Been planning to post this for a while. But because of my OJT, I didn’t have spare time to write and post this up. So hence why I’m only able to finish this now. lol
Book enthusiasts like me are a big fan of online shops! And aside from saving so much time – sometimes, you get to buy cheaper books than the usual store price since there are lots of book thrift shops and most are pre-loved. And even if the books are brand new, they offer the books in discounted prices.
But sometimes, admit it, it’s too risky. Especially nowadays, scammers are everywhere.
There are lots of reliable online shopping sites like Ebay and Amazon. But it’s still not that efficient to transact when you live in Asia. Why? Because most sellers from the said online sites are located from the other side of the world, mostly in the west. I’m from the Philippines and instead of saving from buying online, I’ll be charged way higher because of the expensive shipping fee. And if you’re unlucky, you double the pay because of the local post office or the customs. I’ve read some reviews that they were charged by the local post office a sum of money for them to be able to get their packages. That’s unfair right?
I have this very long list of books I really want to buy but are not available here in the Philippines. So the only options I have are Ebay and Amazon. But I am really really hesitant to try buying from these online stores since the shipping fee is too expensive – more expensive than the actual book price if I may say. I cannot afford such price because I am not yet employed. And one more thing, I’m afraid my packages won’t arrive at my doorsteps.
Until I discovered The Book Depository.
Someone from Instagram (I can’t remember who though) mentioned this to me and told me to try it if I really want to buy books that are not available here in the Philippines. But what’s the deal? What’s the difference from Ebay and Amazon? Well, The Book Depository only offers free shipping almost worldwide.
I repeat.
Free shipping!
And so I tried it. And just the perfect timing, the books I’m planning to buy were on a big sale! The price are half of the original price. I felt so lucky! What a bargain!!!
So to enlighten you guys how this works, here are some questions I was asked by a fellow bookworms:
1. How was it?
Well, it’s just like a normal online store, but I guess, better?
The books are neatly and properly wrapped in bubble wrappers. Sometimes, books come with free bookmarks – though in my case, I didn’t get any. Hardcovers (from what I know) are delivered in a box and also wrapped in bubble wrappers. And if the books didn’t arrive or are damaged, you’ll have the option between a refund or a replacement copy.
If you buy, let’s say 2 or more books, the books are packed separately. They will arrive together if you order them and were dispatched at the same time. Just like the images below.
2. Are they reliable?
Yes! The Book Depository has its name and is a well known UK-based online bookstore, so you don’t have to worry about your orders not arriving.
3. How do I pay?
You can pay through PayPal or through debit/credit card. Though I suggest that PayPal is a better option. One time I used a debit card (EON card of Unionbank) and I was charged additional 5% of the book price. I dunno what’s that for… maybe tax or just the fluctuation of the foreign exchange rate.
4. How fast can they deliver my books?
Expect 3-4 weeks. Got mine at exactly 3 weeks after it was dispatched. I paid Thursday then the books were dispatched Tuesday of the following week. Then expect 3 weeks for the arrival of the books on your doorsteps.
For the Filipino buyers, I suggest that not buying to-be-released books or pre-order books that will eventually be available here in the Philippines.
Why? The time difference. Some books are released here in the Philippines earlier than UK. So you’ll have to wait longer if you pre-order a certain book. Unless, you’re willing to wait.
The Book Depository is a better option when buying books which are not available here in the Philippines (at least for me).
UPDATED OCTOBER 2014: I pre-ordered The One by Kiera Cass last March. The day after its release, the book was immediately dispatched. But it has been 5 months already and I never got my book.
So I decided to contact The Book Depository and state my issue. And they handled my issue pretty well. I was really satisfied with their service. I explained my situation and they gave a quick response. They refunded my payment for the book I ordered which never came. And they are nice people. lol
UPDATED: I had another case where I helped my friend to buy a book. It never came in 4 weeks time so I asked for a replacement copy (instead of a refund), and was immediately got taken care of. I got the book 3 weeks after.
And if you are lucky, you get to have your choice of book in a discounted price. I got my Iron Legends and Iron Traitor for only $6.11 each, which is equivalent to about Php250 each only! So overall… I’m pretty satisfied with their service.
UPDATED DECEMBER 2015: I’m still sticking with my earlier comments that Book Depository is really one of the best online bookstores! I’ve got few more transactions with them without any problem and the books never arrive later than 3 weeks. If they do, they give me either a refund of a replacement copy. BD is a really great and trusted online bookstore!
UPDATED MARCH 2016: I didn’t really expect to get a lot of comments and inquries here. So, I’ll do my best to answer the FAQs in the comment section on this edit.
What do I do if my package didn’t arrive within 3-4 weeks?
Don’t worry much. The package may have lost somewhere (consider how our local PO sucks too), but you can contact Book Depository on their website or email them regarding your lost package.
You can choose between a replacement copy of the book you ordered or have them refund your payment. I experienced 3 lost parcels before. The first one was The One which I mentioned above, and I had it refunded. For the other two, BD sent me replacement copies and they arrived 3 weeks after.
Book Depository has an excellent customer service. They usually reply to inquiries within no longer than an hour.
Are the parcels delivered straight to my doorstep or do I have to pick them up from the local post office?
I only had one-time experience where I had to pick my parcel to PO. It was stressful. You can check my full story HERE.
But after that incident, all my parcels from BD were being delivered straight to my doorsteps. I have friends who also order from BD, and so far from what I know, their parcels also arrive straight to their homes.
Are there any other charge?
