We ship all items within 24 business hours of cleared payment. Unless otherwise requested, items are shipped via USPS Priority Mail (2 to 3 day). Bargain Basement books are shipped free of charge via Media Mail (6 to 9 days). When placing your order, double-check the shipping information which you provide.
Your item(s) are fully insured against loss or damage in transit. Keep in mind that for any item with an insured value of over $200 (most of our items are of much higher value), your signature will be required upon delivery. If you are not home when your package arrives, a notice is typically left for you to pick up your package at your local post office.
While we have never had a problem with loss or damage in shipment -- due in no small part to our careful packaging -- it is very important to note the following: If you live in the USA and your item has NOT arrived within 7 business days of purchase, please contact us immediately. Most importantly, if you receive the package and the box appears opened or damaged in any way, make note of this to the delivery person and request that they observe while you open the package and check the contents for damage. If there is any damage to your item, USPS requires that you KEEP the box AND packaging materials to present to them. Without those materials, the insurance is void. If this happens, contact us immediately. We retain all shipping receipts and insurance information on your behalf.
We have never had any of the above problems in shipment; however, it is important for you to have this information and know the above rules -- for your protection and for ours. It is just one more way that we can continue to insure the safe and timely delivery of our fine items to our clients.
If you live outside of the USA, then the method of shipping will be determined by (1) your location, and (2) the value of the item you wish to purchase. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has recently changed the maximum insurance liabilities for international shipping. For example, insurance up to $650 is available for a package sent to the U.K., but no insuracnce is available for a package sent to Albania.
Most of our items are much more valuable than the maximum allowable insurance with the USPS. This presents us with no option other than to ship via FedEx or UPS. In such cases where FedEx or UPS must be used, we cannot avoid the high shipping costs. Shipping to Europe via FedEx or UPS will typically cost a minimum of $100, depending on the value and weight of the item. Compare this to about $45 for USPS Global Priority Mail.
Unfortunately, we cannot take the risk of shipping an item unless it is fully insured. Even when the client tells us to ship via USPS and they will accept the risk, we cannot do this. As the seller, we are ultimately responsible for any item that is lost or damaged in shipment. In any case, we will always find the most secure and low-cost option available for shipping to your location.
Please contact us for a shipping quote prior to purchase so that we may send you an invoice with the appropriate shipping costs.