Hornet Bookstore

I placed an order online for a Used Text /​w CD, and I had only ordered it through the bookstore because it stated w/​CD, and I needed it asap. Once I came in to pickup my order, it came with no CD. Had I been given some sort of warning stating «used packages may not be complete» I would have merely bought it new.
Well I needed that book asap, so I asked if I could just upgrade my used book to a new book with the card info on my order, as I didn’t have my card on me and I live 50 minutes out. The person didn’t know if this was doable, but said to head to customer service and ask. Customer service said that the system they used was too outdated to do that, and all they could do is give me a refund. Now I’ve worked at a bookstore for years and I was able to edit orders. Now the rep might not have had clearance to edit the order, or maybe their system really is just too outdated to edit, but either way it strikes me as unprepared by either lack of training or an inadequate program so help customers in these situations. I asked the online order pickup desk if I could put the book on hold and they said customer service could. I got down to customer service and they said that was upstairs at the textbook information desk. They had plenty of new ones so I said nevermind.
At this point I had already waited a week for my order to be fulfilled, had gotten the wrong book, and I now have to reorder the textbook I need, only to have another waiting period and be further behind in my studies. Now the book was expensive as hell, but my review has nothing to do with the price, as aside from markup I know it’s the publishers who set that nonsense.
Now I can’t give a one star, as I’ve been in there twice before and had good customer service, either at the coffee stand or the textbook information desk. However this was the one time I ordered a textbook, and the experience is less than satisfactory.

The front desk manager, Heather, went above and beyond to assist me with a complex issue. Needless to say, due to her exceptional customer service and great attitude I am leaving a satisfied customer /​student and am looking forward to doing business with the bookstore and not amazon or
going forward. Let me stress the benefit of local service here!

This place has a clean and appealing environment, like most college bookstores. I’ve been here several times and I’ve purchased several things. I have not purchased textbooks from here but I’d assume they charge retail price (like most bookstores do) so it’s not fair to hold that against them. People at the computer department are usually super helpful and friendly, and even when they cannot answer a question they have a nice demeanor and are willing to help. The rest of the staff are just ok, with one or two people who acknowledge customers on a regular basis and smile when they deal with you. Unfortunately, there is lady, who wears the «Customer Service Manager» badge, and who cannot be more rude. She is extremely condescending and I have witnessed some ugly interactions between her and customers. The first time it happened I was surprised and honestly embarrassed for the other person, but I was there very recently and it happened again! She has no regard for who is around and for the fact that those are paying customers. I that second day pretended to keep shopping so I didn’t have to deal with her at the register.

The 4 stars is for the coffee shop inside. They sell vegan desserts and their coffee and drinks are cheaper then Java on campus. They use Gediva chocolate. I love this place for their decent price and great customer service!

I’ve been a student here for about 2 years. I think my favorite part of the Bookstore is the café — where you can get .50 iced/​hot coffee depending on the time of year, and it’s GOOD coffee! The staff is always friendly and I can hang out and study between classes if I’m inclined to. They have a decent snack selection (my only real complaint is the music.)
If you’re up for paying more than .50 for coffee, the rest of their menu is excellent, just tell them how you want your drink and they do a good job. It’s a small café, though, so they don’t have a lot of food options.

This review is for the coffee only. 50 cent coffee, and the best part? The decaf is Americano… happy happy joy joy!

This is my first Unilocal review. The Hornet Bookstore (and all campus bookstores in general) are the root of evil corporation invading and affecting our education.
This store boasts
— A huge profit margin on already expensive textbooks
— Despite the high book prices, they still run out and have poor customer service
— Ridiculously overpriced school apparel
— Incredibly long lines that make you late for class
Only reason to visit is to grab your 50 cent coffee.
Today I called becasue I live 5 miles away and have a textbook in perfect condtion I want to sell. They said they couldn’t guarantee me a price since they need to see the book. I proceeded to ask for a quote and they said there was nobody high up enough available to take a call and that I would have to drive in. I’ll take my business elsewhere.
I have never purchased a textbook from the store. I would rather miss my first couple assignments and purchase from an individual on Amazon than patronize the evil University enterprises. They take the students already so broke in half, and they break them down even further.
Advice: Stop spending millions of dollars on renovations and making it feel like a Starbucks/​Barnes and Nobel. Put that money back into making textbooks affordable for Students!