No. No more charges. As far as I know, there shouldn’t be any additional charge if the parcels are delivered to you directly. If the rider asks for it, ask him why and what for. lol
UPDATED JANUARY 2020: This blog post is almost 6 years old but I still get a lot of inquiries and questions. I’m trying my best to answer as much as I can based in my personal experience but I honestly haven’t directly transacted with Book Depository in almost 2 years (adulting). But last year someone sent me a copy of Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan and it arrived to me in just 2 weeks (surprisingly so).
Many of my Filipino bookish friends still use BD as one of their trusted overseas online bookstores, so I still stand with everything that I have written here.
Feel free to leave your comments and I’ll try my best to answer.
But I may not be able to answer everything, so it’s also best to directly get in contact with Book Depository on their social media accounts. They also answer to customer inquiries on their Twitter:
BOOK DEPOSITORY TWITTER HANDLES: @bookdepository | @BD_help
Erika is a freelance content writer and illustrator from the Philippines. Aside from her love of arts and reading, she loves taking photos, coffee, cats, and fairies. She’s into fantasy, historical fiction, and contemporary, and anything young adult genres.
I definitely agree that The Book Depository is the BEST place to buy your books. There are days when they even have discounts (and I see you got a bargain as well… very nice!) so if you're lucky you really get to buy awesome books at cheaper prices. They're definitely reliable, and I wish more people would use them. I always use them for my international giveaways because I'm certain they will never let me and my readers and winners down 🙂
Faye at The Social Potato Reviews
Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience with Book Depository. I had my first transaction with them earlier today. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I'm really concerned though because I have been reading quite a handful of blogposts regarding the local door-to-door delivery and in some cases, they were charged a 50-peso fee for who-knows-what by the delivery man (maybe additional delivery local delivery charges as I know books should be tax-free?). But when these people placed their work addresses, they were never charged. You mentioned that the items were delivered to your doorstep, were you charged an addition 40-50 peso fee?
Hey. Were you charged with additional fee when you received your package?
Hello! I didn't have any experience getting charged 40-50 peso fee for the parcels so far, fortunately. I hope you won't get charged.
Thank you for reading my post. If you have more questions, feel free to send me a direct message. 🙂
thank you for your post. i'm ordering a book from them now because of your review 🙂
Hello! Planning to order books from BD and do they really deliver the parcels straight outside your door? Not branch pick-up or some sort? You really don't need to stress yourself from Custom requirements or Postal office checking? 1st time buying online and outside the country, so I'm really really curious on how this works. Thank you for your post, though. Helped me a lot, but still curious about some things.
So far, I've only experienced one parcel that I had to pick from the PO. The rest after that all were delivered straight to my doorsteps. No more fees whatsoever. 🙂 You're welcome. I'm glad I'm able to help.
Hi! It’s been several months since I ordered my books, but they haven’t arrived yet. I emailed them and they told me to check the local post office. would you know where book depository delivers the books here in the Philippines? I live in Eastwood and I don’t know of any post office near the area. perhaps you have an idea where I can check if they have my books? thanks
Hi! Please never go to the post office without a claim notice (which is sent to your house) because you’ll most likely waste your precious time with their terrible service. Either way, the post office where your parcel should have landed is based on the zip code that you used. You can search the branch on the official Phlpost website using your zip code. Also however, you mentioned that it’s been several months – but as much as I want to think that your parcel is okay, several months already sounds like a lost cause. The best thing I can only think of based on your situation is to ask for a replacement copy. I’m so sorry that you’ve become a victim of our terrible postal service. :/
HI:) I would like to ask, can pay it once it arrived? Without any paypal or cards?
Sorry, but I believe they don't do cash on delivery.
Hi i ordered a book from bookdepository and it was dipatched mar 24 2016. Its already april 13 2016. Do you thibk i would need to contact them for a replacement/refund. I live here in Baguio by the way. So it might add up to the delay.
Hi I’m also from Baguio, and I was looking for a book which is unfortunately not available here in the Philippines. Until I encountered Book Depository, I ordered 3 books at BD last Feb. 21, 2017. One book was dispatched on Feb. 22 and the other two were on Feb. 23. I want to ask if you received your book, did they delivered it to your doorstep, how long did you wait for the book to arrive?
P.S. This was my first time ordering from Book Depository
You can wait for another week. Maybe it's the location. Usually, I try to get a replacement if the book doesn't arrive in a month. If it already took a month, try to contact them. 🙂
Thanks. I'll give it a week then. Ph PO sucks so bad. :c
Hi! Thanks for writing this. I've always been skeptical about buying anything online but seeing this makes me want to start buying books from bookdepository especially those that aren't available in local bookstores. But I have one concern (apparently, I've never bought anything online before lol), does it really have to be dropped off at my doorstep? What if there's no one around to receive the package? Is it possible to have my books dropped off our subdivision's guard house? Hope you can shed some light on this! Thanks 🙂
Hey there! So far from my Book depository experience, only once did my package drop to PO instead of my doorstep. I'm not sure though regarding the person to receive the package. I think the postman is sensible enough to drop the package to the guard if there's no one around your house. In my case, I live in an apartment building, so all the packages are received by the guard. So even if there's no one around, I can still get my package. Sorry, I don't think my answer will help you in any way. 🙁
Have you tried buying book sets from TBD? If so, did the PO had additional charges on you? Would really love to heat back from you. Thanks!
