The following exchange between an inquirer and Schueller House (to which I’ve only added a couple of observations — in curly braces) well demonstrates both a legitimate question about why we charge high prices for photocopied and comb-bound books — and a straightforward answer from Ken Guentert at Schueller House.

I just noticed that all of the books offered are photocopied and copybound. Why, then are they priced like hardcover books? Don’t get me wrong, I still intend to purchase the entire course, I would just like to know what it is that I am paying for. I never questioned the price of {NHM}, being two volumes, I actually pictured something nice like the Artscroll Chummash. So I have to admit that I am disapointed, as it is very hard for me to justify these prices.

“[KG: ] Book pricing is generally based on what it costs to print a volume. That fact is that it costs Schueller House probably four to five times as much to print (photocopy) a single set of the {NHM} as it does for Artscroll to print a single copy of their chumash. That's because we print {NHM} in small quantities -- hence the photocopied version -- and Artscroll is able to print thousands of copies of the chumash at one time. Of course, I could arrange to print the {NHM} hardbound on thin paper with ribbons in it, but I would then have to charge you about $2500 for your copy in order to avoid losing money on it.

“Please help me to understand, I am trying to give you the benifit of the doubt, but, coupled with other doubts, and rumors of illegitimacy, I am becoming somewhat discouraged about the program. It is imperative that my doubts be resolved in order for me to proceed. I hope you understand, I simply can't ignore such uncertainties.

“[KG: ] It's a fair question. Others have asked it. From the point of view of a "consumer," it's fairly innocent. The book prices look funny compared to Artscroll. However, the economics of it are fairly straightforward as anybody in publishing will tell you. We aren't getting rich. In fact, we aren't making money. I am supposed to show a profit in three of every five years, according to the tax man. I can't. So I have to pretend that some of my expenses don't exist so I can show a "profit" on my federal income tax forms. I don't mind you asking the question. I do mind the people who spread the rumor that we are getting rich from our books, all evidence to the contrary. This is simply slander. And it's wrong.

“Philosophically, we think people should pay a fair price for our books. The laborer is worth his wage. So Yirmeyahu should get his royalty and I shouldn't be losing money. Right now, that's not happening. We don't like to give away books. We think doing so cheapens the message, cheats the worker, and allows the inquirer to avoid making a commitment. None of that is good.

“My sincere hope is to move ahead with the utmost confidence, both in the study program, and in the (structural) integrity of the community. I am prepared to commit 100%, but only after I am 100% certain of what I am getting into.

“[KG: ] The structural integrity of the community is based on our place in the Orthodox community. I checked that out myself by visiting Yirmeyahu, attend Orthodox beit knesset with him and verifying that people there knew who he was and what he stood for and respected him all the same. That was my cue to be upfront with my local rabbi.

“I hope that I have not come across as disrespectful or rude. Please understand that this is not an attack, or an accusation, but a request for help, and assurance. And I thank you in advance.

[KG: ] Not a problem. Ken {Schueller House}

{YBD: I would only add that we include in our descriptions that these are photocopied and comb-bound -- even including photos of the pages in our web site -- and I have today (99.06.06) included it even in the order form along with this explanation of why our costs -- and, therefore, our prices -- are so high. We make every reasonable effort to communicate responsibly and with uncompromising integrity. No one can reasonably expect more than that.