Questions
The things people ask most.
Answered plainly. If yours is not here, ask and we will add it.
Selling to us
- How do I start?Send a list, a spreadsheet or photographs of the spines. That is usually enough for a first view without anyone travelling.
- Do you buy single books?Yes, if they are the right sort. There is no minimum for something collectable, and no maximum for a whole library.
- Will you travel?For a collection worth the journey, anywhere in the UK. For a box or two, we cover carriage and send packing guidance instead.
- How fast is payment?Bank transfer once the books are checked against the list, normally within three working days of arrival.
- What if we disagree on value?Then you do not sell to us. An offer is an offer, not a commitment, and we would rather you tested it against someone else than felt pushed.
- Can you take the rest of the books too?Usually yes. Unsaleable stock goes to charitable book partners where they can take it, and to recycling where they cannot.
Buying from us
- Are the photographs of the actual book?Always. Never a stock image, never another copy, never the publisher's marketing shot.
- What if there is a fault you missed?Send it back. We pay carriage both ways and refund in full, with no time limit.
- Do you grade generously?We grade downwards where it is borderline. A book arriving better than described is a good day for everyone.
- Can you find something specific?Yes. Tell us the title, publisher and the state you want, and we will watch for it and come to you first.
- Do you ship abroad?Yes, quoted per item, with the customs paperwork completed properly.
- Do you hold items?For seven days against a stated intention to buy, and longer by arrangement.
The business
- Is the five per cent real?It is five per cent of annual net profit, calculated once the accounts are final, and published on the giving page with the profit figure it came from.
- What happens in a loss year?The commitment carries forward rather than disappearing. Confirm this policy
- Do you have a shop?Viewing is by appointment. Premises to confirm
- Are you a member of the trade bodies?Membership status to confirm The recognised UK bodies are the ABA and the PBFA, and we will state plainly which we belong to rather than implying it.
- Why "Quire and Gild"?A quire is the sewn gathering a book is built from. Gilding is the gold on the edges. Structure underneath, finish on top. The longer answer