Hey there! No, I haven't tried buying book sets (like those boxed sets?) from TBD. But I have tried buying multiple books (like the photo above. I bought two books in one transaction). PO should not charge you anything in any case, since (1) the parcel should go straight to your doorstep and there's no charge on that and (2) even if your package unfortunately fell into your local PO, it's against the law to charge you more than P112 (which is the storage fee) because books are tax-exempt. I had one experience where my BD package went to PO instead of our house and they were asking for unreasonable amount so I can claim my book. I wrote down my experience on that —> https://thenocturnalfey.blogspot.com/2014/11/unboxing-talon-and-cover-reveal-rogue.html
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Hi! I'd just like to ask did you buy books in USD rates? If yes, anong conversion ang ginamit nila? Some people say kasi na ang ginagamit ng bookdepo is 1USD= 50PHP , how true is that? Thank you so much! I've been really confused by this:(
Hi! I buy books on BD with USD rates. I pay in two ways. First is with USD funds from Paypal and the other one is with PHP funds from my debit card converted into USD. I don't think BD is using a fixed rate on their conversions. I think they're using real time conversion rates. When I do my conversions, I use the real-time google conversion rates (almost accurate, if not, maybe only P0.50 or less of discrepancy). Just search USD to PHP on Google. I hope this helps. 🙂
Hi! Umm can you help me? I ordered a book last June 12 and was dispatched last June 14..I sent an email to the BD help and they told me that it should have arrived by now..Last time I ordered a book it was delivered at my doorstep 3 weeks after I was told it was dispatched..
I need help with the post its my first time with this kind of thing. I don't know which post should I go or what should I do..I just want to get my book that's all. Please help me with the post..
Oh and also when I tried to call on the Philpost landline they were asking for the tracking number which I don't know…(is there a tracking number on BD?) please reply :(( I just don't really know what to do..
Have you received the book yet? if not you can contact BD and ask for a replacement copy or a refund
Hi there! Sorry for the late response.
1. Late arrival – My friend has been experiencing late arrival of his BD orders too lately. In fact, he has one order that's already over two months overdue. I'm not sure if its because of his PO local branch (too much packages to process), because I'm not experiencing the same problem from my local PO. My friend is from Manila
2. The package should arrive to you directly and not be stored to your local branch for pick up (your local PO is based on your shipping address [zip] or the closest to you. Check PO locations here -> https://www.phlpost.gov.ph/post-office-location.php) If they will have you pick it up to their branch, you should receive a notice card for you to claim the package. I once went to my local PO to check a late package (apparently it never arrived), they couldn't help me with the transaction (and their system is old fashion and manual, too much work. It was a total waste of time for me).
3. There is no tracking number provided by BD. It was also one of the reasons why my local PO couldn't help me check if there's a package that arrive under my name (aside from manually looking up for my name on their ledgers).
4. Since it's been over a month, I agree with Latrell. You should contact BD and ask for either a replacement copy or a refund.
I hope this helps 🙂
Haven't ordered from them in a while but in terms of service, they are very efficient & very accommodating. There was this one time that a book did not arrive so i opted to just have it canceled & refunded since i already saw an similar book available locally. They were very welcoming even with that cancellation & i was refunded immediately.
Haven't ordered from them in a while but in terms of service, they are very efficient & very accommodating. There was this one time that a book did not arrive so i opted to just have it canceled & refunded since i already saw an similar book available locally. They were very welcoming even with that cancellation & i was refunded immediately.
what a nice suggestion…it's good for book lovers and I wish also to buy a manga but im afraid that I have no debit card and what should I do and also I dont know if what book depository shops could I order
Hi! Thanks for this review. I also intend to purchase books from TBD. How do you know if your books are to be picked-up at the PO? And do they deliver during weekends? Gusto ko kasi sana dito lang sa office ipa-deliver, e wala naman akong pasok pag weekends. Is there any chance na weekend siya made-deliver? Thanks!
Hey there! You can refer to no.2 FAQ for the answer regarding pick up. As for the weekend delivery, that, I'm not quite sure. One time, I received a parcel from Philpost on a Saturday. But as far as I know, their work hours and days are that of a regular government work hours. The delivery guys, I'm not sure. Maybe they deliver on Saturday (based from my one-time experience), but mostly weekdays sila nagdedeliver 🙂
I ordered two books in book depom it was dispatched last Aug 5. Its Aug23 now. I was expecting the 7-10 days deliver. Should i worry now 😅
While it's true that it will only take 7-10 business days for the packages to arrive in the Philippines (more specifically, on your local post office), don't expect for the packages to arrive at your doorstep on that same period of time. The problem lies on our local post offices' slow (when I say slow, like REALLLYYYYY SLOW) processing. I usually wait 3-4 weeks for my BD packages to arrive directly at our house. If it's already more than a month, then you can contact Book Depository for either a replacement or a refund. Check additional FAQs on my post for more information.
Hi i ordered the complete millenium series from there since it is on bargain and as I saw from their FAQ it says that books shipped from UK will arrive 7-10 days from shipping. Mine ships from UK and was dispatched the day after I placed my order, the estimated time my order will arrive will be on sept. 13-16.
Did you have an estimated arrival of order when you ordered? Was it 3 weeks? Thank you! And PS love your blog! 🙂
Hi Justin! I already answered this far below the comment section. I'll just quote my comment here:
"While it's true that it will only take 7-10 business days for the packages to arrive in the Philippines (more specifically, on your local post office), don't expect for the packages to arrive at your doorstep on that same period of time. The problem lies to our local post offices' slow (when I say slow, like REALLLYYYYY SLOW) processing. I usually wait 3-4 weeks for my BD packages to arrive directly at our house. If it's already more than a month, then you can contact Book Depository for either a replacement or a refund."
I think it's safe to say that 3-4 weeks is the standard arrival period for every imported packages (at least for books). This is based from personal experience. If the sender uses standard/regular couriers like UPS for US and Royal Mail for UK (which is used by BD), expect 3-4 weeks ETA to you. The only courier that ships 7-10 days without delay is Amazon and DHL — because they deliver straight to your doorstep, and not to your local post office.
