We pride ourselves on getting your book or other item to you in the same condition as shown in the picture. Items are wrapped in ink free newsprint paper. Cardboard is used to surround the items. The item is either then inserted into a polybubble wrap mailer or a cardboard box for shipment. Gift wrapped items will be boxed to prevent damage to the wrapping.
Where possible we always combine the cost of your shipment. After adding items to your cart you can use the shipping estimator to see how much the shipping cost will be for your items. We can not combine media mail items and non-media mail items into one shipment and send them via media mail. However, we will provide you with the most economical methods of shipments, and options for faster shipment if needed.
COST
We offer you the choice of shipping methods to help meet your needs. You can choose slow and cheap or fast and more expensive. The cost of shipping and handling includes a delivery confirmation number. If you are new to media mail or you are not sure what choice is best for you please see our Mailing Guide to help you choose. It will explain what can be sent via media mail and the pros and cons of using each service for your purchase. We use a postal scale and we don't guess and overcharge you for shipping.
INSURANCE
Insurance is always available on all purchases. It is not automatically included in your purchase price for books. If insurance is included in the cost of shipping and handling for other items that we offer in the store, it will be stated in the item listing.
OUR LOW SHIPPING CHARGES
When you buy multiple items from us, you are only charged what we are charged for the additional weight of the extra items. This makes buying books and using media mail a great way to ship a lot of books inexpensively.
COST
The price of shipping books internationally has gone up dramatically. This price increase is 100% related to the cost we are charged by the US Postal Service. Try to take advantage of flat rate boxes, large flat rate boxes and flat rate envelopes to get the most books for your shipping dollar. We can work with you to fill up the box.
INSURANCE
Insurance is suggested but not required.
SPEED
Once we turn your purchase over to the US Postal Service for shipment, how quickly it gets to you is out of our control. The US Postal Service indicates that 1st Class international delivery times vary so it is impossible for us to guarantee a delivery time frame. Global priority mail generally takes between 6-10 business days for delivery. Delivery Tracking information is not available on First Class or Global Priority international shipments. The shipping charges for Global Express Mail that include tracking information are $30 at a minimum. If you need, and want to pay for a Global Express Mail shipment please let us know so that we can get it arranged for you.
CUSTOMS
Sometimes package deliveries are delayed by customs. This time delay is out of our control. Any customs duties or tariffs imposed by your country are your responsibility to pay for. We can not and will not be responsible for these charges.
LOST OR SLOW DELIVERY
We are always here to help you. Please contact us if you need assistance locating your package. We will do what ever is within our power to help you. If you purchase insurance, your full purchase price is protected in case your package is lost.
LOCATION
Our store is located in Divide Colorado near Colorado Springs. We ship the same day if possible, the next business day at the latest. How quickly your item gets to you depends on where you live and what method of shipment you choose.
YOUR SHIPMENT CHOICE
For shipment within the US, if the actual weight of your package is 8 oz or less your item will automatically ship via 1st class mail even if you paid for media mail. This can happen for several reasons, if your package weighs 8 oz it is cheaper for media mail but only by several cents. We want you to get your package as soon as possible especially during the holidays and we will pay those extra few cents on your behalf to do so. And sometimes by the luck of the draw your package squeaks under the expected packaged weight by an ounce. This can make a difference. We will give you the 1st class mail for faster delivery.
MEDIA MAIL
For qualified items we offer media mail: This makes buying books online affordable. However, it is the slowest method that the US Post Office has of shipment. It is the same speed as parcel post. Every other type of shipping method gets priority over parcel post and media mail. If you live in the West or Midwest you will receive your book faster in most cases than buyers on the east coast. The Post Office says to allow them 2-9 postal business days to receive your item when you use media mail. They don't include weekends or postal holiday as postal business days. And... with the holidays periods... it will get slower.
FIRST CLASS MAIL
If your packaged item weighs 13 oz or less it qualifies for 1st class mail. This is more expensive - but it will reach you more quickly. However, it will still reach you sooner in the West or Mid-West than it will on the East Coast. And around the holidays periods - it will get slower.
INSURANCE
Insurance is always available. It is at an additional cost so that our shipping rates stay low.