Support
Buyback general
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How do I sell my books to BooksRun?
Type in the ISBN of the book you want to sell into the search box at the top of any page and click the Search button. You will see the buy, sell, and rent offers. After checking out, you'll have to print the prepaid shipping label and send your books within 5 days after creating the order.
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Have you received my books?
You can always check the tracking number that was given with the prepaid shipping label. It can be found on our website inside your order or in the shipping confirmation email. Please remember that packages are usually processed within 2–5 business days, and payment is issued within 4 business days after processing.
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What kind of books can I sell to you?
We buy back books and college textbooks. Make sure you have checked the Terms & Conditions to see what is meant by "New," "Used–Very Good," and "Used–Acceptable" condition, and also learn about the features of the books we do not buy.
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I live outside the US. Can I sell my books to you?
We do not provide prepaid shipping labels for international addresses. However, you can create an order and send the package at your own expense with any shipping company you like (please provide a tracking number and include a packing slip). Make sure you have read our Terms & Conditions.
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Why was my order cancelled?
If there are no USPS or FedEx tracking updates about your shipment, the order is automatically marked as canceled after 5 days. If you shipped the books in time, don't worry: the order will change back as soon as the update is submitted to the website. Alternatively, you can mark your order as Shipped to ensure that it won't get canceled without tracking updates.
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What is the minimum buyback order value?
The total value of one textbook buyback order should be higher than $10. This condition is imposed so we can provide free shipping labels for you.
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I cannot apply my promo code.
Please make sure that the text you enter exactly matches your coupon code. Most promo codes cannot be applied when you are redirected from price comparison or partner sites.
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What's the status of my order?
You can see the status of your order and payment inside your account in the Orders section. If the order shows as "Delivered," it should be processed within 2–5 business days (during the peak season, it may take a bit longer).
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Can I un-cancel my order?
Yes, you can re-activate your order and add 5 more days to your shipping deadline. To do that, go to your Orders section, find the order, and click the Recalculate button. This will refresh all book quotes and enable the order with a new shipping deadline.
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Will I be paid the insurance if my package is lost?
Yes, for buyback orders not exceeding $300 in total; and/or unless you have unchecked the insurance box prior to sending the quoted items.
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Why should I sell my books back?
Textbooks are high-priced on the book market, even used editions. Therefore, you can earn quite a bit of money by selling textbooks online. Check on BooksRun if there are any buyback offers for the books you have, and add them to your cart to proceed with your buyback order.
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Can I send my loose-leaf in a binder?
While you can send your loose-leaf book in a binder, please note that it will not affect your quote, and the binder will be disposed of once we receive the book.
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Can I only sell the books I bought from BooksRun?
We accept any books for sale, whether they were previously purchased with us or another vendor.
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Can I insure my shipment?
Yes, we provide insurance for all buyback orders under $300. The option to insure your shipment will be available in your order details once you obtain the shipping label.
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I forgot to apply insurance. What do I do?
You can purchase insurance for your buyback order in your order details until the order is shipped. The option is available below the shipping label button.
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What happens if you change the quote on my books?
In case the condition of the books we receive does not correspond to the condition initially stated in your order, we will open a dispute on the book price and notify you of the adjustment accordingly. You will have an option to either accept the adjusted price, or request return of the book in question.
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Do I need to include a packing slip?
As long as you use the shipping label provided by BooksRun, you do not need to include the packing slip.
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Can I add more books to my order?
Once an order is confirmed, you cannot add any more books. You should create a new buyback order for the books you have not quoted initially.
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Can I remove books from my order?
Once an order is confirmed, you cannot remove any of the stated books. You can, however, simply not ship the book if you change your mind. In such a case, you need to pay attention that the minimum total of your order remains $10.00; otherwise, shipping charges may apply. In case you want to leave out a book, please make sure to notify our customer support team.
Buyback ISBN
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What is ISBN?
The ISBN is a 10 or 13-digit number that is unique to a particular title, author, edition, and publisher. It can be found on the back cover of each book or inside on the copyright page.
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What if my book has more than one ISBN?
