Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lute Locker?
Formerly The Garfield Book Co. located on Garfield st. the Lute Locker is proud to be the official store for all things PLU. We carry a large selection of PLU apparel, gifts, accessories, books and supplies.
Other services:
- PLU Name Tags
- Custom Merchandise for Your Team, Group or Department
- Custom Apparel for Your Team, Group or Department
- Trade Book (popular fiction/non-fiction) Orders
- Provide/Sell/Feature Books at/for Your Campus Event
Does Lute Locker sell textbooks in-store?
No, Lute Locker does not sell textbooks in-store. All textbooks orders can be made through our partner, MBS. Your textbooks are guaranteed to be the correct for your classes because we work with your professors directly and provide MBS with all of their textbook choices.
They offer new, used, e-Books and rental options with a guaranteed buy back price on select options. MBS is great at competing with other major online textbook retailers, and you can even compare prices as you shop!
There are multiple shipping options available, too! Choose from delivery to your home address, dorm, or even ship them to our store and pick them up here.
Where do I purchase course materials such as clickers, art kits and lab coats?
Course materials (anything that is not a textbook) is still available for purchase in-store. If you have questions about additional course materials you may need for your class, give us at call (253-535-7705) or email us.
What is Guaranteed Buyback?
Guaranteed Buyback (GBB) is a great way to know how much cash you can get at the end of the semester when you sell your book back to us. GBB books are marked "Guaranteed Buyback" on the product page and throughout the checkout process. You'll see your Guaranteed Buyback price, which lets you know up front exactly how much you can get back (provided you return the book on time and in good condition). Once you've purchased a Guaranteed Buyback item, you can visit your account to view the return date and value details in your order history.
Once your course has ended, you can submit your book for buyback by going to "Sell Your Textbooks" from the main menu and accepting the Guaranteed Buyback value. From there, it works just like a regular buyback - you'll print out your packing slip and free UPS shipping label, pack your books, and drop your package at any UPS location. Once your item is reviewed and processed, we'll pay you via PayPal or check, your choice.
A few things to note: Guaranteed Buyback values expire 14 days after your course end date and books must be returned in good condition, with all required components. Guaranteed Buyback quotes are conditional based on the school/institution using MBS Direct as their sole source of course materials distribution for the next academic term or school year.
Buyback services are provided by MBS Service Company, Inc (MBS).
What if I didn't buy my books through MBSDirect?
That's ok! Our buyback program allows you to sell your textbooks back for cash - provided they are in good condition and have buyback value - at the end of the term. You can look up the value of your buyback by going to "Sell Your Textbooks" via your MBSDirect account, then lock in a quote and send your books back using our free pre-paid UPS shipping label. Or, stop by the on-campus buyback event during finals week.
Will MBSDirect accept buyback books in any condition?
Because books are resold to other students, MBS does not accept or pay for buyback books with:
- Stains or water damage
- Missing, torn, or loose pages
- Missing, torn, or loose covers
- Excessive writing or marking
- Excessive writing on the edges
- A broken spine
- Torn or damaged binding
A textbook can still be in good condition if it shows signs of general use and wear and tear, such as:
- Some writing or notes
- Highlighting, from a little to a lot
- Rounded or dog-eared corners
- Minor scrapes or scratches
- Faded cover art
- Creased pages
For more information and full buyback terms and conditions please click here