Frequently Asked Questions

AUDIOBOOKS

1. What is an unabridged audiobook?

2. What is an abridged audiobook?

3. What is a dramatized audiobook?

4. What formats do audiobooks come in?

5. What is an MP3 CD audiobook?

6. Are all your audiobooks new?

7. Do you sell used audiobooks?

8. Do you buy back used audiobooks?

9. Do you rent audiobooks?

10. My audiobook arrived without shrink-wrapping. Is it new?

11. How do I know if an audiobook is on cassette, compact disc or MP3 CD?

PRIVACY

1. I'm concerned about my privacy. What do you do with information I provide in my orders to you?

STOCK STATUS

1. Are all audiobooks always in stock?

2. What if I order something that is not in stock?

SHIPPING

1. Do I have to be home when Express Mail is delivered?

2. Do I have to be home when insured Priority Mail is delivered?

3. Can you ship by UPS, FedEx, Airborne...?

4. What happens if my order has to be signed for and I'm not at home?

5. What if the Post Office can't deliver to the address in my order?

ORDERING FROM AUDIOBOOKS ONLINE

1. How can I order?

2. Can I write a message in my order?

3. Can I place a purchase order?

4. How can I assure that my order processing and shipping will go smoothly?

CANCELING AN ORDER

1. How do I cancel an order?

COMMUNICATING WITH US

1. How can I contact you?

2. What is the best way to communicate with you?

GUARANTEE

1. What is your guarantee?

2. How do I get authorization to return an audiobook?

AUDIOBOOKS:

• What is an unabridged audiobook? An unabridged audiobook is a word for word narration, usually by one person, of the printed book. [Back to Top]
  

• What is an abridged audiobook? An abridged audiobook is a shortened version of the printed book with (in the opinion of the abridger) superfluous text left out. Abridged audiobooks are often approved by the author.
  [Back to Top]

• What is a dramatized audiobook? A dramatized audiobook is a scripted play-like version of the printed book, usually with a full cast and often with sound effects and music. Dramatized audiobooks are sometimes first produced and broadcast as radio programs. [Back to Top]

• What formats do audiobooks come in? Audiobooks are available from Audiobooks Online in cassette (tape), standard compact disc, MP3 CD formats. Audiobooks also are available, from other Web retailers, in downloadable format. [Back to Top]

• What is an MP3 CD audiobook? MP3 is a compression technique that allows a significant reduction in the amount of "space" audio recording requires on a compact disc. Savings can be up to 80% compared to the same audiobook on cassettes and/or standard compact discs. MP3 CD audiobooks can be played on newer CD players that support MP3 technology and accept a 4.75" diameter disc, and on any personal computer that has Microsoft's Media Player or similar software. [Back to Top]

• Are all your audiobooks new? Yes, we only sell new audiobooks. Most publishers package audiobook products in well-designed and sturdy shrink-wrapped packaging which holds up well in shipping, handling and warehousing. Unfortunately, some publishers still use a type of packaging that doesn't hold up well in shipping, handling and warehousing and their new product may look used. [Back to Top]

• Do you sell used audiobooks? No [Back to Top]

• Do you buy back used audiobooks? No. We recommend that you donate your used audiobooks to a library, school, elderly center or other such organizations. Depending upon your tax status, the donation may be tax-deductible. [Back to Top]

• Do you rent audiobooks? No. There are some fine audiobook rental companies on the Web. Do a search, with your favorite Search Engine, for "audiobook rental" or similar search term. [Back to Top]

• My audiobook arrived without shrink-wrapping. Is it new? We only sell new audiobooks. Unfortunately, some publishers do not shrink-wrap their products and still use a type of packaging that doesn't hold up well in shipping, handling and warehousing and their new product may look used. [Back to Top]

• How do I know if an audiobook is on cassette, compact disc or MP3 CD? All of our audiobooks are clearly identified to be on cassette, compact disc or MP3 CD. In addition each audiobook has a "detail page" that provides a complete description (author, narrator, abridged, unabridged, dramatized, original audio, recording length, publisher, and a short narrative of the contents). [Back to Top]
  
  

PRIVACY

• I'm concerned about my privacy. What do you do with information I provide in my orders to you? We do not subscribe to the practices of many mail-order businesses in that we do not purchase, sell or harvest information about anyone. We treat your information as we want our own personal information treated. Learn more about our practices at Privacy Statement. [Back to Top]
  
  

