LATEST DISCOUNTS & SALES: PROMOTIONS

Close Notification

Your cart does not contain any items

Frequently Asked Questions

All
Returns & Payment Types
Stock Status Explained
Searching for books
Redeeming Vouchers
Rewards-Accounts-Checkout
Languages
WHAT IS YOUR RETURNS POLICY?
Please see Terms of Trade: RETURNS
WHAT PAYMENT TYPES DO YOU ACCEPT?
Please see Terms of Trade: PAYMENTS
WHAT DOES 'IN STOCK. READY TO SHIP' MEAN?
This means the item is sitting on the shelf in our shop and can be shipped within one business day.

Very occasionally, where only one item is in stock, there is the possibility that the item may have already been sold. We do apologise in advance if this happens. Our website currently updates stock status four times per day.
WHAT DOES 'WE CAN ORDER THIS IN FOR YOU' MEAN?
This means the item is not here in the shop but we can order it in from our suppliers.

We generally receive it from our suppliers within 7 to 10 days and then ship it to you. If it looks like your books will not get here within 7 to 10 days, we will let you know as soon as possible before going ahead with your order.

Not all books are equal. Some are local, others are overseas. Some are in large quantities from huge publishers (fast to get in) and others are small quantities from tiny publishers (slow to get in).

Books that are in stock at our local suppliers will normally get to us within 7 to 10 days.

Books that are not warehoused locally can take 4 weeks or more to arrive here (e.g. foreign language books from overseas).

If we expect it later than 10 days, we will update you with an expected timeframe before proceeding with your order.

We're booksellers in an actual bookshop, so you can speak with us or email us if you have any questions.
WHAT DOES 'FORTHCOMING' MEAN?
This means the item is yet to be published or yet to be made available to the public by the supplier. The publication date is shown below the ADD+ button on the book's page and also on the Details tab.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOME OF MY ORDERED ITEMS ARE NOT IN STOCK?
If it's more than a few days for everything in your order to be in stock, we will ship what is already here.

Items taking more than a few days to source from our suppliers are consolidated here as they arrive until all items are ready for shipping in a second shipment. This CONSOLIDATED BACKORDER is shipped freight-free. We will contact you regarding any anticipated delay in sending these items.

If we become aware of unusual delays, we will ship items already received, then ship the delayed items when they arrive.

If however you want any of the consolidated items shipped before our planned back-order shipment, we can do this for an additional standard delivery charge within Australia - please contact us to arrange that.

PRO-TIP: Place separate orders. Place a separate order for books that are IN STOCK and these will be shipped straight away. Place another order for books that are forthcoming or not in stock. These will be consolidated here and shipped to you when the last item arrives.
WHY DID YOUR WEBSITE SAY IT WAS AVAILABLE WHEN IT WASN'T!?
Nothing annoys us more than BAD DATA because it wastes everyone's time, but with over 3 million books on our database, chances are some items are going to be incorrect. Our data comes from our suppliers and sometimes that data is wrong. Occasionally, when we go to order the book for you, the supplier then tells us it is not available. One day - a day which we call THE FUTURE - bad data will be a thing of the past. With a wry smile and a shake of the head we'll say things like "Remember bad data? How did people endure such hardship?" THE FUTURE is going to be great.
WHERE DO I START?
There are three ways of finding books: SEARCH, CATEGORIES and NEW RELEASES

1) Click SEARCH on the homepage or the magnifying glass icon (top right) to get the quick search, if you have some idea of the title or author of the book you're looking for. For more search parameters, click More Search Options (next to the Search button in quick search).

PRO-TIP: Use two of the search fields to get a more relevant result. For example, enter a distinctive word from the TITLE and the surname of the AUTHOR to get results that are more defined.

2) Click CATEGORIES. Pick the category you're after and use the filters to narrow it down, for example, In Stock. To narrow the view to only the GALAXY or LANGUAGE categories, click the relevant tab. When viewing a Language category, you can narrow the view to only books in a selected language, for example, French.

3) Click NEW RELEASES and pick the section you're after. New Releases are normally updated on the first of each month. To narrow the view to only the GALAXY or LANGUAGE sections, click the relevant tab.
HOW DOES YOUR SEARCH WORK?
The more information you include, the closer your results will be to a more relevant set of matches.

PRO-TIP 1: If you know the ISBN (a unique number for each edition of a book) then the search will check if we have that exact edition in our database.

PRO-TIP 2: Use two of the search fields to get a more relevant result. For example, enter a distinctive word from the TITLE and the surname of the AUTHOR to get results that are more defined
HOW DOES ADVANCED SEARCH WORK?
The More Search Options link next to the Search box takes you to ADVANCED SEARCH. You can search within specific fields: title, author, description, ISBN or imprint. You can also select a publication date range, category, price range and format (along with the other terms) to give you more specific results.