I hope that helps! Thank you for dropping by my blog! 🙂
Hello! When you asked for a full refund for a book that did not arrive, was the refund credited back to your PayPal (if that was the payment method you used)?
Hello. I ordered books from BookDepository last month. I am still waiting for the arrival of the last book.
There's this book that I ordered that was dispatched on August 8. I received it on September 2.
The book that I am still waiting to arrive was dispatched on August 9, just a day later than the other book. I was expecting it to be delivered sometime between September 3-10 considering that there is only a difference of one day in the dispatching of the two books. Should I go to my local PO to check? 🙁
hi again? do you know the website thrriftbooks.com? If so have you ordered from there? as what I saw the books was very cheap though secondhand? ThoughtS? Thanks! 😀
Hello again! Yup! I've purchased few times from Thriftbooks. However, the items are not directly shipped to me here in the PH because it'll cost me too much. Haha. The first time I purchased from Thriftbooks, I got a friend from US to help me receive the books, and get them to me through Balikbayan Box to save shipping cost. But now, I'm using LBC shipping cart.
Regarding the condition of the books, they're pretty good for pre-loved items, and for their prices. I recently purchased again from them, unfortunately, one of the books have a big ass slice in the spine. But that's the only problem I've seen so far. Most of the books are ex-library copies so there are stickers, and they are covered with plastic. Not that I mind that. If you're not too picky when it comes to the condition of the books (stickers, slightly yellowing), you'll be really pleased. 🙂
And just for your reference, here are the books I recently purchased from Thriftbooks. I removed the cover and stickers. lol. They're all library copies. >> https://www.instagram.com/p/BKFnXOzhp0Z/?taken-by=thenocturnalfey
Hi Trish! This happened to me before. I won books from an online giveaway. Since BD shipped separately you get separate notifications too. They got dispatched the same day on my part. The first book arrived, the other one, however, never arrived. I waited 6 weeks in total, and ended contacting BD for a replacement copy.
I won't recommend going to your local PO because I'm pretty sure you won't get any answer. I've done that once and ended up wasting my time. They will ask you for tracking number, which BD don't provide since they're using Royal Mail courier (like out PhilPost here, I think). And if you give them your name instead, it's hopeless. They record stuff manually and have to go through all the records from the recent dates. Haha. You'll only get pissed. 🙂
There's an lbc shipping cart option? How? Btw I ordered there recently, just paid 4.99 USD shipping directly at my home, will be expectingvit this sept. 14 – 21. So excited! 🙂
Really? When I tried using my PH address, I got quite high shipping cost. Haha. Plus, I also hate going to the PO to claim a package, so I guess, I'd stick to shipping cart. But $4.99 for shipping was such a nice deal! Good for you. 🙂
Regarding the LBC shipping cart, I haven't had the time to make a review of it yet. But maybe, you can just check directly on their website https://www.shippingcart.com/
Gusto ko lang itanong kung nasubukan mo nang bumili ng libro sa Thriftbooks at ginamit mo yung standard shipping service nila (Expedited/Standard) at dumating ba sila mismo sa tirahan mo o kailangan mo pang kuhanin sa local Post Office mo?
Hi! Nakabili na ko sa Thriftbooks kaso hindi ko ginamit ung standard shipping nila for international orders. Gumamit ako ng shipping cart para mas mura and para diretso sa bahay. So, sorry, wala akong idea kung didiretso ba sayo if nag-standard shipping ka straight to PH. Pero most probably diretso sa PO, kasi USPS ata gamit ng Thriftbooks.
Hi! I would like to say thank you for this post and I would really, really as in really appreaciate it if you would take a time to reply to me, I promise it will only cause you a 1 page worth of reading time of your favorite book. I would like to order to TBD and it said FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE, Did you have to use courier, like LBC shipping cart? What location should I fill up the billing adress? Do I fill it up with my real location?I mean, LBC SC uses personalised US adress. I’m just confuse about that part. Lol. First time buying so I’m a bit paranoid. Thank you so much!!
Hi! I believe, this question was already answered (or I think not directly an answer to your question but I mentioned the courier they’re using) in the comment section. But again, to answer your question – no. I did not use LBC shipping cart. They are shipping straight to the buyer’s house. It’s free shipping worldwide, so clearly, I won’t bother sending it out to a US address. Hehe. I understand why you’re being paranoid though (I’ve been there on my first online buying experience :p ). So yeah, you can just input your PH address (be sure with your postal code), no need to use LBC shipping cart whatsoever. They’ll deliver straight to your house.
I’ll make sure to edit my review and include questions like this to the additional FAQs. Haha. 🙂 I’m happy to be of any help to my fellow bookworms. *winks*
Do you know someone who do proxy for TBD? I don’t have a credit card 🙁
Hi there! There are many online sellers who offer to buy from BD and other US online stores for you. I can’t remember some of them but there’s one store I can remember, and she’s legit. Check her instagram @k8sonline. Also, try joining book selling groups on Facebook to see more sellers that offers BD buying. Just be mindful when dealing. There are lots of bogus sellers too.
Hi, Erika!
I’m just dropping by to tell you that this is such a great post! This is really helpful for people out there who are skeptical of buying books online. And lemme say that I’ve read A LOT OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS regarding Book Depository. Thanks for spreading the word, I guess. Thank you for being patient & responsive too to all the questions thrown to you here. And aren’t your blog updated? *winks*
Best,
James
P.S. I’m planning to buy there & once I have my books, I’ll let you knowy experience. =)
Hi James, that’s so nice of you. Thank you! 🙂 I’m glad I’m able to help my fellow bookworms. I know the struggle of a bookworm, so this is my own little way of helping at least. We have limited titles here in PH, so online international stores which offer free shipping are our best options.
