Keep in mind our kids may find out the exact books they need a few weeks ahead of time. They can look online to find out, spend about 10 minutes researching for the best price per book which includes (at least for my daughter’s school) knowing the exact price at the campus bookstore. Then in the comfort of home place an order and the book are at the house in a few days. It is very little legwork to save money. We also like bargain hunting and saving money so it is worth it for my family.
Some kids like my daughter would be so stressed out knowing each time she needed to look for something she would have to hope the book is available the time she is available. At the end of the semester she then has books to return if rented or sold if used/new and no longer needed or saved if she feels she may want to save them.