I loved the book store so much I decided to work in it.
After working at the place I came to realize they really do care about customer service and helping to the best of their ability.
They have everything I needed from test taking material to computer software/​hardware.
This place is awesome even if book prices are often high but seriously that is the fault of the publisher not the seller.

50 cent coffee! Yay! My favorite is the Wonder blend!

i’m glad that the bookstore moved from its original location by the River front. The bookstore is much more spacious and has more items to choose from. The textbooks are of course over-​priced so your best bet is to order them off of Amazon if you want to save money. All of the textbooks are located on the second floor, as well as goggles and lab coats. The first floor has the café, drinks, snacks, clothing, medicine, books, and electronics. The café has $ 0.50 coffee for sale! They also have tables for studying or eating your goods from the café.

50 Cent coffee! Almost there everyday!
Love it!!!
Plus they have a great selection of Apple products.

Just ridiculous. They make students pay waaaaaay too much for books. I mean, come on, we’re just students! I only come here when i really have to…
On the bright side, employees are always greeeting me when i come in, so they’re nice. :)

The bookstore has pretty much everything you need. Snacks, books, school supplies, a café, lounges, etc.
Whenever I come in here it’s to either browse the new magazines, pick up a new pack of pens/​pencils, or to look around the Apple section.
The staff is always helpful and can help you find anything you’re looking for.
The café is a great place to hit up for coffee since they only charge 50 cents a cup. I’ve been tempted to take them up on this offer but haven’t gotten around to it yet so I can’t tell you how good it is, but people seem to enjoy it. Plus that IS a great deal on coffee!
If you’re in need of something specific — batteries, pencil lead, a greeting card, a new backpack, etc., stop here!

The remodel is awesome, however, because I am a Public Relations major I waste my life away in Mendicino Hall. The location of the previous bookstore appealed to me more because I could go swoop a scantron with the quickness.
I patronize the book store for the usual stuff, pencils, scantrons, candy, you know the stuff us Hornets need to succeed.

Coffee for only 50 cents a cup! That is what really brought me in – I’m always after a bargain.
I had heard that the bookstore was something to check out. Walking in, it is almost like being in a combination of Barnes & Noble and an airport lounge. Of course, the selection of pleasure reading books (meaning non-​textbooks) is not as huge as a normal bookstore, but for a campus bookstore I was pleasantly surprised. There was a little Halloween display with kid and adult books as well as treats.
The coffee area is towards the back with Peerless coffee being served. Sure enough, it is 50 cents a cup. I overheard a student stating that she would like decaf, and then being told that they don’t offer it.
Student: But it says ‘Decaf’ on the menu!
Worker: Oh yes it does, but we don’t have it.
Student: Did you ever serve decaf?
Worker: Yes at one point, but we would brew it and then no one would drink it.
Student: Well, can you make me a decaf Americano at 50 cents? (A girl after my own heart! It’s the principle darnit!)
Worker: No, I can’t do that.
In the end, something got worked out. But folks, if you have something on the menu but don’t have it anymore, TAKE IT OFF. It reduces confusion as well as disgruntledness.
The part about being an airport lounge, you can get many sundry items here: painkillers, lotion, etc. Things that you would expect to find at a hotel gift shop.
There are also the requisite Sac State hoodies (can’t wear them with the hood up at Arden Fair Mall though), shot glasses, mascot-​y things, etc.
One wall has a huge variety of magazines and some comfy chairs. I could envision myself buying my 50 cent cuppa joe, settling in an armchair and reading all the magazines. I could just totally do that! They even have Donna Hay, one of my favorite magazines from Down Under. Very impressive.
I didn’t venture upstairs, but I was told it is where the textbooks are.

Since my wife and I were around the area, we decided to check out the Hornet Bookstore. We haven’t been there in a long time and saw a picture in a magazine. We were surprise of the new look. The computer guy was nice and friendly and so was the text book girl who went to look for a manager for us. This place has changed and looks a whole lot better.