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Frequently Asked Questions

Registration & general site problems

Most importantly please note you must have Cookies and JavaScript enabled for the site to function correctly:

  • For help enabling JavaScript see here.
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You should also ensure that your choice of browser is up to date. Choose your browser below to check for an update:

If your email address is already registered then you may have an account with one of our partner sites, check the login page to see the full list.

If you still encounter problems then please contact our support team.

VAT and Taxes

The prices payable for goods are as set out in the website, inclusive of VAT where applicable (books are currently zero rated in the UK). Customers ordering for delivery outside of the UK will be responsible for payment of any local taxes payable including VAT, and will be required to pay extra for delivery and clearance where necessary.

Customs Charges

If you are ordering goods for delivery outside of the UK, please note that your consignment may be subject to import duties and taxes, which are levied once the goods reach the country of destination. Any such charges levied in relation to customs clearance must be paid by you. It is accepted by you that BOOKS etc. has no control over additional charges in relation to customs clearance. BOOKS etc. recommend that you check with your local customs officials or post office for more information regarding importation taxes/duties that may be applicable to your online order. You will be the importer of record and responsible for any import taxes and duty that needs to be paid. In addition, any charges for import clearance will be paid by you, the customer.

Guide to Selling books on BOOKS etc. marketplace

See Sellers Guide.

Guide to buying on the BOOKS etc. marketplace

See Buyers Guide.

How we protect the Buyer

We shall only provide refunds after consideration of the individual circumstances where the buyer has not received the book ordered. We shall provide refunds only after a period of 7 days from the sale cancellation date where the buyer has not received delivery of the book ordered. We are not responsible for the redelivery of books which shall be handled directly between buyer and seller.

We will ask the buyer to return the book using the 'Recorded Signed For' service by Royal Mail. Using the Track and Trace number, we will be able to confirm that the seller has received their book.

If the seller refuses to pay the Post and Packaging, then the buyer keeps the incorrect book, is refunded and the seller will not be paid.

We shall only process refund payments after 7 days of receipt of the book. Receipt of book is confirmed either using Royal Mail Track and Trace or reviewing the buyers account.

How we protect the Seller

To stop any delays in receiving your money from a sale, it is very important that you send your item(s) using Royal Mails Recorded Track and Trace service. We ask all of our buyers to click Receive once they have received their purchase, however in some cases the buyer forgets to click the Received button meaning that payment to the seller might be delayed. If we have your Track and Trace number we can pay you even if the received button has not been clicked, and sales posted but not marked as received within 7 days will automatically be set as received and payment will become due to the seller. The buyer agrees that in such a case automatic positive feedback will be left for the seller.

Where is my money?

We do our very best to make sure all sellers and buyers receive either their payments or refunds promptly.

Sales marked as received will be processed on 1st and 15th of each month following the received notification, with funds released to the seller 3 to 5 working days after these dates.

Sales will be refunded after 7 days of cancellation.

We do appreciate your concern and all payments and refunds will be transferred as quickly as possible.

Where is my book?

The seller must ensure suitable packaging for safe transportation of the book. We advise the seller to post books using Royal Mail's "signed for" recorded post. This allows for confirmation by the Post Office that the buyer has received the books. Books must be posted within 3 working days of receipt of our email stating that payment has been made for the books by the buyer. Only when the buyer indicates that they have received the book(s) from the seller and is satisfied that the book(s) are in a condition described by the seller on the Site or delivery of the book(s) has been confirmed by Royal Mail, shall we transfer the sale price, less commissions into the seller's bank account. All deliveries will be handled between the buyer and seller of the books and not by us.

We assume no liability or responsibility for deliveries that do not take place, are delayed or are delivered to the wrong destination. The seller alone is responsible for delivering the book to the buyer and answering any questions the buyer may have as to the book's condition or otherwise.

It is the buyers responsibility to check if an attempt has been made to deliver their book using the track and trace number provided from within their account.

Where is my refund?

We shall only provide refunds after consideration of the individual circumstances where the buyer has not received the book ordered. We shall provide refunds only after a period of 7 days from the sale cancellation date where the buyer has not received delivery of the book ordered. We are not responsible for the redelivery of books which shall be handled directly between buyer and seller.

We will ask the buyer to return the book using the 'Recorded Signed For' service by Royal Mail. Using the Track and Trace number, we will be able to confirm that the seller has received their book.

If the seller refuses to pay the Post and Packaging, then the buyer keeps the incorrect book, is refunded and the seller will not be paid.

We shall only process refund payments after 7 days of receipt of the book. Receipt of book is confirmed either using Royal Mail Track and Trace or reviewing the buyers account.

How long should I wait for my books?

In most cases books arrive within 5 to 10 working days. However, some sellers might not send the book immediately for a number of reasons, we advise you to contact the seller via your online mailbox for an update. Just login, click 'Mailbox' then 'New Message, type in the username of the person you wish to contact, write your message and click send.

What do we charge for selling books?

It is free to register and list your books, however on sale we charge 15% plus VAT of the total selling price plus an extra seventy six pence (£0.76) to cover our ever increasing bank charges. See Sellers Fees for more details.

How do I contact the buyer or seller?

We have built a very simple mailbox system that allows you to send messages to other registered users. Just login, click 'Mailbox' then 'New Message, type in the username of the person you wish to contact, write your message and click send. Once you have sent a message we send a notification email to the recipient informing them that they have a new message waiting in their inbox.

Can I buy from anywhere in the world?

Yes you can but you must be resident in the UK to sell.

How do I reactivate my account?

To reactivate your account you need to email us at support@booksetc.co.uk