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How do I return my rental books?

Updated on February 10, 2026
Updated on 02/10/2026

Returning your rental to BooksRun is simple and free. Follow the steps below to ensure a smooth and hassle-free return process.

If you have multiple rental orders, each order should be shipped separately. All rental orders should be returned to the BooksRun address: 400 Adams Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19120. Returning items from different rental orders in separate packages is important to avoid processing issues. If items are unintentionally shipped together, contacting customer support promptly is recommended.

Note: if you see any signs stating "Cannot be returned if unwrapped", "This book is not a rental edition. You may keep this text”, please disregard and use the rental book. Those stickers are usually left by the publishers and only apply in case you buy directly from them, and it does not extend to our store.

Condition Expectations for Rented Books

Rental books may display minor wear, such as underlining or highlighting, but must remain in readable condition with all essential pages intact. Ensure supplemental materials, if applicable and included at the time of rental, are returned (this does not apply to access codes). Books should not incur additional damage while in your possession to avoid potential damage charges.

1. Access Your Account or Go to the Return Page

You can locate your return label in the email associated with your rental order. Make sure to check your inbox and spam folders for the email sent by BooksRun.

Registered Users:

Visit your Rental orders page (you might need to log in before proceeding).

Unregistered Users:

2. Print Your Free Return Shipping Label

The return label becomes available 25 days after the order placement and is generally valid for a period of 25 days once generated.

Ensure that you use the label promptly within 1-2 days to avoid any processing delays.

Choose one of two options to get your return label:

  • Option A: QR Code

    • Select the QR code option to show at the postal facility.

    • The mail carrier will print your label for you.

  • Option B: Print Label Yourself

    • Click the link “If you still want to print this label, click here”.

    • A printable label will be generated automatically for your order.

It is recommended to print the return label only when you are prepared to return the rental, as labels have expiration dates. You can find the exact expiration date of your label in your email regarding the return label, under the QR code provided.

Note: The date "Do not use it after [...]" in your return label email refers to the label expiration date, not your rental return deadline. Label expiration date indicates the timeframe the label is valid to use for shipping.

3. Pack Your Book Securely

  • A packing slip is not required if you're using the shipping label provided by BooksRun.

  • Review the Packing Guide to make sure your book arrives safely.

  • You may reuse the poly flexible mailer or other packaging materials, as there are no mandatory packaging requirements. However, ensure the book is well-protected to prevent any form of damage during transit, such as bending or water damage.

  • Be mindful that any damage to the book beyond normal wear and tear during transit could result in additional damage fees. BooksRun assesses these fees based on the extent of the damage upon inspection.

4. Ship the Book

  • Drop your package off at your local postal facility.

  • Using a QR code, just show it at the counter and they’ll take care of the rest.

Important Scanning Requirement: Prioritize having your package scanned at the post office before the return deadline. This creates a shipment record and validates the return within the required timeframe, helping to avoid late fees.

Return Deadlines: Ensure that your package is shipped before the return deadline. If you need an extension, review the details on your BooksRun account or contact support to request additional time.

BooksRun calculates late fees based on the shipping date, not the delivery date. This policy ensures that rentals shipped on, or before the due date, will not incur late fees, even if delivery is delayed.

As long as your order is scanned at the postal facility before the deadline, and the tracking receives updates, no late return charges should apply. Retain the carrier receipt and tracking details as evidence to contest any issues and ensure the shipment record aligns with the due date requirements.

Important note: active rental orders cannot be submitted as buyback items. Attempting to sell a non-expired rental back through the buyback program violates BooksRun’s rental policy and may result in additional charges.

If additional rental items are forgotten or need to be returned separately, use your own shipping label and include your order details. Ensure each shipment is sent to the appropriate address (400 Adams Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19120) and provide a tracking number for each item.

5. Email Confirmation

Once the book is checked back into the system, you will receive a notification to your contact email address.

Refunds or updates are typically processed within a timeframe of 3-5 business days after the book is checked into the system.

Additional Tips:

  • Clearly state your order number on the shipping label (e.g., "[Order Number] return").

  • Retain the return tracking number for record-keeping and to monitor the shipment's progress.

  • Use adequate packaging to prevent damage to the book during transit.

In case you did not find the information provided above helpful for your particular case, please write to us using chat widget and specify your order number and a description of your issue.

6. If Failed to Return

BooksRun may escalate overdue rentals to a third-party collections agency in cases where extension fees are unpaid. To prevent such situations, notifications are sent regarding any actions in relation to charges and rental deadlines, emphasizing timely returns to avoid such scenarios.

If you hadn't returned a rental item before the deadline, and the purchase price was charged, you can sell the books using our buyback program.

Related Questions:

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