Q.  How do I know that the book I want to order is in stocK?

A.  Unlike some other sites (large as well as small!) we never offer a book for sale unless we have it physically in stock. Our catalogue is updated every 20 minutes or so to delete books that have been sold.  This keeps the "double selling" problem sometimes encountered on other sites to an absolute bare minimum.

Q.  What do the condition terms "fine", "near fine", "very good", "good" and "fair" mean?

A. The condition of each book is individually described so that you can be confident about exactly what you are getting. We use the toplevel descriptions "fine", "near fine", "very good", "good" and "fair" to describe the general condition of the book, usually followed by a more detailed description detailing any defects, remainder marks and so on. Every book is individually described and a separate description is assigned to the dust jacket.  "Fine" means that the book (or jacket) has no defects. "Near fine" means that one or two minor blemishes may be present. "Very good" means that there may be marked bumping, rubbing and/or creasing. Fair indicates that the book is readable and and that the text is intact but other more serious defects may be present. We often refer to these books as "Working Copies"  Ex-library copies will be described as such.

Q.  Where's my book?

A.  We aim to dispatch books as soon as possible after payment has been confirmed (or, for institutional account holders, as soon as an official order has been received).  Depending on the shipping method selected, you should receive the item within the indicated time frame. Please do remember that most books, when packed, will not fit through standard letter boxes so if you haven't received your book within the expected time, please check with your Post Office. Most items returned to us are marked "NOT CALLED FOR" by the Postal Authorities.  If the item is not awaiting collection, please contact us by email. In certain circumstances we do send books by recorded delivery (signed for) whether or not this has been selected by you as the shipping method. Student accommodation, multi-occupancy premises, flats and business addresses, as well as the value of the item are the usual factors in deciding this course of action.

Q.  What if I want to return a book for any reason?

A.  Simply return it to the address shown on the label. Returns must be made within 14 days of receipt and must be in their original condition. CDs and DVDs must be unopened.  In these circumstances we will refund the cost of the item. If we are at fault in dispatching the wrong item, or the item is substantially mis-described, please contact us for instructions BEFORE returning it. We will refund your return postage as well as the cost of the item and your original postage.