And yeah, my blog is still messy right now. haha. I’ve just migrated from Blogspot, so I haven’t sorted everything out yet. I also went on hiatus for months due to personal reasons. I’m planning to get back and be active this year… hopefully. So, thank you guys for still reading my entries despite the lack of presence recently. 🙂
I hope you’ll have a great experience from BD. Good luck!
You’re so right there. I wish that Book Depository will have their branch here and if that ever be granted… WOOOHOOO! I’m gonna party! LOL!
Nah, that comment was supposed to be ironic. I guess I didn’t pull it off that well, huh. What I meant was your blog is updated because most of the blog posts I’ve seen around aren’t up-to-date, like the last comment was posted in 2011 or 2009. Something like that. 😀
Well… I have something GOOD to share. It isn’t about BD but my experience on our local PO!
I have a friend who had given me a Kindle Fire as a gift and it was sent through USPS as a priority mail. It took a month before it arrived in our local PO. Then, come the day when I’ll be claiming my parcel (which was last week). I was really paranoid. Like I tried to imagine every single situation that my day could go wrong. Luckily, EVERYTHING WENT OFF WITHOUT A HITCH. Yep. Thank God! I called them before going there and they told me that I don’t need any notice card anymore (this is a case-to-case basis situation but I advice people to ask their respective PO if they’ll be needing a notice card on claiming their parcel to avoid any more problems.) Then, I went to PO, the Customs officers opened the parcel in front of me. There was a big calculator that made me cringed a bit. He asked for an ID. Then, he asked if I purchased it myself. I told him then that it was given to me as a gift. I paid for the PO handling fee which is 112 pesos and there it was. I got my item.
I was really relieved that I didn’t have to experience every single bad situation my head had conjured. XD
I hope people would find this helpful. =)
Haha. Yeah. I guess, I misunderstood that one, because well, I’m really inactive these past few months. Lol. Anyway, I am so glad with your smooth experience with your local PO. I hope all branches can deliver the same smooth transaction. Anything worth Php10,000 and under shouldn’t be taxed according to a new BOC law, so… yeah. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. 🙂
Hi! I won a giveaway long ago like nung end of June pa last year, and the giveaway holder told me that I most probably be getting the books before August. Unfortunately, no book arrived within the month of July. I addressed it to my house and it was still my summer vacation so I’m just at home most of the time. So I would be there when the time comes that it gets delivered but nothing came.
I’ve been itching to go to the my local post office but school already started and I’m really busy to stop by the PO, also because it’s too far away from my dorm. I finally was able to go there this Christmas break lang but the guy who works there told me that it has been to long since the shipment and it most likely been sent back. I the end, I still wasn’t able to get my books.
With that said, my question actually is if I could still be able to get the books I’ve won even if it’s been a long time since? Should I contact the giveaway holder or should I just contact TBD directly, even though I’m not the one who bought the books?
ps. thank you for this post of yours abt TBD. I’m really clueless when it comes to online buying
also, hi from a fellow follower on bookstagram! 🙂
If it’s from BD, our local PO won’t be able to help you because BD is using royal mail (it’s UK’s equivalent of PhilPost), so there’s no tracking number. The best you can do is contact the giveaway host and ask for the order number of your prize from BD. You won’t be able to get information from BD without the order number. After reaching out to the giveaway host for the order number, contact BD. Let them know that the book was dispatched last June but it never arrived then ask for a replacement copy. Let the giveaway host know about the missing package too. She can actually contact BD for you since she’s the one who purchased the book, pero kung nahihiya ka (which if I’m in your case, mahihiya din ako haha), you can directly contact BD, just ask for the order number. I hope this helps. 🙂
All right, thank you! Though magbibigay pa rin ba ng replacement copies nad BD kahit nung July pa nagdispatch?
Yes, I think so. As long as you state your concern properly. 🙂
Hi!
I’ve found your post very helpful. I want to ask, however, if retailers using Royal Mail deliver the books to your doorstep? I found that Amazon UK is also using Royal Mail and I’m expecting a book I’ve ordered a while back. Thank you.
Hello there! I think it depends on what type of posting they made (priority, regular, etc)? BD is using Royal Mail and from my experience, they arrive straight to my doorstep. I haven’t tried Amazon UK, but Amazon US always deliver straight to my doorsteps (not sure what that’s courier tho). If it doesn’t go straight to your doorstep, you’ll get a notice from the PO anyway.
I’m only 16 years old and I don’t have an account because I’m underage and that’s why i am using my sister’s paypal is that ok?
Of course! As long as you have your sister’s permission. Haha. 🙂
I knew bookdepository for a long time but I usually borrow my friend’s copies. Now afterbecoming bookstagrammer, I feel I like need my own copy. I have ordered my first book depo last Friday since I can’t find it on Indonesia online bookstore, now I am waiting the package to arrive. 😀
Nice tips Erika 😀
Yay! I hope your first order gets to you safely! 🙂
Hi. I have qualms about purchasing a book from bookdepository not because I don’t trust their service but because of my location. I’m from Mindanao and it’s been a great source of reluctance. Do you perhaps know someone or a circumstance wherein the book was delivered safely (in Mindanao)?
I think I’ve seen people from the Bookstagram community, who reside in Mindanao area, successfully transacted with BD. I just can’t remember exactly who though. I’m sorry, I’m not much of help. :/ Also, I hope you guys are okay in Mindanao. I am well aware of the current chaos, and I my thoughts are with you.
