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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions that we come across quite regularly and are all posted here for your convenience




"How do you calculate postage and packing costs?"
We do not aim to make a profit on postage. Books for UK customers are charged at the Royal Mail 1st Class standard rate, according to weight, + a small sum for packing materials.

"I am not used to buying on-line. Can I order a book without following the check-out procedure?"
Yes of course. It may take a little longer, but you can by-pass the standard procedure by using the "Contact us" link to Sharp's Book Co. and telling us your requirements that way. The e-mail facility is there to assist you, the customer, whether you are placing an order, or asking a question.

"How much do you charge to send orders by airmail?"
We use the PRINTED PAPER airmail rate, at cost, + a small charge for packing materials. (PRINTED PAPER is slightly cheaper than standard airmail.) If you would prefer to have an item sent surface mail, please use the "Contact us" link before paying and we can adjust the price at check-out.

"Do you stock new books?"
Sharps Books specialises in good quality second hand/ out of print books. We do not usually stock recently published works unless they have an added interest, such as author's and/or artist's signatures, or have been short listed for one of the book prizes - Orange Prize, Whitbread Prize, Booker Prize etc.

"I want a book that is not on your web site. Can you get it for me?"
We are always happy to source specific titles for our customers. If you supply the details and your price range, we will locate your item and give you the option to proceed with purchase. There is a handling charge of ?2.50 per item and we will arrange to have your book posted to you direct from the book dealer, to save extra postage costs. We regret that we cannot undertake research on behalf of customers who cannot supply a definite book title because it is too time consuming. However, we will endeavour to point you in the right direction!

"Do you re-cycle packaging materials?"
Yes, we do. By re-cycling card, cardboard, and bubblewrap we are able to keep packing costs to a minimum. That way everyone benefits, including the planet! We do not re-use damaged jiffy bags and never skimp on the secure packaging of your orders.

"How long will my order take?"
From point of payment, or once a cheque has cleared, your book(s) will be shipped within 2 business days. First class post normally takes 1-2 days, so delivery will usually be within 2-4 days. We always keep a receipt of posting, but should you have special delivery requirements, please ask, using the "Contact us" link

"Can I return my purchase if it is not quite what I was expecting?"
We will give a full refund of the original purchase price and postage if the item is returned to us, in the same condition, within 7 days of receipt. We pride ourselves on the accuracy of our book descriptions. However, should our description not match your expectations, then we will refund your money. If you require further information on an item, please ask your questions via the "Contact us" link.

"What do I do if I don't want to order online?"
You can use our "contact us" link, or you can telephone between 8.30 - 5.30 Mon - Sat. You may need to leave a message, in which case we will get back to you.

"I want to know more about a book before I buy it, what should i do?"
If you would like to have any further information about a book including more images and more detailed information simply contact us. In the product listing for each book you will find a link in bold that will take you to a request form. This will ensure that the right information is sent to you. You can also contact us by any of the standard means using the contact us form, by telephone or by post.

"I want to buy multiple copies of the same book, but it won't let me?"
Each book on www.sharpsbooks.co.uk is a 'one off', meaning that we don't hold multiple copies, unless there is more than one entry of the same title.