If you have a question about ordering, subscriptions, postage, or anything else, you're in the right place. Just browse the answers below, or drop us a line any time.
Deliveries
When will my order be shipped?
We aim to despatch all orders within 48 hours (not including Sundays and Bank Holidays when postal services are unavailable) . Usually, your order will be posted the next working day.
What delivery service do you use?
We use Royal Mail services to make sure every package is safe and secure - not thrown over hedges, or abandoned on doorsteps with erroneous squiggles for signatures.
Royal Mail has recognised and safe processes on a national scale, if you are out, or to arrange collection or redelivery. Their tracking system is nationwide and works well.
How are orders posted?
All orders are sent by 2nd class post (letter post for single books under 750g) by small packet post. We have a tracking number for every shipment which can be given to you on request. Most books have to go this way because they don't fit through the letterbox.
How do you send expensive and rare books?
Items over £50 will be sent by SIGNED 2nd class post, to ensure they are covered by postal insurance and to ensure their safe receipt, with no additional cost to you, the customer.
How do you send international orders?
All international orders of under £50 in value are sent by 2nd class STANDARD AIRMAIL which does not include tracking or signatures. Any orders above £50 will be sent tracked and signed for your peace of mind, but at no additional cost to you the customer.
Where do you ship to?
Worldwide... We have three 'zones' for postage costs. UK is always post free for all orders. Europe is £12.75 and Rest of World including USA and Australia is £18.50 for up to 2kg.
How long will my order take?
The million dollar question... This depends on where you live, how often your postman delivers to you, whether he is weighed down with too many parcels that day, whether there is still a reduction in staff at the sorting offices due to Covid pandemic, or because of social distancing legislation at work. We can provide tracking numbers for every small packet and official Post Office guidance is 3 to 5 working days.
Returns & Exchanges
What happens if I get the wrong book?
We will always replace it with the correct book at no cost to you the customer. No need to return the 'wrong' title to us, you can keep it at no charge to read until the new book arrives, with our compliments.
What happens if I don't like the book?
A difficult question, as you could in theory read it before sending it back and it is impossible to prove that it is unread. So we only accept returns and exchanges for books that arrive damaged, and these we replace quickly at no cost.
How do I ship my order back to you?
Just turn the bag inside out, tape up the book and send it to: Old Curiosity Bookshop, The Old Mission Hall, Bourtree Terrace, Hawick, Scottish Borders, TD9 9HN.
Subscriptions
What is a book subscription?
A book subscription is a recurring order where we handpick and post a selection of secondhand books to you each month (or quarter) based on your chosen genre. It's a lovely way to discover reads you might never have picked up yourself, delivered straight to your door.
What genres are available?
We have a huge range to choose from: Crime, Thriller, Historical Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Classics, Biography, Poetry, Cookery, Gardening, True Crime, Young Adult, and many more. If you can't find exactly what you're looking for, get in touch and we'll do our best to put something together for you.
Can I buy a subscription as a gift?
Absolutely - subscriptions make a wonderful gift for any book lover. We're happy to gift wrap each delivery and include a personal card with your message. Just add your note in the message box at the checkout.
How often will I receive my books?
Most subscriptions are sent monthly, though we also offer a quarterly option (four books every three months) if you'd prefer a less frequent delivery. Take a look at the Subscriptions page to see what's available.
Can I cancel my subscription at any time?
Yes. There's no long-term commitment; you can cancel your subscription whenever you like. If you have any questions about managing your subscription, just drop us a line and we'll sort it out for you.