Include information for as many of the Advanced Search fields as you wish for the best results. Advanced Search - Category Search: Just begin typing and subject categories will be suggested - select the one you wish. Click Search Tips for some hints on how to tell the Search about specific words to seek or ignore.
WHAT ABOUT USING SEARCH WITH HYPHENS IN TITLES?
In Search, hyphens are stripped out - the two hyphenated words are simply put together, which affects your results. If unsure about a hyphen in a Title or Author, leave a space where the hyphen should be. This will find the two separate words, regardless of whether the hyphen is in the database. If unsuccessful, delete the space and search for one word. eg. Moby-Dick returns the same results as Mobydick, whereas Moby Dick returns different results.
WHAT ITEMS ARE IN YOUR DATABASE?
We list a vast range of titles in English, with almost every book available in Australia and most that are in print internationally. In our Language Book Centre we also have a large range of books in languages other than English.
HOW DO I FIND NEW AND FORTHCOMING BOOKS?
We have a collection of current month releases under our NEW RELEASES section. Or if you are using our SEARCH function or CATEGORIES pages, you are able to filter under NARROW YOUR SEARCH by selecting 'Current & Forthcoming' in the By Publication Date section.
WHAT IF THE BOOK I'M LOOKING FOR IS NOT ON YOUR SITE?
If there is a title you cannot find on our site, please contact us (we love a challenge) and provide as much detail as you can. We'll research it and get back to you as soon as possible. Our contact details are here: CONTACT US
WHAT IS A REGISTERED ACCOUNT?
A registered account is when you login with a password to place an order. Good reasons to register an account with Abbey's:

• IT'S SECURE - We don't store your credit card information.

• REWARD POINTS - Your orders earn you $10 Reward Vouchers if you've joined ABBEY'S REWARDS. More on ABBEY'S REWARDS

• ORDER HISTORY - It's all there in case you need it.

• WISHLIST - Spot something you like but just browsing for now? Add it to your Wishlist!

• MANAGE ADDRESSES - Don't enter all your details again. Save your addresses - YES, you can have multiple addresses saved, ready for use.
HOW DO I CREATE A REGISTERED ACCOUNT?
HOW TO CREATE A REGISTERED ACCOUNT:

1. Click LOG-IN (button at top right)

2. Click SIGNUP

3. Fill out the form and create your password (a strong one please)

4. Click 'Submit'

5. Once registered, to join Abbey's Rewards just place an order online using your new account and request 'I want to join Abbey's Rewards' in the Order Notes in Checkout


You must be logged in to your registered account each time you place an order.
HOW DO I CONNECT MY ONLINE ACCOUNT WITH MY EXISTING STORE REWARDS ACCOUNT?
NEW ONLINE CUSTOMERS WITH AN EXISTING STORE ACCOUNT: Customers who already have a Rewards Account in-store and are registering an online account for the first time just need to alert us in the ORDER NOTES. Say something like "I already have an account in the shop. Please merge this account with that one." We'll then manually merge the online account with your existing Rewards account. Just ensure you use the same email address and login each time. Your purchases will then automatically be added to your Reward Points status.
WHAT ARE REWARD POINTS & REWARD VOUCHERS?
ABBEY'S REWARDS is our loyalty program. It's free to join and you can join online or in-store. Reward Points are earned on every purchase (excluding Gift Cards and Gift Vouchers) and you are rewarded with Reward Vouchers which you can redeem on future purchases. Reward Vouchers have no expiry date. The full information is shown here: ABBEY'S REWARDS
IF I GET YOUR eNEWS DOES THAT MEAN I'M IN ABBEY'S REWARDS?
No. The two are separate. You need to ask to be added to ABBEY'S REWARDS. Ask in-store or online. It's free, quick and easy for us to add you. More on ABBEY'S REWARDS

How do I know if I'm in ABBEY'S REWARDS?

Your eNEWS header has your status. If you're in, it will show your Reward Points and Reward Vouchers. If you're not in, it will say 'Earn $10 Reward Vouchers. More info'.

What if I don't get your eNEWS?

You'll have to ask us in-store or online to check whether you're in ABBEY'S REWARDS. Our email and phone contacts are in the footer below.
HOW DO I ORDER A BOOK ONLINE?
For the item you want, click on ADD+. The CART indicator in the header (top of page) updates the number of items in your cart. When you are ready to finalise your order, click on the Cart indicator and select CHECKOUT. In CHECKOUT you will be asked to login as an existing customer or register as a new account. NOTE: if you choose to proceed with your order without registering, you won't earn any Reward Points towards your next $10 Reward Voucher.
IS GIFT-WRAPPING AVAILABLE?
Gift-wrapping is available for a small fee per book. A selection of wrapping choices is shown in Checkout. You also have the option to add a free gift tag and include a message to the recipient.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GIFT VOUCHERS & GIFT CARDS?
We have two ways you can make someone feel special - an Abbey's Gift Voucher or Abbey's Gift Card.

OUR GIFT VOUCHERS are a fast and simple way to email your gift - either directly or send later on. Or perhaps you want to print it yourself and stick into a card before you dash out the door to the celebration. Try it out - just enter the amount and type in the recipient's name, and your name and message.

If you want the Gift Voucher to go directly to the recipient, tick that box and enter their email address. Or you can choose to have the Gift Voucher emailed to you so that you can forward it to the recipient at a time of your choosing (or print it as mentioned above). Gift Vouchers are redeemable online or in-store and have no expiry date.

