Frequently Asked Questions

Following are some frequently asked questions about Book Bargains that we thought might be helpful to answer for you.

Questions about finding the books you want

Question: Where is the search function?

Answer: Because Book Bargains is like an online factory outlet for books, we can only stock what publishers make available. Also, because we only launched recently, we are still building up our range of books. Therefore, we made a conscious decision not to include a search function at this stage, as it would most likely result in fruitless searches.

However, we do recognise that many, if not most, web users like to search rather than browse. So as our stock begins to grow, we are now looking at introducing a search function that will satisfy our users and not disappoint them.

Meantime, we encourage you to browse or scroll through the categories, as we believe we have something for everyone. Books are displayed alphabetically in 24 topic based categories. There is also a "What's New" section which features the most recently added titles from all categories, again displayed alphabetically.

We have further plans to improve website usability, but are keen to hear from our customers with constructive feedback and any customers who would be interested in taking part in user testing.

So if you wish to help us make our site better for all, please feel free to email us at or call 1300 727 640.

Question: I'm looking for a specific book by a specific author. Do you have it?

Answer: Because Book Bargains is like an online factory outlet for books, we can only stock what publishers make available. Also, because we only launched recently, we are still building up our range of books. Therefore, there's a good chance we may not have the specific book you're looking for.

Our books are categorised by topic and books within each category are displayed alphabetically. If you do not have time yourself to scroll through the categories to look for the specific book you want, please give us a call and we will be able to tell you pretty quickly whether or not we stock the title. We might also be able to suggest a suitable alternative.

Question: Are you able to obtain a specific book if I request it?

Answer: Being like an online factory outlet for books, what you see is what we have. We offer outstanding discounts and deliver faster than anyone else because everything we promote is currently in stock. But unfortunately we cannot order in specific books upon request. Other online book stores may be able to help, such as Amazon or Abe Books.

Nevertheless, please do tell us what you are looking for anyway, so we can be on the lookout for discounted stock by the same author in future.

Question: Why can't I find the book I want?

Answer: We hope you can find the book you want, however, we are limited to what publishers make available. We obtain these books at incredible discounts as the publishers want to move them quickly to make room for new prints – they don't have room to store small quantities of remaining stock.

So while they are all in brand new condition and in most cases bestsellers, they usually can't find big distributors who are willing to buy such small quantities. We are willing to buy smaller quantities and have the ability to store these at our specially set up warehouse in Alexandria, in Sydney's inner south and hence, we are able to pass on these great discounts to you, our customer.

Question: What kind of books do you stock?

Answer: We stock all types of books and focus on recent and all-time bestsellers. In Fiction and Literature for example, you will find well-known authors such as Joanna Trollope. In Crime, Thriller and Mystery, authors such as James Patterson and Ian Rankin are well represented. Children's books stock perennial favourites such as Bob the Builder and Rainbow Fish and Friends. However, the list is constantly changing, so we encourage users to keep an eye on the What's New section and also consider signing up for our free email newsletter.

Question: Are your books new or second hand?

Answer: All our books are in brand new condition. In some rare cases, they may be left over stock previously promoted overseas so may carry a discount sticker on the cover in British pounds or US dollars. Please disregard this price sticker as it has nothing to do with the price you pay via Book Bargains. The books are otherwise in mint condition.

Question: Do you sell audio books?

Answer: From time to time, we do get in stock some audio books, usually for young children. There is no separate category for them on the website. If we have any, you will find in the normal topic based categories.

Question: What do you mean when you say stocks are strictly limited?

Answer: Publishers control how many copies of each book they are prepared to sell to our supplier at heavily discounted prices and this can often be a one-off event for each title, simply so the publisher can clear stock. This means that we might only ever receive a handful of copies. Because we discount so heavily and customer demand is so high, it means that if you see a book you want today, it might disappear from the website tomorrow because it has sold out. Once the last copy is sold, we are not usually able to replenish. So, if you want a bargain, you need to be quick!

Question: How old are the books on Book Bargains?

Answer: They are backlist titles, but they are not old. Most books were published within the last 2-3 years and are in brand new mint condition.

Questions about ordering and delivery

Question: I have seen some books on your site I would like to buy. Are they in stock?

Answer: Yes. Unlike most other major online bookstores, ALL our books are in stock. Some of the major online bookstores stock as little as 5% of the books they display in their online catalogues. This means it can sometimes take several weeks to source the book you ordered and get it to you.

We know it's frustrating to wait, so that's why all our books are dispatched within 24 hours of your order being received. Many of our customers have been delighted to report that orders they have placed on one day arrived the very next day!

Question: How long will it take for my books to be delivered?

Answer: When you submit your order, it goes straight to our warehouse in Alexandria. Once you confirm your order, we guarantee it will be dispatched within 24 hours. If your order is received before midday, it will be dispatched the same day. If it's received in the afternoon, your order will be dispatched before noon the next working day. Thanks to the efficiency of Australia Post, in many cases our customers tell us that books ordered one day arrived on their doorstep the very next day!

Question: How are the books packed?

Answer: Once your order is placed, our warehouse staff, in Alexandria, in Sydney's inner south, close to major transport links, take it off the incoming orders on the computer and collect and pack your order from the warehoused supplies. Our small team of dedicated staff work 7 days a week to fulfil your orders so that you can get the best service possible. Depending on the size of the order, they are packed in either bubble-wrapped envelopes and posted via Australia Post, or in boxes and delivered by specialised carriers.