STOCK STATUS

• Are all audiobooks always in stock? We strive to keep all audiobooks in stock, however, sometimes this is not possible. Most audiobooks are readily available from our distributors within a few days. [Back to Top]

• What if I order something that is not in stock? Should you have a tight schedule or specific date for the arrival of your audiobook, let us know in your order. If your audiobook can't be shipped within a few days of order receipt, we will email you a status. [Back to Top]

SHIPPING

• Do I have to be home when Express Mail is delivered? Express Mail (unless waived) requires someone to sign upon delivery. Let us know in your order if you want us to waive the signature requirement. [Back to Top]

• Do I have to be home when insured Priority Mail is delivered? All shipments are insured for loss or damage. Shipments insured for $50 or less do not require a delivery signature. Shipments insured for more than $50 require a delivery signature. This signature requirement cannot be waived. If the requirement for a delivery signature is a problem, let us know in your order. One solution is to make each carton valued at $50 or less, however, due to more cartons, this may increase your shipping costs. [Back to Top]

• Can you ship by UPS, FedEx, Airborne...? Yes, if you have an account with one of these shippers, we will be glad to use them for your shipment. Just let us know in your order. [Back to Top]

• What happens if my order has to be signed for and I'm not at home? If someone else is home, they usually are allowed to sign. If no one is home, the Postal Service will leave you a notice on how to get your package. [Back to Top]

• What if the Post Office can't deliver to the address in my order? If the address we send your order to is incorrect or incomplete, the Postal Service will return the package to us marked "undeliverable." We will be glad to reship your order after correcting your address with you. If the incorrect/incomplete address of the first shipment is your mistake, you will be charged for it and the reshipment. [Back to Top]
  
  

ORDERING FROM AUDIOBOOKS ONLINE

• How can I order? Methods of ordering are described at How to Order. [Back to Top]

• Can I write a message and/or special instructions in my online order? Yes. Just enter in either the [Order Instructions] or [Comments / More Information] sections. [Back to Top]

• Can I place a purchase order? Purchase Orders may only be placed by libraries or educational institutions. If completing an online order, select Purchase Order as your method of payment. [Back to Top]
  
  
• How can I assure my order processing and shipping will go smoothly? Providing us with valid information such as name, email and postal addresses, a telephone number, credit card number and expiration date will allow us to communicate with you in case we have a question and/or will not delay delivery to you by the carrier. If we have a question or your credit card is declined, we will primarily try to communicate with you by email. Let us know if email is not a good way to contact you. [Back to Top]

CANCELING AN ORDER

• How do I cancel an order? The best method is to send an email (mailto:myorder@audiobooksonline.com). An email documents your request with a date and time. You may also call us Toll-Free (within USA) 800-639-1862 or 802-434-5550. If we shipped your order prior to receiving your notice, mark it "Return to Shipper" and give it back to your postal carrier or local Post Office. If the carton is unopened, there is no cost to return it to us, however, you will be liable for the original shipping cost from us to you. [Back to Top]

COMMUNICATING WITH US

• How can I contact you? Here is how to contact us:

1. mailto:help@audiobooksonline.com
2. Toll-Free (within USA) 800-639-1862
3. USPS mail: Audiobooks Online 3325 Hinesburg Road Richmond, VT 05477-9210
4. FAX 802-434-5550 [Back to Top]

• What is the best way to communicate with you? Email is the best way to communicate as creates a document and eliminates phone tag. [Back to Top]
  

GUARANTEE

• What is your guarantee? All single copies of audiobooks, except 40% off titles, are 100% guaranteed for 30 days after receipt. All sales are final on 40% off product. Orders for multiple copies of the same title have special guarantee terms available upon request. [Back to Top]

• How do I get authorization to return an audiobook? RETURNS MUST BE AUTHORIZED, packaged securely in a carton & within the USA mailed back to us, Insured Media Mail, within seven days of authorization — NOTE: Returns MUST be insured! Returns not insured are at risk of loss at your expense. Should you want to return any or all of your order, send us an email (myorder@audiobooksonline.com) or call 1-800-639-1862 to get a Return Authorization. Insure for the amount paid for the audiobooks (less shipping) unless we state otherwise in your Return Authorization. Methods of return from all other countries will be determined at the time you obtain your Return Authorization. A copy of our email Return Authorization or, for telephone authorizations, a note of the date and the name of the Audiobooks Online representative should be included. You will be credited for the cost of the audiobooks (excluding shipping, except for defective product) upon receipt. [Back to Top]