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  • February 2011
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Chegg: Textbook Rental Takes Flight

By: Thomas R. Eisenmann, William A. Sahlman and Evan W. Richardson
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:21
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Abstract

In late 2010, Silicon Valley-based Chegg, the leading online college textbook rental company, is scaling rapidly. The case recounts Chegg's history from its origins as a distant competitor to Craigslist in college classified listings through a pivot into textbook rental followed by a period of explosive growth. Resulting challenges in scaling warehouse operations, customer service, and information technology are described, along with efforts to professionalize sourcing/pricing and product management functions. The case closes with questions about how Chegg should respond to the pending transition from printed textbooks to electronic textbooks.

Keywords

Change Management; Higher Education; Entrepreneurship; Books; Growth and Development Strategy; Growth Management; Service Operations; Renting or Rental; Online Technology; Education Industry; Service Industry; California

Citation

Eisenmann, Thomas R., William A. Sahlman, and Evan W. Richardson. "Chegg: Textbook Rental Takes Flight." Harvard Business School Case 811-077, February 2011.
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About The Authors

Thomas R. Eisenmann

Entrepreneurial Management
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William A. Sahlman

Entrepreneurial Management
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