Just thought I’d drop by and say that it was an utter success. Although it arrived a little later, but justifiably so. Thank you for the info!
I’m glad you got your BD order 🙂
Thanks for posting this!
I ordered a book for the first time last May 12th and didn’t think of doing research first regarding the delivery situation because I just knew BD is reliable, but I forgot that our customs/postal service sucks so bad.
I’m from Mindanao too (Davao City) and with the current state here, I’m getting worried that my book might not arrive to me..
Do they give the customers a tracking number?
BD’s tracking page on their website just says “Dispatched from UK on 17 May”, that’s it.
That somehow-stagnant order status info–not knowing what is going on with the order for weeks is making me anxious..
Hi there! Unfortunately, they don’t provide tracking number. They only use ordinary mail courier (like our own PhlPost and US’s USPS) which is Royal Mail (UK), so there’s no tracking number. If it was just dispatched last May 17th, I think you can still be at ease. As I’ve mentioned, it takes about 3-4 weeks for the packages to arrive. If it’s already over that time, you can contact BD for replacement copy of refund. Don’t worry! 🙂
I hope you guys are okay in Mindanao!
when i read your post about BD, i got excited to buy books since you said they offer free shipping.. but then i thought how about the payment method? lol i was expecting cash on delivery but i realized it’s an international online bookshop hahaha just thought of posting this here…
Haha. You can try PayMaya. It’s an easy option. 🙂
Hey Erika! Just wondering of the absence of cell phone number can delay delivery? Thanks! ☺️
No, not really. It’s our local PO that delays the delivery. Lol
True story. lol!
I’ve been purchasing from Amazon for months, and guess what? Prime membership really makes a difference. I ordered a boxset of The Mortal Instruments series & it came here in a week even though I only picked the standard delivery! Cool, huh? 😉 And parcels are never delivered to my house. I always pick it up in the local post office instead.
That’s really cool! But how much are you charged for the shipping?
$20+, which I think is pretty reasonable since the boxset contains 6 thick books. I’d really love to try Book Depository someday, tho. But if it ends up in the post office again, I think I’m going to pass. 😅
Oooh. I see. Good for you! And yeah, if it really doesn’t work with you, just stick to what you’ve been doing, I guess.
Hi There,
I ordered a book and it was shipped from the UK last September 6, PH time. Today, low and behold, still waiting (so 3 weeks and 1 day in total still not here) 🙁 I’m just wondering if you have any thoughts on my transaction as I live in a condo within metro manila so I’m not sure why it’s taking so long it’s frustrating. Should I check the post office, or how long should I wait before taking any action? I already emailed BD’s customer service but haven’t got a response from them.
Hi! I suggest not going to the post office without a claim notice because it will be a total waste of time. I’ve tried that before. Regarding the waiting time, I noticed that packages are taking longer recently, maybe because holiday season is approaching. I usually take action if my package is still not here after 6 weeks (there are times when they take about 5 weeks before they arrive). If you can maybe wait for another week? But also, since you already emailed BD, I’m pretty sure you’ll get a response soon. They are pretty responsive and good at taking care of customers. 🙂
My book was dispatched August 29 but its already October 21 and still not received it yet.
Hi! That’s quite long already. If I were you, I’m not going to expect for it anymore. The best you can do now is to contact BD and ask for a replacement copy.
Hi there, Erika! I was wondering if you know anything about the International Reply Coupon. The thing is…I’m planning to send a S.A.S.E (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope) & apparently, IRC is the equivalent of that here in our country, or at least based on my research. I’ve also gleaned from the bit of research I did, from an old blog, that it costs 45 PHP back then. IDK, how much the post office charges now. (I hope that it’s not ridiculously expensive.)
Hi James! It’s actually the first time that I’ve encountered IRC, thanks to you. Haha. But I do use the ordinary mail service of PhlPost, like I’ve just sent a mail earlier today. I’m not sure if it’s just the same price as the regular mail price, but based on PhlPost’s website, my understanding is it should be the same. The fixed rate of 20 grams and under of an ordinary mail for North America is P55. I think that’s the highest. For Asian countries, it’s P40, Australia is P45, as far as I can remember. But yeah. You can try asking your local PO to be sure. They have really nice stamps, by the way. Haha
Hey again Erika! 😀 Dropping by just to see the thorough proceedings again of buying from BD. So here’s my story: I ordered The Hate U Give in hardcover last October 3 and it was excruciating to count all those days of waiting for it to arrive at my doorsteps. Hahaha. So when I got home yesterday noon from school, my mother gave me something she didn’t know and just said that it was a claiming stub that one of our neighbors got when maybe a courier went to our barangay. Imagine that? 50 days of waiting! And what’s even more annoying from what you have blogged is the fact that my parcel was stuck in or local post office and I have to pay 112 pesos which is a bummer. Oh well. I’ll just try to reason with them and if they won’t comply, then I’ll just give the payment to them. Sucks. Hahaha. But it was really a “me and the stub” moment yesterday that made me explode in all possible way imaginable that horrified my mother. Ciao!
Oh, good for you that you received your book though! But yeah, it’s a bummer that they didn’t just deliver the book directly and gave you a claim notice instead. Oh well, typical PhlPost. Just don’t let them get an additional tax fee or whatsoever from you other than the P112 storage fee.
Hi! Ano pong currency ginamit niyo para sa price? US Dollars pa rin po ba? wala po kaseng philippine peso sa list. Nag estimate estimate lang po kayo?
Hi! Yes, USD only pero I use the current forex through Google for estimate. Usually un naman din gamit sa card ko (but most times sa ibang bank higher ng 1 to 2 pesos).