If a book has a sticker with an ISBN, you need to remove the sticker and focus on the number, which is located near the barcode printed on the back cover. If you have a loose leaf, in some cases, you may need to check the copyright page to find the correct ISBN.
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My book is an instructor's edition with the same ISBN. How do I get the quote?
Currently, we do not accept instructor's, teacher, or professional editions for our buyback program.
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Do you buy international editions?
Currently, we do not accept instructor's, teacher, or professional editions for our buyback program.
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I have a loose leaf edition. Where do I find the correct ISBN?
If you have a loose leaf/a la Carte edition, make sure that the ISBN you have quoted corresponds to this particular edition, not a hardcover or paperback. The correct ISBN of a loose leaf book may be located on the back cover or the copyright page. Binders are not returned.
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Do you accept audiobooks or items other than books?
We will accept only what is listed on our website, can be found using ISBN, and is not marked as "not accepted." Supplementary materials that come with the book need to be included in a pristine condition. Please contact us if you need further clarification.
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My book does not have an ISBN. Can I sell it to you?
For the order to be processed correctly, the book needs to have a barcode on the back cover, or a copy of the ISBN on the copyright page.
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How many copies of the book can I sell?
You may find whether we accept the number of copies you have by clicking “+“ button in your cart; the system will allow you to add only the number of copies we can buy at the moment.
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Your website cannot find my ISBN.
In case your ISBN is not avilable in our system, it means that the book cannot be sold to us due to multiple reasons, such as publisher’s request, custom print, limited sale, etc.
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The Sell button is not available to me, what does it mean?
In case the “Sell” button is not available, it means we are currently not buying the book in question. You may check out whether this book is available for sale later.
Buyback payments
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How can I get paid for my buyback order?
The payment for your buyback order can be issued via PayPal or check, depending on your choice.
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When will I get paid?
Payments are usually issued within 4 business days after order processing. Delivery of the check usually takes up to 20 business days. PayPal payments are instant.
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I didn't receive my payment via PayPal.
If you have received notification that your PayPal payment was issued but there is no sign of it, please make sure you have entered the correct and existing PayPal account. If the email was not linked to your PayPal account, please link it in order to claim your funds. If the email is correct and linked and you still did not get the payment, please contact us.
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I didn't receive my check.
Please note that delivery of the check usually takes up to 20 business days, depending on the proximity of your address to our location, and shipments are sometimes delayed. If your order shows as "Paid" for more than 20 business days and you still have not received your check, please contact us.
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Can I change my method of payment?
You can change the method of payment and/or PayPal address at any time in the Orders section before the order is processed.
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My quote was adjusted. What do I do?
If your quote was adjusted due to your book not meeting the buyback criteria, you can accept the adjusted quote or request a return within 72 hours after processing. The return shipping fee needs to be compensated by the customer.
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I have accepted the adjustment. Why is my order still on hold?
Your buyback order will be processed within 48 hours after accepting the adjustment.
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What payment methods do you have?
At the moment, available payment methods for buyback are check and PayPal.
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Can I track my check?
Due to security reasons, checks are not provided with tracking numbers. You can find the estimated delivery date in your payment confirmation email.
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I found an old check, can I still cash it?
You can try depositing the check to your account since it might still be valid. If the bank does not accept it, please contact us with an email address attributed to your active PayPal account or your correct mailing address so we could reissue the payment.
Buyback shipping
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How do I send my textbook buyback order to you?
Print a free shipping label provided to you with your buyback order. Pack your books and drop the package at the nearest USPS or FedEx office depending on your label type. Please do not use collection boxes because tracking numbers are updated only upon scanning at the post office, and you might end up with a late shipment.
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What shipping company do you use?
At the moment you may opt for either USPS or FedEx at your discretion.
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How many days do I have to ship my package?
You need to ship your package within 5 days after order placement so that your buyback quotes would be guaranteed. If you have missed the deadline, you can simply recalculate the quotes in your Orders section and have 5 more days to ship it. A late shipment without recalculation might lead to a quote adjustment.
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Can I use another shipping carrier?
