Roaring Springs engineering paper which is the best quality engineering on the market so I'm in the bookstore once or twice a term for that.

Book prices are always too high. Price match is go...

Book prices are always too high. Price match is good, if a bit finicky with who they match with. The service connection in the basement is terrible, it took me a like 15 minutes to load the list of books I needed.

Customer service is great, textbook rental program...

Customer service is great, textbook rental program and book buyback program is comparable or under priced compared to other campus bookstores....always have what is on for the term or can order what you need!!

Only open 9-5 m-f just 3 weeks before the term sta...

Only open 9-5 m-f just 3 weeks before the term starts. I have a job in those hours! In past terms I have found that the book I am required to have for a class has not yet arrived and I fall behind on reading or assignments. As with much of PSU, the system is inefficient and inconsiderate of the students.

Portland State Bookstore

Portland State Bookstore

3.3