Thank you for visiting our website.  We love that it allows you to "visit" us 24 hours a day.  Like all technologies, it does raise questions.  Here's a little general information to help you out.  Please do e-mail us if you need additional help.

Search

The search box allows you to poke around in a database of over 2.5 million titles, most of which are available to order.  It's a general keyword search that looks for words in the title and author's name.  If you enter a general subject of interest, you will see items that have those words in the title.  Go wild with it and see what turns up!

Checkout  

Our secure online checkout collects your information only for payment purposes.  You will not be added to our mailing list unless you opt in here.  Our processor authorizes charges to your card, but we do not confirm these until we have processed your order--so you won't be billed for a book that will not ship.  And no human ever sees your credit card information.  It is expunged as soon as the transaction is completed. 

Picking up your order in the store

We have a lot of books on the shelf, but not nearly as many as are included in our 2.5 million-title database!  Our 1600-square-foot shop just can't hold them all.  If you choose in-store pickup, titles not on the shelf here will be shipped to us by our wholesaler.  Most titles that are listed as "Usually ships in 1-5 days" can be in the store within 2-3 days.  Please allow us to call or e-mail you to let you know when your book has arrived.

Ordering books to be shipped

Of course, like other online retailers, we offer you the ability to place orders and have them shipped.  Shipping charges will vary with the method you choose.  For reliable speed, we recommend UPS Ground. UPS 2-Day is an option for rush orders.  If you need a book even faster, please call and talk directly with a member of our staff.  Do also keep in mind that if you order late in the day (after about 3pm Pacific), UPS may not actually pick up your order until the following day.

Availability of books

Our database of over 2.5 million books includes books that will leave the warehouse immediately, as well as items that are not readily available to ship.  Allow us to decode those availability notes for you.

• Usually ships in 1-5 days: This book is either in the store or ready to go in our fulfillment partner's warehouse.  It will be packed and sent out at once.
• Not yet published: This book is not yet released.  It can be pre-ordered, and will ship as soon as it is available. 
• Special order-subject to availability: This book is not currently available from our fulfillment partner.  We will need to check with other distributors, or the publisher.  This will cause a delay in fulfilling your order.  If you have a deadline, please call or e-mail us so we can make sure your book will be in on time!  And occasionally, books that are listed this way prove to be...
• Out of print: This book is no longer available to be ordered as a new book.  It is in the database for information purposes only.  (It's the equivalent of Our Online Neighbor's designation "Available From These Sellers.")  We can look out for used copies, direct you to other used-book resources, or begin an Out-of-Print Search.  

These are the basics.  We understand that questions may arise specific to your needs and situation.  Please remember that we are a real, bricks-and-mortar store--humans are here to help you!