GMAT Strategy

Hello BTG people,

Maybe I am missing something, but there seems to be something very unusual about the price of the Manhattan tests.
The stand alone price of the computer adaptive exams is $39.00 when purchased online; however, the same exams seem to be included with the purchase of a $16.33 guide. It actually seems to be much cheaper (<50%!) to buy a guide, get the tests, and throw the guide away without ever reading it.

I am only trying to get the tests. It feels really pointless to order a physical book that I don't need in order to get cheaper access to ONLINE tests.

Are they actually different tests or is this just a bizarrely inefficient way to deliver the product?

Thanks for the info!


Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Number-Properties ... 322&sr=1-3
https://www.manhattangmat.com/storeitems ... 81&catid=4

Yes, the CATs which come alongwith the MGMAT books are the same which are available for $39 . I have never understood the rationale behind such a pricing strategy though

I'm thinking the pricing strategy is to encourage folks to buy new books instead of used books since they don't make any money on used books. As you pointed out, buying a new book is a better deal than buying a used book and then having to pay the standalone price for the CAT.

I decided to buy the online tests directly. I will pay a lot extra, but I will save a tree (and more study time by avoiding delivery delays, my GMAT is in two weeks).

Good luck to all!