Home Help Desk Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions


How can I check on my orders? Can I track the package?

We offer online order status, a feature that will let you check on your past and pending orders. Just click the Order Status link at the top right of any page. This will take you to the Order Status page, where you can view the details of past or pending orders. To review the status of a single order, you are required to enter the order number and the email address that was used to place the order. Account holders have the option of checking multiple orders by simply signing into their account. Once you have signed into your account, click on the Order Number you are inquiring about, or the corresponding "Check your order" link.

When viewing your order status, you'll be able to see which items have already shipped and which are in process. If your order was shipped by UPS or Federal Express, we'll include a tracking number.

What does Easy Returns mean?

It's easy to return an item if you're not satisfied. We will issue a refund to your original form of payment for items returned within 14 days. Items must be returned in their original condition; shrink-wrapped products must be unopened.

Returning Items Bought from Barnes & Noble.com

Your packing slip provides specific return instructions and addresses — please refer to it for details.

Most Items
Returns are accepted within 14 days of the date that you received your order. Books, DVDs and CDs (in their original, unopened, shrink-wrapped condition), and Toys & Games can be mailed with the original packing slip to:
Barnes & Noble
Returns Department
1 Barnes & Noble Way
Monroe Township, NJ 08831
Or, if you prefer, bring the item and your packing slip to any Barnes & Noble Bookstore within 14 days of receipt. Please call your local store for more details.

NOTE: If you used PayPal to complete your order, the store will give you a Barnes & Noble Gift Card or in-store credit.

Audiobook MP3s
Since an Audiobook MP3 is a digital product, there is nothing to return. If you are dissatisfied with the Audiobook MP3, please call Customer Service at 1-800-THE-BOOK (1-800-843-2665). If you are calling from outside the United States, dial 201-559-3882. You may also send an email.

Marketplace Items
Within 30 days, any item purchased from our Marketplace can be returned to the Authorized Seller indicated on the packing slip. The refund will be issued once the Seller confirms that the item is in the same condition that you received it, and processes the return through Barnes & Noble.com's system.

If you don't have the packing slip, you can look up your Order Status and click the Check Status button next to the item. You will see the Seller's e-mail address, which you can use to contact the seller for return procedures.

Returning Items from Other Vendors
If you would like to return an item that you purchased from another vendor, please check the packing slip for specific return instructions and addresses.

Items That Cannot Be Returned
We are unable to accept returns for NOOKbooks, magazines, downloadable PDFs for SparkNotes and Quamut products, gift cards, and shrink-wrapped items that have been opened.

Bulk orders of 50 or more copies are non-returnable.

If your return is shipped or brought to a store after the timeframes indicated above or without a packing slip, we regret that we cannot issue a refund or send the merchandise back to you.

NOTE: Shipping charges are non-refundable.

Returning Items Bought in Barnes & Noble Bookstores

Barnes & Noble Bookstores make it easy to return an item when you are not satisfied.

Simply bring the item and your cash register receipt to your local Barnes & Noble Bookstore for a refund to your original form of payment or, if you have a gift receipt, for a refund as a gift card. Please call your local Barnes & Noble Bookstore for more information.

Is it safe to use my credit card?

Yes. We use the latest encryption technology to keep your information safe. We guarantee that each purchase you make is protected and safe. If fraudulent charges are ever made, you will not have to pay for them. See our guarantee details.

What is your privacy policy?

At Barnes & Noble.com we are committed to respecting and protecting your privacy. We believe that our site should be a safe environment for anyone who visits and purchases. As a seller of information-related products, we are also committed to providing you the best possible online service and experience as well as the best products. See our complete Privacy Policy.

What are my payment options?

We accept American Express, MasterCard, Discover, Visa, Diners Club, JCB, PayPal, Barnes & Noble Gift Cards, Gift Certificates, and purchasing cards. If you want to call in your credit card information and complete your purchase by phone, you can. Just select the Pay by Phone option during Checkout and place your order. You'll receive an email with easy steps to complete your order by calling 1-800-THE-BOOK (1-800-843-2665), 7am-11pm (ET) / 7 days a week. Customers outside the U.S., please call 201-559-3882.

Please Note: Store Credit issued by Barnes & Noble stores may not be used online. Gift Certificates and purchasing cards cannot be used to purchase Marketplace Items from our Authorized Sellers. For more details, please review our payment options.

We also accept purchase orders from companies and organizations that have established a purchase order account with Barnes & Noble.com.

You may not use Gift Cards, eGift Cards, Online Gift Certificates or PayPal to purchase rental materials from the Website.

What are my shipping options?

We ship our products around the world, using a variety of shipping options and delivery methods. Learn more about shipping options.
 
The total time it will take to receive an item is determined by adding the time shown in its shipping availability message to the number of days your chosen shipping method will take. For example, if the item you want to order says, "Usually ships within 2-3 days" and you choose Standard Delivery (2-6 business days)," you can expect to receive the item 4-9 business days after the day you ordered it.

