Shipping, Returns & FAQs
Everything you need to know about ordering from Ardis Books — from dispatch times to condition grading and returns.
Shipping Information
UK Delivery
- Royal Mail Tracked 24: aims to deliver the next working day
- Royal Mail Tracked 48: aims to deliver within 2–3 working days
- Every UK parcel is tracked, and you'll be sent the tracking number
- Postage is priced by the weight of your parcel and shown before you pay
International Delivery
- All international orders are sent tracked
- Priced by destination and weight, shown before you pay
- Europe: 5–10 working days · USA & Canada: 7–14 · Rest of world: 10–21
All orders are dispatched within one to two working days of payment being received. You will receive a confirmation email when you order and another when your order has been posted, including tracking information where applicable.
Collectable books are packed with exceptional care — each order is wrapped in acid-free tissue, protected with bubble wrap, and placed in a sturdy outer box. We take presentation seriously.
International customers are responsible for any customs duties or import taxes that may apply in their country. These charges are outside our control and are not included in the shipping cost.
Returns & Refund Policy
We take great care to describe every book accurately, including its condition, any marks or imperfections, and the completeness of any slipcases or accompanying materials. We want you to feel confident before you buy.
Changed your mind? As a distance buyer you may cancel your order for any reason within 14 days of receiving it — just email us, then return the books within a further 14 days. We refund the price plus standard delivery once the books are back with us; return postage for change-of-mind returns is paid by you. Full details, including a model cancellation form, are in our Terms & Conditions.
Something wrong? If a book arrives damaged, is the wrong item, or is materially different from its description, contact us within 14 days of receipt and we will arrange a full refund, including your return postage costs. As every book we sell is a single, unique copy, we are usually unable to offer a replacement.
We Cover Return Postage When
- The item significantly differs from its description
- The item arrived damaged in transit
- You received the wrong item
You Cover Return Postage When
- You’ve simply changed your mind (your 14-day right)
- Imperfections were accurately described in the listing
To start any return, please email orders@ardis.co.uk with your order reference. Please don’t post anything back before contacting us first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you grade the condition of your books?
We grade every book on an eight-point scale: Fine, Near Fine, Very Good+, Very Good, Good+, Good, Fair and Poor. Where an item has multiple parts — a slipcase, dust jacket and the book itself, for example — we grade each part individually and then give the product an overall rating. Each listing includes a detailed written description in addition to the grades.
Do your books come with slipcases and original packaging?
Where a slipcase or other original packaging is included, this will be clearly stated and described in the listing. If it is not mentioned, it is not included. We never omit this information.
Can I request more photographs of a book before buying?
Absolutely. If you would like additional photographs of any item — spine, boards, interior, or any area of particular interest — please get in touch and we will be happy to help.
Do you buy collections as well as sell them?
Yes. We are always interested in hearing from collectors looking to sell, particularly Folio Society, Easton Press, and Franklin Library editions. Please visit our selling page for details.
Do you offer gift wrapping or gift messages?
At present we do not offer gift wrapping, though we hope to in the future. If your order is a gift and you would like us to omit the invoice from the packaging, just tell us in the notes box at checkout.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as PayPal. All transactions are processed securely. We do not store any payment details.
Every Book Has a History.