PRICE INCREASES ON TEXTBOOKS MORE MODERATE THAN LAST YEAR

The Consumer Affairs Commission's (CAC), 2004 Textbook Survey findings reveal more moderate price increases this year compared to last year. The majority of increases this year fell in the range of 1% - 20% with very few increases over 40%, and only three (3) textbooks were increased above 50%. One of these, “Enchanted Island” by Ian Serrailier, went up by 94.3%. This is unlike the situation in 2003 where there were significant increases on almost all the textbooks surveyed.

• Unlike last year, the survey revealed a net drop in the prices for some texts. One such textbook that recorded significant reductions is “Economics: A Student's Guide (Fifth Edition)” by John Beardshaw that was sold in 2003 for $2,438.63 as compared with $1,718.38 in 2004, a reduction of 29.54%.

• The Commission has also noticed that there are more players in the field this year with the opening of some new outlets especially in rural areas that were not on line last year. It is believed that increased competition and more innovative and direct marketing by competitors have resulted in better prices for consumers. In addition to the regular prices, there is a larger number of bookstores giving deals and discounts this year when compared to last year, especially among the new comers.

• Another significant difference this year compared to last year is the prevailing conditions in the economy, the stability of the Jamaican dollar against its major trading counterparts that have obtained. The matter of the initial application of GCT to textbooks, its subsequent removal and the “confusion” which are not an issue this year.

• While we note the lower levels of increases when compared with 2003, many parents may still experience difficulties this year as the costs for textbooks remain high (a carryover from the situation last year), and are therefore encouraged to utilize the rental scheme if one is present at their ward(s) school(s). Additionally, purchasing pre-owned books at book fairs and book exchanges or borrowing texts, provide attractive and cost effective options. Some book stores also stock pre-owned texts as well.

• The Commission believes that the modest increases observed this year have stemmed from the increased surveillance being exercised by the Agency.

Each year the CAC conducts the Textbook Price Survey across the island. This year's survey was improved to include additional texts and subject areas, taking into account subjects and textbooks that are more prevalent in technical and vocational schools while maintaining comprehensive coverage of the subject areas and textbooks used in traditional high schools. This year's survey also covered more texts at the primary level than last year. A total of ninety-nine (99) textbooks covering eighteen (18) subject areas at both the primary and secondary levels were surveyed this year. Survey officers visited a total of sixty-four (64) bookstores islandwide during three (3) survey periods in July and August 2004.

The Commission also uses this medium to register our discontent at the practice of double ticketing as well as the non-display of prices on texts, at some bookstores. At a few stores, the CAC's survey officers were met with indifference and reluctance on the part of staff to participate in our Survey. The majority of stores were however receptive and helpful.

Members of the public may contact the Commission for specific price information for bookstores in their area by calling toll free at 1-888-991-4470 in Kingston, or 1-888-991-9529 in Montego-Bay. Book prices as well as a complete report of the survey will be available at the Agency's website at this link School textbook 2004 survey.

Contact:
Mr. Raymond Pryce – Director of Research, Information & Communication
Telephone: 968-8732; 926-1650-2
Email: dir_ric@consumeraffairsjamaica.gov.jm