If you don't want to use any of the prepaid shipping labels provided by BooksRun, you can ship the package to our address with any postal company you like at your expense. Make sure you do it within 5 days after order placement. Please provide the tracking number as soon as you ship the package and make sure to include the packing slip so we could identify your package and guarantee your quotes.
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How long does it take for my package to arrive?
With standard shipping rates, it can take up to 10 business days depending on your location (not taking into account the unintended shipping delays). For shipments outside the Mainland United States, it might take even longer.
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How do I pack my books?
Check out our Packing guide that may help you ensure safe delivery of your textbooks.
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I missed my shipping deadline, what can I do?
No problem, you can always recalculate your order before shipping and reset your deadline.
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I got only one label after order placement. Can I have more labels?
If only one label is automatically provided for your buyback order, unfortunately, we cannot give more. The type and amount of labels are estimated automatically by taking into account the total weight and price of the order.
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Can I print one label and put it on many boxes?
No, one label is provided for one box only. For any additional boxes that were shipped with this label, shipping fees may be deducted from the final buyback quote.
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What if my package is delivered damaged and with contents missing?
The insurance covers only the buyback orders which are lost in transit, and the tracking information on the mail carrier's website still indicates the shipment in progress. Packages that are marked as "Delivered" by the mail carrier are not compensated for even if received without contents.
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Can I ship the package from a shipping franchise center?
The package should be scanned in a timely manner; therefore, we recommend using USPS or FedEx offices (depending on what is stated on the label).
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Can I use a drop-off box?
If you drop the package off in a box, it may be processed and scanned with a significant delay. Therefore, we do not recommend using them in case you would like the original buyback quote to be guaranteed.
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What do I do with the QR code?
The QR code can be shown via phone at your local postal facility; the mail carrier assigned to the code is stated in the email below the code. The code will be scanned, and you will be provided with a printed out shipping label.
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Will the post office charge me?
Unless you buy packaging at the post office, the mail carrier should not charge you for using the QR code or printing the shipping label.
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Can I print my shipping label myself?
You can find the PDF file with your shipping label and packing slip in your order details under the QR code information.
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Can I ship several orders together?
Each buyback order should be shipped separately with the shipping label provided.
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What if I shipped my buyback orders in one box?
Shipping several buyback orders in one box may lead to processing issues, and the payment for the order cannot be guaranteed.
Buyback wholesale
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I have more than one copy of the same book. Will you take multiple copies?
We will take as many copies as the quantity setting in the Seller cart allows you to add. If you have more than that, you will need to contact us before sending them; otherwise, you may risk getting paid less than the original quote. Please put the items in one order and do not create multiple orders containing only one book; otherwise, the fees for each additional label would be deducted from your buyback quote.
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Do you have special prices if I sell large quantities of books?
We are always looking for clients like you and would happily pay extra in some cases.
Renting books
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What if I do not return my rental item before the deadline?
The rental item should be shipped back to us before the deadline. You can also extend your rental period for 15 days if you need the book for a bit longer. If your rental is not shipped in time, your card will be automatically charged with the extension fee. If the item is not returned until the second deadline, the purchase price will be charged.
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Can I get a refund for an item I rented from you?
We only refund items that were initially purchased. But you can always return the rental back to us for free.
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Can I buy the books I have rented?
Yes! You can buy the already rented books and textbooks on the rental order page.
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How do rental orders work?
Enter the ISBN of the book you would like to rent on our website. The “Rent” button will appear if the book is available for rent along with rental terms. The return label will become available 25 days after the order confirmation; you can get it from order details once you are ready to return the book. The return should be postmarked before the due date.
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What do I do with the QR code when returning my rental?
The QR code can be shown via phone at your local postal facility; the mail carrier assigned to the code is stated in the email below the code. The code will be scanned and you will be provided with a printed out shipping label.
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When do I need to return my book?
The rented book needs to be shipped back before the return deadline.
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Can I extend my rental term?
You can extend your rental order for $15.00 for 15 days within your order details. For longer, customized extensions please contact our customer support team.