OUR GIFT CARDS remain popular with customers who like to give something tangible. Gift Cards are credit card-sized and fit easily into your purse or wallet and come enclosed within an attractive presentation slip. They are redeemable online or in-store. Gift Cards have no expiry date and are mailed by Express Post. View the range of gift values we have online, or if you want any other value, please phone 02 9264 3111 or ask in-store.
HOW DO I REDEEM AN ONLINE GIFT VOUCHER?
ONLINE - In CHECKOUT, enter your Gift Voucher code into the 'Voucher/Promo Code' box, then click the button that says 'Apply Voucher/Promo Code'. If the Voucher is valid, the value of the Voucher will be applied to your order. If the value of the total Voucher is less than the total order value, you will need to pay the balance remaining. If the value of the Voucher is more than the total order value, your Voucher will have the order value deducted from it and the Voucher will remain active until all the value is used up with future orders. You still need to enter your credit card or PayPal and any adjustment is made when we process your order. Gift Vouchers have no expiry date.

IN-STORE - Show your Gift Voucher at the checkout (printed or on your phone) and our staff will apply it to your purchase. Gift Vouchers have no expiry date.

PRO-TIP: Make a note if you have more Gift Voucher value to use. You can always enquire if you are unsure and we'll check to see what's left on it. Gift Vouchers have no expiry date.
HOW DO I REDEEM A PHYSICAL GIFT CARD?
ONLINE - In CHECKOUT, enter your Gift Card number into the ORDER NOTES and say something like "Please use my gift card for payment: [type card number]". Finish placing your order with your credit card or Paypal - the adjustment to your order payment will be made (within 72 hours) when we process your order. If the value of the Gift Card is more than the total order value, your Gift Card will have the order value deducted from it and the Gift Card will remain active until all the value is used up with future orders. You still need to enter your credit card or PayPal and any adjustment is made when we process your order. Gift Cards have no expiry date. Gift Cards that are partially redeemed are re-issued with the same card number followed by a letter (A, B, C, etc) to indicate there is an amount remaining. We email you with this information (card number and value remaining).

IN-STORE - Present your Gift Card at the checkout and our staff will apply it to your purchase. Gift Cards have no expiry date.

PRO-TIP: Make a note if you have more Gift Card value to use. But never fear, our order correspondence will confirm any value remaining on your Gift Card and you can always enquire if you are unsure and we'll check to see what's left on it. Gift Cards have no expiry date.
HOW DO I REDEEM REWARD VOUCHERS ONLINE?
ONLINE - In CHECKOUT, use ORDER NOTES and say something like "Please use my Reward Vouchers". Finish placing your order with your credit card or Paypal - the adjustment to your order payment will be made (within 72 hours) when we process your order. Reward Vouchers are always redeemed in full, so use them when the total order value exceeds the value of the Reward Vouchers you are redeeming. You still need to enter your credit card or PayPal and any adjustment is made when we process your order. Reward Vouchers have no expiry date.

IN-STORE - Show your Reward Vouchers at the checkout (printed or on your phone) and our staff will apply them to your purchase. Or ask our staff to check whether you have any unredeemed Reward Vouchers available. Reward Vouchers have no expiry date.

PRO-TIP: If you join our eNEWS, the eNEWS emails include your Reward Points and Reward Vouchers balance.
HOW DO I EDIT MY ORDER IN CHECKOUT?
To remove or add an item, or change the quantity of an item, you have to go to the Cart. Click Edit your order, make your adjustments and then click CHECKOUT.
CAN I GET A STUDENT DISCOUNT?
We no longer offer student discount. Challenging trading conditions arising from COVID19 have meant we've had to make this change. We remain committed to offering a premium service in assisting you with finding the books and language resources that you seek.
DO YOU SELL SECOND-HAND BOOKS?
No.
My credit card is being rejected, but there are available funds?
Sometimes our merchant rejects credit cards for "security" reasons, often related to the card country and the billing/delivery addresses being different. Sometimes we can manually attempt to recharge the card - if you would like to do this please call or email us at orders@abbeys.com.au.

Alternatively you can use PayPal's "Pay with a Card" option for payment. This does not require a PayPal account, but simply uses PayPal as the merchant.

To use this option: select PayPal as the payment option in our check out, and in the window that pops up select the white "Pay with a Card" button (it is located at the bottom of the window, below the blue "Log In" button) and enter your contact details, card details and billing address. You may need to provide a security code that PayPal will send you to complete this transaction. Alternatively you can use PayPal's "Pay with a Card" option for payment. This does not require a credit card, but simply uses PayPal as the merchant. To use this option select PayPal as the payment option in our check out, and in the window that pops up select the white "Pay with a Card" button (it is located at the bottom of the window, below the blue "Log In" button) and enter your contact details, card details and billing address. You may need to provide a security code that PayPal will send you to complete this transaction.

SHIPPING • FAQ • TERMS • PRIVACY

Shipping & Delivery • Shop Hours • Frequently Asked Questions • Privacy & Security • Terms of Trade

INFO