Thank you on your blog.im planning to order books on BD,books that aren’t available in the philppines.i guess i need to a take risk ordering online if i really wanted a book.
BD is still very reliable in my case up to this date, so I don’t think you have to worry. But if you want to be really really sure about ordering books overseas, try Fullybooked’s special order method. They require a 50% downpayment upon placing the order, and the other 50% after the book arrives.
Hello. I’m still planning on buying books/manga on The Book Depository. The currency in purchasing is in USD, do they convert that into Php upon payment?
Yup! It is automatically converted to PHP. You don’t have to worry about the currency if you’re using credit/debit card, PayPal or Paymaya.
Hi! 🙂 I ordered a few minutes ago lol. But I would just like to know if you still order from BD? I’m from Laguna and I was really hoping to receive this. It took me so long to find this book haha.
Hi! Yes, I still order from BD, although not often. 🙂 Hope you receive your order without any problem!
Hey, were you able to receive yours?
I ordered the monogatari series book set last Nov. 30, and I’m contemplating on whether or not going to makati post and asking them to let me find my name in their unregistered mail ledger 🙁
Hi! How did you your package in your local post? I went this week for my package, then they said they cannot track it since it has no tracking number. It’s been over a month and I still haven’t receive mine. 😔
Hi Cherry! BD packages are being delivered directly to our house rather than getting stuck at the local PO. And yes, they can’t track the packages, even in general. They things manually, sadly. Hmm, it’s already the peak season going through holiday so I think the packages handled by PO by this time of the year is doubled, if not quadrupled. Haha. Try waiting another week, then maybe contact BD for a replacement copy then.
I ordered from BD twice, but it wqs my first time being charged p112 from local post office. They sent me like a note to claim the package and have to pay p112 for customs hamdling fee. Have you experience this as well? Don’t know how this quite work?
Hi. I ordered twice from BD, but it was a first time yesterday to have been charged p112 for customs handling at the local post. Have you had this experience as well? How does it work? Is it based on the total amount of the package or is it based on the size of parcel? Thanks
Hi. I ordered twice from BD, but it was a first time yesterday to have been charged p112 for customs handling at the local post. Have you had this experience as well? How does it work? Is it based on the total amount of the package or is it based on the size of parcel? No idea how the custome charge work. Thank you.
Hi! It sometimes depends on the local PO. I experience this first time when I also tried BD for the first time, but after that, all my BD packages arrive on our doorstep consistently. I have friends who still get their BD packages in the PO so I think it’s still normal for other local PO branches. The P112 is the storage fee to the PO. It’s a standard rate for packages that needs to be claimed in the post office. There shouldn’t be anything more than the P112. 🙂
Hey, were you able to receive yours?
I ordered the monogatari series book set last Nov. 30, and I’m contemplating on whether or not going to makati post and asking them to let me find my name in their unregistered mail ledger 🙁
My own Book Depository experiences had been hectic and nothing but disappointing.
The first time I purchased from them, I was gonna buy a Harry Potter hardback set. I was so excited since it was such a steal (around $100?). So I used PayPal for payment. An email arrived saying my order was placed and I just have to wait for it to be dispatched. It was until four days later when I remembered to check the status in the tracking page and saw that it changed to dispatched. So I just had to wait. Life went on, I passed my exams, moved on from a crush, got a pet cat. Then at some point I realized it’s been 2 months since the BD purchase I did. So I started worrying and reading reviews and since the reviews were positive, I chose to wait. It took me about two weeks when I decided to ask the PO if there was an unclaimed parcel under my name. Nada. I waited again, then chose to contact BD and inquire about it. They were very responsive and even suggested that they will just send a replacement or I can opt to refund the money. I chose a replacement, of course, convinced by the reviews and a tad hopeful that I was just unlucky the first time. BD dispatched a replacement right away. But again, it never came. I did the same, I waited checked the PO, even managed to get a nickname from the people working there (they started calling me Book Bank, huh), and still, nothing. So I contacted BD again and I said I have no other choice but to ask for a refund which they fulfilled immediately.
I wasn’t discouraged by this failure. I tried ordering from them again, a Percy Jackson and the Olympians The Battle of the Labyrinth this time. Fortunately, this one arrived after three months. A claim stub was given to me by a PO mailman. I went to the PO and processed the stub, only to be asked a payment of Php 118.00. I paid, thinking it’s for handling and stuff. I got my PJO book.
The third time I bought from BD was last year, August 6. I purchased a Pride and Prejudice book for $8.03. I still haven’t received it until now. I just contacted BD and I am hoping they will respond soon like before. That book was supposed to be a gift to a friend who is collecting all the prints and releases of the Pride and Prejudice, it was for her birthday last December. Imagine being called a “paasa”, albeit as a joke, without having a say in it because in reality, I know I kinda am.
Oh no! I am so sorry to hear about your experience.
Hmm, if you got your 3rd order of PJO, I am betting that someone on your branch may have taken an interest in your HP hardcover set. It’s not impossible given our custom’s terrible reputation.
Anyway, I personally suggest that you avoid purchasing big sets, or books that cost more than average (as a set or individually). I also have a friend who got taxed by customs for her HP set. Not sure if it’s from BD, but any other online shop that goes through customs is subject for any repercussion so… I won’t risk it. I only use BD for purchasing books that are not available here in PH. Also, this post was last updated in 2016, so might as well update this now and add some measures that I may have already replied to some comments.