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I returned an incorrect rental book. What do I do?
In case you shipped back the wrong item, please contact our customer support team at the earliest opportunity for further assistance.
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I received an incorrect rented book.
Please double-check the ISBN of the book received with your order details. If the ISBN does not match, please contact our customer support team at the earliest opportunity for further assistance.
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My rented book arrived damaged.
Please report any damage to the items received to our customer support team within 7 days after the order delivery.
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I sold my rental to you by accident, what can be done?
If you sold your rental via buyback order instead of using the return label, please contact our customer support team at the earliest opportunity for further assistance.
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Can I highlight in my rented book?
We advise against using highlighting in the rental items, as rented items should be returned in the same condition as received. However, you can use pencil markings that must be removed before return, as well as removable highlighting stickers.
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What do I do if I damage my rented book?
If your rental book got damaged by accident, please contact our customer support team with images of the damage for further assistance.
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Does my rental term start after the delivery of the book?
The rental term starts after the order is confirmed in the system.
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How many rental items can I order simultaneously?
At the moment, you can simultaneously rent 4 items.
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My rental came with an access code, can I use it?
Yes, you can use the access code received with your rental order.
Rental returns
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How do I return my rented books?
Go to the Return rental page. As a registered customer, you can view all your rental orders in your account. If you are a registered customer or a guest, you can also check specific rental order information directly by entering your order number and email on the Return rental page. On the next step, print out a free return shipping label. The return label becomes available 25 days after order placement. Finally, ship the book back to us for free.
You can read more about rental return steps and our rental and extension policy in our How to return your rental guide.
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Is the rental return shipping free?
Yes, you can find a free return shipping label inside your rental order on our website.
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How do I ship books without a shipping label?
If you can't print a shipping label yourself, you can use a special QR code to send your rental back to us. Check our detailed guide on QR codes and how to ship books without shipping labels.
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Can I return the book earlier?
The return shipping label becomes available 25 days after the order confirmation. In case you will need to return the book earlier, you will need to use your own shipping label.
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My rental term is 35 days, how do I return it on time?
To return your rental on time, make sure you postmark it before the due date.
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I did not receive my return label.
The return shipping label becomes available 25 days after the order confirmation. To retrieve the label, please click "Return rental" on the main page and enter your order number and email. You may also use the link provided in BooksRun notification emails.
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Will I receive a reminder to return the book?
Yes, you will receive a rental return reminder 10 days before your return deadline.
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Where do I return my rental?
All rental orders must be returned to our address, 620 E Erie Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19134.
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Do you need to receive the book by due date?
The rental order needs to be scanned at the postal facility by the return deadline date. It is not required for the order to be received at our facility on the due date.
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Where can I find my return label?
You can find your return label via link provided in the order notification emails, or by clicking “Return rental” on our main page.
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Do I need to include a packing slip with my rental return?
No, if you ship your rental order with the shipping label provided by BooksRun.
Purchasing books
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I bought an access code. Can you send it to me via email?
No, unfortunately, it is not possible. We can only ship unopened access cards to your postal address.
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How can I buy textbooks online for cheap?
If you want to stick to a tight budget, buy used textbooks. Second-hand college books come in good and like-new conditions and are well-suited for your learning purposes.
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Why was my order cancelled?
Your order may be cancelled due to one of the following reasons: you have submitted a cancellation request with us, the item is no longer in stock or the transaction has been declined by the bank.
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I cannot apply a coupon code I have.
At the moment, coupon codes are only available for buyback orders.
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What packaging do you use?
We use eco-friendly packaging supplies to minimize waste and pollution when we send packages to you. Cardboard boxes, paper tape, and paper filler (in cases when a filler has to be used). Overall, we try to minimize the packaging and fillers used. We don't use adhesive or duct tape.
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How do I cancel my order?
You may cancel your order in your order details within 30 minutes after order placement. In case you do not see the “Cancel” button, please contact our customer support team.
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How do I remove your stickers?
We recommend using a hairdryer to get the sticker off and for any remaining residue. However, our stickers have been updated to new, easily removable ones, to avoid such issues.
