Shipping FAQ

Why should I order from The Book Works instead of Amazon.com?
When you shop at The Book Works or other local, independently-owned businesses, your entire community benefits.

When you spend $100 at The Book Works, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures.

Spend the same $100 at a national chain, and your community only sees $43.

Shop at Amazon.com and nothing comes home.

Supporting independents means supporting choice, diversity, and a truly unique community.

Learn more about the benefits of shopping local and independent at IndieBound.org and the 3/50 Project.

Which books can I buy from The Book Works online?
Nearly any book or audiobook in print! E-books will be available for download beginning 9/7/09.

How do I search?
The search box allows you to search a database of over 2.5 million titles, most of which are available to order.  It's a general keyword search that looks for words in the title and author's name.  If you enter a general subject of interest, you will see items that have those words in the title.  Go wild with it and see what turns up!

Is it safe to order online? 
Yes! Just as safe as purchasing books in our store. Our secure online checkout collects your information only for payment purposes.  You will not be added to our mailing list unless you opt in here.  Our processor authorizes charges to your card, but we do not confirm these until we have processed your order--so you won't be billed for a book that will not ship.  And no human ever sees your credit card information.  It is expunged as soon as the transaction is completed, handled by secure, certified servers at every step of the way. 

How soon will my books arrive?
Our database of over 2.5 million books includes books that will leave the warehouse immediately, as well as items that are not readily available to ship. You'll see one of the following "Availability" status listed with each book:

• Usually ships in 1-5 days: This book is either in the store or ready to ship from our warehouse.  It will be packed and sent out at once.

• Not yet published: This book is not yet released.  It can be pre-ordered, and will ship as soon as it is available.

• Special order-subject to availability: This book is not currently available from our warehouse.  We will need to check with other distributors, or the publisher.  This will cause a delay in fulfilling your order. We will call or email you with a status update. If you have a deadline, please call or e-mail us before placing your order.

• Out of print: This book is no longer available to be ordered as a new book.  It is in the database for information purposes only. We suggest you try Powells.com or Alibris.com for used copies. 

* If you choose in-store pickup, titles not on the shelf here will be shipped to us from our warehouse.  Most titles that are listed as "Usually ships in 1-5 days" can be in the store within 2-3 days.  Please allow us to call or e-mail you to let you know when your book has arrived.

* If you choose to have your books shipped, keep in mind that if you order late in the day (after about 3pm Pacific), UPS may not actually ship your order until the following day.

If you need assistance, or wish to place an order with a real, live human being, just call or email us! We are a real, bricks-and-mortar store and we love to help our customers with any request.