FREE Delivery for all orders over £15 (in the UK only)
General Information
What is the history of StrangeBooks?
StrangeBooks was established in 2023 to provide a reliable solution for purchasing secondhand books online. We understand the frustration of buying a book described as being in ‘good’ condition, only to receive something far below that standard. At StrangeBooks, we take multiple photographs of each book we sell, ensuring you can see exactly what you’re getting before you make a purchase.
What mades StrangeBooks unique compared to other bookshops?
We operate exclusively online and to guarantee your satisfaction, we photograph every book we sell, not just the expensive ones! This allows you to see exactly what you’re purchasing before making a decision.
What are your operating hours?
As an online company, we are available 24/7/365. However, since we are only human, we can only respond to enquiries during regular business hours. That said, you might occasionally receive a response outside of these hours from time to time.
Where can I find updates or news about StrangeBooks?
There are several ways to stay updated with what’s happening at StrangeBooks. Firstly, check out the ‘Latest News‘ section on our website. We’re also active on most social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. Additionally, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter here.
Products and Inventory
What types of books do you sell?
We are primarily a secondhand bookshop, with 99% of our stock consisting of secondhand books. We offer both fiction and non-fiction titles. While we do occasionally carry a few new books, this is currently quite rare. Additionally, we provide a book finding service if you are looking for something specific.
How often is your inventory updated?
Our inventory is updated regularly, but the frequency can vary. We strive to add new stock as soon as it comes in, so there’s always something fresh to discover. To stay informed about the latest arrivals, we recommend checking our website frequently. We also announce new stock updates through our social media channels and monthly newsletter, ensuring you never miss out on newly available books.
How can I find a specific book on your website?
If you are searching for a specific book, use the search facility located at the top of the website when using a computer browser. On mobile devices, the search option is found at the bottom of the screen. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch. We might have it among the books waiting to be listed, and if not, we can certainly keep an eye out for it for you.
What condition are the secondhand books in?
Every book that comes into StrangeBooks is thoroughly inspected before being listed. Each book is photographed and a detailed description is added to the listing. For a quick reference, we use industry standard terms such as “good,” “very good,” and “as new” condition. We generally avoid listing books in poor condition, but occasionally we have copies that we believe may be of interest to someone, and these are listed with appropriate notes and of course, images.
Are all books listed on the website available for immediate purchase?
Yes, all books listed are available and ready to ship.
Ordering and Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept most common cards including VISA, Mastercard and American Express. We also accept Apple and Google Pay.
Is it safe to use my credit card on your website?
Yes, it is completely safe to use your credit card on our website. We use industry-standard encryption technologies to ensure that your personal and payment information is securely transmitted and protected. Our website is SSL certified, meaning all transactions are encrypted to prevent unauthorised access. Additionally, we comply with all relevant data protection regulations to safeguard your privacy and financial details. If you have any further concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Can I cancel or modify my order after placing it?
Unfortunately, once an order has been placed, changes cannot be made directly. If you wish to cancel your order, please email us at [email protected]. If your order has not yet been dispatched, we will process the cancellation and issue a refund.
If you need to make changes to your order, please contact us at [email protected], and we will do our best to accommodate your request. However, once the order has been dispatched, no changes can be made. If you wish to cancel an order after it has been dispatched, you will need to wait for it to arrive and then follow our refund policy.
How can I track my order?
All orders are dispatched using the Royal Mail 48 Tracking service. After your order has been dispatched, you will receive a tracking code. You can use this code on the Royal Mail website to monitor the progress of your delivery.
Shipping and Delivery
What shipping options do you offer?
We use Royal Mail 48 Tracking for all our orders to ensure peace of mind for our customers, allowing them to monitor their order’s progress.
Do you ship internationally?
Currently, we ship within the UK, USA, and Canada. If you are outside these regions and wish to place an order, please contact us, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
How long will it take to receive my order?
We aim to dispatch all orders within 24 hours of placement (excluding weekends and bank holidays). However, unforeseen circumstances may cause delays. We will notify you if there is any delay with your order. Once dispatched, Royal Mail Tracked 48 aims to deliver within 2 to 3 working days. You will receive a tracking code to monitor your shipment.
What are the shipping costs?
Shipping costs are displayed at checkout and depend on the size and weight of the book. We offer free delivery for orders over £15 within the UK.
How can I track my shipment?
You will receive a tracking code for your order, which can be used on the Royal Mail website to track its progress.
What should I do if my order hasn’t arrived?
First, check the tracking code on the Royal Mail website to see the status of your order. If you still have concerns, please contact us for further assistance.
Returns and Refunds
What is your return policy?
We offer a 30-day return policy, allowing you to request a return within 30 days of receiving your item.
To qualify for a return, the item must be in its original condition and in its original packaging (if applicable).
To initiate a return, please contact us at [email protected]. If your return is approved, we will provide you with a return shipping label and detailed instructions on how to send your package. Please note that items returned without prior authorisation will not be accepted.
For any questions regarding returns, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].
Will I get a full refund for returned books?
As long as you follow our return policy then you will be refunded in full. Please click here for the full refund policy.
How long does it take to process a return?
Once we receive and inspect your returned order at StrangeBooks, we strive to process your refund on the same day. Please be aware that it may take 3-5 working days for the refund to appear in your account, a timeframe over which we have no control. You will receive an email confirmation once the refund has been processed.
What should I do if I receive a damaged or incorrect book?
Please check your order upon receipt and contact us right away if the item is defective, damaged, or incorrect. This allows us to assess the issue and resolve it
Miscellaneous Questions
Do you have a newsletter?
Absolutely! We send out a monthly newsletter at the beginning of each month. It’s packed with the latest updates from StrangeBooks, including exclusive discounts and special offers for our subscribers. Sign up here.
Do you offer gift wrapping?
While we don’t provide gift wrapping as a standard service, we’re happy to accommodate special requests. Please get in touch with us if you need gift wrapping, and we’ll do our best to assist you.
Can you help me find a rare or out-of-print book?
Definitely! Our book spotting service is designed to help you locate any book you’re looking for, whether it’s rare, out-of-print, or just hard to find. Learn more about our book spotting service here.
Can I follow you on social media?
We’d love that! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter). We also have a TikTok account, though we’re still getting the hang of it!