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Can my order be tax exempt?
Yes, we do provide tax exemption. Please contact our customer support team with your tax exempt certificate and account email. Make sure to fill out your account information beforehand.
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What does Marketplace mean?
Tab “Marketplace” on the item page means the book in question is purchased not with BooksRun, but a third-party seller instead. All the available sellers of the book in question will be listed.
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Do you sell new books?
Yes, we do. To purchase a brand new book directly from the publisher, look for the tab “New” on the item page.
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Can you include a note/message with the shipment?
No, such option is not availble to our customers at the moment.
Purchase shipping
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Do you ship books internationally?
We currently ship orders across the USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom, however, we keep adding new destination countries to the list.
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Do you ship overnight?
No, we do not ship overnight. The fastest shipping method we currently offer is FedEx 2-Day delivery.
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Can you ship to a military/APO/DPO/FPO addresses?
Yes, we do ship to military/APO/DPO/FPO addresses with USPS.
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What shipping options do you have?
We provide different types of shipping: free shipping (3-14 days), expedited shipping for $3.99 (up to 6 days) and two-day shipping for $6.99. Shipping options may differ for third party sellers.
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Can I expedite my shipping?
No, unfortunately, once the order is placed, the shipping method cannot be changed.
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I entered incorrect address. Can I change it?
You will not be able to change your address in your order details. Please contact our customer support team with your order number and correct address for help; alternatively, you may cancel your order and place a new one.
Purchase returns & refunds
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Can I get a refund for an item I bought from you?
Within 21 days after the delivery, you can send the item in the unused and undamaged condition back to our address, and we will issue a refund for the book after it is delivered and processed. Please note that access codes need to be unopened and unused; otherwise, the refund will not be issued. Please also remember that a restocking fee may apply for the items returned later than 21 days after the delivery.
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Can I get a replacement?
We do not provide replacements. The only option is to return the item for a refund.
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My book arrived damaged.
Please report any damage of the items received to our customer support team within 7 days after the order delivery.
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I received incorrect book.
Please double-check the ISBN of the book received with your order details. If the ISBN does not match, please contact our customer support team at the earliest opportunity for further assistance.
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My package arrived empty/with contents missing.
Please report any missing items/empty package to our customer support team within 7 days after the order delivery.
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Can I sell you my book if I cannot return it?
Yes, you can sell your book via our buyback program once the return option is no longer available for your order.
Affiliate program
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How do I make extra cash with BooksRun?
You can check our Affiliate program and join us. All you need to do is simply post a referral link on your Twitter, Facebook, blog, etc. and receive the commission on every sale coming from your link. It's an ideal passive income source for students and site/blog owners. Note: orders coming from your account do not count.
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What is the commission I can receive?
We provide a variable commission structure ranging 6%–9% depending on sales figures.
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Do you have the API?
Yes, we have price API both for buyback and for purchase/rentals; you just need to sign up with our affiliate program.
eBook usage
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What is an eBook?
An eBook is an electronic copy of a physical book or textbook produced by the same publisher. In their content, eBooks are identical to hard copies.
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What are the advantages of eBooks?
Buying and renting eBooks is often cheaper than purchasing hard copies. By getting your eBooks and eTextbooks with BooksRun, you can save up to 70% on your college book expenses. Getting eBooks is a more sustainable alternative to traditional physical books since you avoid shipping (and by this, you reduce your environmental impact), and no forest resources are needed to produce an eBook. On top of that, eBooks are incredibly user-friendly: the entire content is searchable, and you can highlight, make notes, and copy pieces of text (these functions can depend on your device). You don't need to carry heavy books around—all the knowledge will be at your fingertips!
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How do I access my eBooks?
Your eBooks are available immediately after the order has been verified. The access link is provided directly on the website and in the confirmation letter sent to the contact email address specified during the checkout.
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What are available eBook formats?
eBooks are available for purchase and rent in two formats: EPUB and PDF.
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Can I print my eBook?