Hellooo, i am also from the Philippines. i just ordered my first book on BD and reading your post made me feel 100 times better because i was so scared that it might be a scam or something like that. i also wanted to ask if what local delivery companies are delivering the books? LBC, NinjaVan, or etc? Thank youu
Hi! PhlPost is delivering the books, our local government courier. 🙂
Hi! I’ll ask if it really took a month waiting for delivery, my orders was dispatched last apr. 6 and it still haven’t arrived. Do you suggest i already go to our local post office? Thanks!
How long will it take for the package to arrive in Mindanao?
how did you know the tracking number of your order
There’s no tracking number.
How can I order book from book depositor if i dont have credit card? I sign up an account then search for my desired book then when I’m placing my order, after I entered my info then it shows the payment method via credit cards option only. I don’t know how to use paypal tho. And just want to ask if the amount appeared when adding to basket was exact or is there any additional payment? Could you teach me how I can order since its my first time? Thank you.
Hi! You can only pay through credit or debit card and PayPal though. Another option would be Paymaya (there are plenty of tutorials on how to use this on online transactions).
As for the amount, there’s usually a bit of fluctuation due to the foreign exchange. And sometimes, there are bank charges (depending on which bank you are using).
I’d be happy to help with what knowledge I have. You can reach me on Twitter (@thenocturnalfey) or on Facebook (The Nocturnal Fey). 🙂
Hello Ms. Erika,
I am planning to try buy books from the Book Depository. I am hesitant because it might not arrived at my home address just like what happened in Amazon (although Amazon immediately refunded my payment through crediting my Visa Debit Card). So, my initial question is, have you experience a refund from the Book Depository when you used your debit or credit card? If yes, whether your payment was refunded immediately – because if it is not, I am planning to pay in through PayPal.
Hello there! Yes, They refund immediately after verifying the non-receipt of item after reporting your concern. 🙂
Hi, Erika!
So glad to have come across your blog. I have just made my very first online purchase from BD (after much skepticism, I gave in to their ‘free delivery’ offer).
The only downside though is I have encountered the same problems of free deliveries via PHLPOST *face palm* *smh*.
My order was supposed to arrive to me by December 26, 2019 yet it’s been almost a week since and I still have no news of it. I have contacted the BD and to my surprise, they said they are sending me a replacement in case the original one got lost in the mail. Props to their superb customer service .
I had almost lost hope that I will ever get my books but thanks to the helpful comments I’ve read on your blog, I may have to extend my patience and hope for another 3-4 weeks(?). Hopefully, I will have my books then!
Hi! I’m glad that my post was able to help even in the slightest way. Yes, I suppose you can wait for another 3-4 weeks. Maybe to 6 weeks. Nov-Jan is a challenging season for overseas deliveries because it’s the holiday season (Thanksgiving, Boxing day, etc), so they take longer during these months. Just be patient. BD is always very accommodating anyway. 🙂
Hi, I ordered from the Book Depository on December 4, 2019 and received one of the two books I ordered today ( January 7, 2020 ). I noticed that you mentioned ordering two books and it arrived together. Should I be worried about the other book’s whereabouts and complain it to their customer service?
There are cases where the books are not dispatched on the same day. You can check the status on your BD account if they’re dispatched on the same day. And maybe wait another week or two. Then if it still doesn’t arrive, maybe you can approach their customer service.
Hi! Please help I order a ecg ruler pocketcard last december 18, 2019. Is it really long to wait my order to arrive? Thanks
Hi! Maybe because it’s the holiday season that’s why it’s taking a little longer. That happens. If by 6th week mark it still hasn’t arrive, I think you can contact BD.
Hi! I’ve just placed an order on BD (so excited to receive thr books!) but then I also just had a thought because I had a coworker who used to work at customs. I read here that you were not charged for anything more than the price of the books. Was there any instance that you were asked to pay for duties and taxes (and other adulting words)? I really hope the delivery is as smooth as the transaction. Also, thanks for this! It helped me finally make the decision of purchasing. 😊
Hi again! Never mind my above comment. I read your post on your experience at customs. There are indeed many corrupt officers there, sadly. Anyways, thank you so much!
Hiii. Do they really not update order status? My order was dispatched on 17th of Feb, but I haven’t received it yeeeet. I already contacted BD. Hope they reply.
Hello there! I also placed an order last May. May I know about the status of your order? Have you received it yet? Mine’s been dispatched but it’s been two months and no package yet. Knowing about your experience would be so helpful, thank you!
Hi I paid via credit card but was a little bit worried when it didn’t request for an OTP. It just automatically said that order is confirmed when I clicked the “Buy Now” button. Did you have the same experience?
Would love to keep ordering from this shop given that they have the books I’ve been looking for but am just a little bit worried with the payment system and the security of my credit card details.
Thanks!
Hello! Bookdepository is now open again for the Philippines, so I am very much looking forward to buy from them! But I’m also anxious, I live in Mindanao so I know that things might take too long or it might get complicated. I’m scared that it might not arrive at all, and given that I have to pay through card, I’m really having second thoughts about ordering at all. So I’m wondering, if that does happen, do they give you a refund? Frankly, I’m a minor and don’t really earn money myself, so I don’t want to waste it.
I also got charged for 112 pesos. when I asked the delivery guy, he told me its because it was delivered directly to the address, there was no charge if I will be the one to pickup the book in the post office. I also questioned the receipt because its just like a xerox receipt, he just told me it was what was given to them. he told me he can just arrange for it to be picked up in the post office but I just paid the fee. Well I atleast should have asked the name or ID of the delivery person but I was too exited to open the package since I have waited 20days and its my first order from book depository so I really wanted to check if its legit. the book is great, packaging is just a thick box envelope, no plastic, thankfully the book inside does not get damaged.