Canceling or Modifying an Order

Canceling or Modifying an Order: Books, DVD, Music
Once your order has been accepted and scheduled to ship there are limited modifications that you can make to your order. Items that are listed as available to ship in 24 hours or 2-3 days can not be canceled once the order has been scheduled to ship. To view an order to determine if any of the items can be canceled:
  1. Click "Order Status" in the upper-right-hand corner of the page. You'll go to the order status page. If you have an account, sign in to View Order History. A screen will be displayed that lists your order(s), both those in process and those completed.

  2. Click the "Order Number" or "Check your order" links next to the order you wish to modify or cancel. A detailed list of all the items in your order will be displayed.

  3. Items that can be canceled will show the word "cancel" under the quantity ordered. If you click the cancel button on one of the items that are cancelable you will be asked to confirm the cancellation.

  4. Click "Cancel Item." You will receive confirmation that the item has been removed.

  5. If you wish to remove more items, click "Back to Order" and repeat steps 3 and 4 for the next item you wish to remove.
Canceling or Modifying an Order: NOOK Books
Once you order a NOOK Book, it cannot be canceled or refunded. If you have technical difficulty with the product, please see our NOOK Book help section.

Canceling or Modifying an Order: Downloadable Audiobook MP3s
Once an Audiobook MP3 file is made available download, it cannot be canceled. If you have technical difficulty with the product, call Customer Service at 1-800-THE-BOOK (1-800-843-2665). If you are calling from outside the United States, dial 201-559-3882.

Canceling or Modifying an Order: Downloadable PDFs from SparkNotes and Quamut
Once a PDF is made available for a SparkNotes or Quamut product, it cannot be canceled. Downloadable PDFs are also non-returnable. All PDF sales are final.

Canceling or Modifying an Order: Magazines
You may cancel a magazine subscription at any time and receive a credit for the unfulfilled part of your subscription. To cancel a printed magazine subscription, please contact our print magazine subscription provider:

M2 Media Group
Phone: 1-866-967-6247, seven days a week, between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET.
Email: BN@m2mediagroup.com

Verifying That Your Order Has Been Canceled or Modified
You can review your Order Status at any time, but be aware that changes you have made to your order may not be reflected for up to 60 minutes, particularly during peak shopping periods.

Returns
If you decide that an item you ordered is not the one you want and it has been scheduled to ship, we make the returns process easy. You can return items with no questions asked within 14 days of their arrival, and we will provide the appropriate refund. For more information on returning merchandise to Barnes & Noble.com, see our Refund and Returns Policies.

If You Ordered by Phone
If you placed your order by phone with a Customer Service representative, it will not appear on the Order Status page. To have us adjust your order, please call at 1-800-THE-BOOK (1-800-843-2665) Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-11 p.m. ET, or Saturday-Sunday (and Holidays) 9 a.m.- 11 p.m. ET. If you are calling from outside the United States, dial 201-559-3882.

If You Do Not Have an Account
If you would like to modify or cancel your order and you do not have an account, you can determine if your order can be canceled by clicking "Order Status" in the upper-right-hand corner of the page. Under "Check an Order," enter your order number and email address. Items that can be canceled will show the word "cancel" under the quantity ordered. Click the cancel button on the cancelable items you want to remove from your order. You will be asked to confirm the cancellation.

What happens if an item in my order is out of stock?

Sometimes items in you order may fall out of stock while we are processing your order. In this event, you will receive an email notifying you of a delay. If you have other items in your order, they will be shipped as scheduled, even if you selected "Send everything together" as your shipping preference. We will continue trying to fulfill your order as quickly as possible. If the order is still out of stock 30 days after the first email is sent, you will be asked to approve a 30-Day Order Extension. If you do not approve the extension, this part of your order will be canceled within 24 hours. Remember, you can cancel your order at any time.
 
If you have pre-ordered an item and it is not in stock at the announced release date, you will be asked to approve a 30-Day Order Extension. If you do not approve the extension, this part of your order will be canceled within 24 hours.

Does Barnes & Noble.com offer any gift services?

Yes, our Gift Services area has answers to all of your questions. From shipping and delivery options to Gift Wrapping, Barnes & Noble Gift Cards, Online Gift Certificates, Gift Messaging, and our Easy Return policy, we've made it easy to shop for everyone on your list. And, don't forget about yourself -- create a Wish List for all of your personal favorites!

Please note: Gift Wrap is not available for Marketplace items from our Authorized Sellers.

How do I contact Barnes & Noble.com?

Just click here to contact us and tell us your concern, and we'll be in touch with you shortly.

Do you carry used or out of print books?

The B&N Marketplace offers customers access to tens of millions of items provided by independent Sellers - including used and new books, movies, music, and rare, collectible, and out of print materials. When you make a purchase from one of our Sellers, that seller will ship the item directly to you. Direct shipping saves you money and ensures faster delivery. BN.com facilitates your transaction, guaranteeing the security of your payment information and covering your purchase with our easy returns policy. Whether you're looking for the latest bestsellers, signed copies, first editions, or out of print titles, the B&N Marketplace is the ideal solution.