Be careful! Not all eBooks can be printed! Publishers set restrictions around the use of "copy and paste" and printing for certain titles listed in their database. You can review the restrictions on the Product Details page for the eBook you have rented or purchased.
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What is the Redemption Code?
The Redemption Code is a unique number of symbols comprising 20 alphanumeric characters and binding your contact email to the eBook you purchased only. This is NOT a code for materials on the publisher's website and cannot be applied there.
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What should I do with the Redemption Code?
To redeem the code, you should download the Bookshelf app and log in there. Then, you go to the "Redeem Codes" tab, enter the Redemption Code from the order details there, and click "Redeem." Now your ebook appears on the bookshelf, and you can read it.
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I bought an access code, but it does not work!
Please make sure you have not entered the Redemption Code on the publisher's website, only via the Bookshelf app. Simply add the purchased Redemption Code on the bookshelf in the app, redeem it and once the book appears on the bookshelf, click the "Reveal Access Code" directly. Only the revealed code can be entered on the publisher's website. Please note the exact Course ID is required for certain access codes without knowing which code will not work.
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Can I get a refund for the Redemption Code?
Not always. If the ebook has already been added to the bookshelf in the app and the access code has been revealed, the order is no longer returnable in the bookstore and not refundable. Please refrain from redeeming the access code in case you do not have the Course ID.
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Can I get a refund once the code is revealed?
No. There are 3 warnings not to reveal codes in the system if you are not sure about the correct Course ID or wish for a refund.
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Do I need to have the exact Course ID for the eBook purchased/rented?
Yes, if you ordered an access code. Please make sure that you have the correct Course ID, which should be provided by the instructor specifically. Usually, a Course ID or instructor-provided link is required by Pearson, Cengage, LWW, and Elsevier to get access to materials on their websites.
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Should I enter the Redemption Code on the publisher’s website?
No. You can only enter the access code revealed on the bookshelf in the app, not the direct Redemption Code purchased.
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How do I return the eBook for a refund?
You should always contact us directly for refund verification within 14 days after the order placement. Please make sure you have neither revealed the access code nor scrolled 20% of the contents provided.
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Where are my supplements in the eBook?
Be careful while placing an order for eBooks since media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the eBook version.
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I am an instructor, what should I do with the access code purchased?
Please be informed access codes are provided for students only. Registration procedure for teachers and instructors differs, so you should contact the corresponding publisher directly for precise instructions.
Other
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I didn't find my answer!
If your question remains unanswered, please either contact us or call us toll free at (347) 779-2511 from 8 am to 3 pm Eastern Time (Monday–Friday).
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I didn't receive the order notification!
All notifications regarding confirmation, shipping information, newsletters, and other emails related to your order are sent directly to the contact email you provided during the checkout. Please verify the credentials and email spelling entered prior to proceeding. If there is no email in "Inbox," please check such folders as "Spam," "Social," or "Promotions," depending on your settings. Please note that .edu domains may automatically redirect notification emails to the "Spam" folder due to the protection system.
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Where are you located?
We are located at 620 East Erie Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19134.
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What is your contact number?
Out contact phone number is (347) 779-2511.
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Are you legit?
We are available on ShopperApproved, TrustPilot, and SiteJabber, and we are also BBB-accredited.
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Do you sell on eBay?
Yes, we do sell on eBay, our store is available under the seller name Booksrun.
Account
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Can you delete my account?
Please contact our customer support team for your account to be disabled.
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Can you change my email?
To change your account email, please contact our customer support team from your previous and new email address for confirmation and security purposes.
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I cannot find my order in my account.
In case your order is not available in your account, it might mean you placed it from a guest account instead. Please contact our customer support team for more information.
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Can I have multiple accounts?
No, only one account per person is allowed.
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Why was my account disabled?
Your account may be disabled due to counterfeit items detected in your orders, or because of the linked accounts.
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Can you reinstate my account?
In case your account was disabled due to counterfeit items, it will be reinstated within 30 days after verification from our accounting department.
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Do you have any affiliated marketplaces?
Yes, our venue also operates on such marketplaces as Valore, Abebooks, Alibris, Walmart, TextbookX and eCampus.