Question: How are my books delivered?

Answer: We have found that Australia Post delivers to most parts of the country quickly, efficiently and safely, so most of your orders are delivered in bubble-wrapped or padded bags depending on the size of the order. In many cases, orders are received by our customers the very next day.

Question: Can I return a book if it is damaged?

Answer: If you ever receive your books damaged in transit, please retain the packaging and return them to us within 10 working days from the date your order was dispatched to you. If we still have sufficient stock, we will send you a fresh copy. If not, we can either provide a credit note, or give you a full refund. We want to ensure that you remain a satisfied customer.

Questions about payment

Question: What payment methods do you accept?

Answer: We offer three payment methods:

By far the quickest method is to pay online using PayPal, ensuring the books you want do not get sold whilst your payment is being processed. It is also a very secure payment method. Once you register with PayPal, you can purchase goods from multiple websites, but only PayPal will see your credit card details.
You may also phone us direct on 1300 727 640 and provide your credit card details. We accept Visa and Mastercard and will soon offer American Express as well.
We also accept cheques for orders over $100. Simply fill your shopping cart as normal, but instead of proceeding to the online check out and payment by PayPal, you can print out your shopping cart and post it to us along with your cheque. As soon as your cheque has cleared, we will dispatch your order. However, we should point out that stock is strictly limited and by posting your order to us, you may run the risk of the stock being sold out by the time your payment has cleared. Therefore, where possible we encourage payment either online by PayPal, or over the phone by credit card.

Question: Do I have to pay through PayPal?

Answer: No. PayPal is a secure and safe method to pay for goods online. Once you register with PayPal, you can purchase goods from multiple websites, but only PayPal will see your credit card details.

However, if you would prefer not to use PayPal, you can call us on 1300 727 640 and give your credits card details over the phone. We accept Visa and Mastercard.

Question: Do you accept payment by cheque?

Answer: Yes, if you order is at least $100. You may fill your shopping cart as normal, but instead of proceeding to the online check out and payment by PayPal, you can print out your shopping cart and post it to us along with your cheque. As soon as your cheque has cleared, we will dispatch your order.

However, we should point out that stock is strictly limited and by posting your order to us, you may run the risk of the stock being sold out by the time your payment has cleared. We therefore encourage payment either online by PayPal, or over the phone by credit card.

Question: Can I pay you direct with my credit card if I phone you?

Answer: Yes. If you feel uncomfortable using PayPal, or are just not interested in using this method of payment, please feel free to call us on our 1300 727 640 number and we will process your credit card payments over the phone.

Question: How much is freight and handling?

Answer: Freight and handling is FREE for all orders over $50. For orders of $50 or less, a flat rate of $7 applies to anywhere in Australia.

Questions about Book Bargains

Question: Who are Book Bargains?

Answer: Book Bargains is 100% Australian owned and operated by husband and wife team, Murray Finlayson and Wilma Rietveld. We source all our books personally from here and overseas and pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service. Maintaining this 'personal touch', we use a small warehouse operation in Alexandria, Sydney, close to fast distribution points, in order to get books to customers in an unbeatable timeframe.

With 20 years' experience in the publishing industry, Murray began working in business magazines then migrated to internet publishing in 1998, just when the internet was beginning to take off. He worked continually through the 'boom' and 'bust' periods of the dot com era and understands the power of the internet and why it is making such a strong comeback. He believes that with a simple-to-use website and an efficient fulfilment operation, he can deliver the cost savings and customer service book buyers are looking for.

A former teacher, Wilma has worked in Human Resources for many years and has also been an editor in the publishing industry.

Murray and Wilma have been married for 10 years and have two energetic young boys, Hamish 3 and Harris 1, and live on the Northern Beaches in Sydney.

Question: How long has Book Bargains been in operation?

Answer: We launched in September 2007 and have been delighted by the overwhelming positive feedback from customers so far. They are amazed at how cheap our books are and how quickly they are delivered.

Question: Your website looks pretty basic. Why don't you have a flashier looking website?

Answer: Our website is deliberately kept simple and easy to use for two reasons. Firstly, we know that you simply want to place your order quickly and efficiently. Secondly, by not spending too much money on an overly-complicated website, we can afford to keep our costs down and pass the savings on to you our customer.

Question: What does signing up to your email newsletter mean? Will I be spammed by all and sundry?

Answer: Signing up to our email newsletter simply means you will receive a regular email outlining what new books have arrived and what special offers we have for you. Featured authors and reviews will also form part of the newsletter as well as comments from other customers.

Our promise to you is that we will not pass your details on to third parties so you can rest assured you will not start receiving emails from unknown sources through us. Our objective is to ensure that you, our valued customer, is kept up to date and informed of our latest offerings. This benefits all of us – you get the latest books, and we are able to turn over our stock even more quickly, thus enabling us to keep our costs down and pass those savings on to you.

Question: How can I contact you?

Answer: We welcome anyone calling us on our 1300 727 640 number. You may call us anytime you wish. If we are unable to take the call, please leave a message and we will call you back promptly. Alternatively, you can email a message to us.

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