Click Find a Store to find your local bookshop.

This 'How to Buy' section contains a step-by-step guide to buying books from our on-line store. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

• Searching for a Book
• Adding a Book to your Shopping Basket
• Taking your Basket to the Check Out
• Completing the Contact Us Page
• Paying for a Book
• Order Confirmation and Receipt
• Delivery of your order
• Checking if your Order has been Sent
• Returning Books

Searching for a book

The quickest way to search for a book is to enter part of the title or author's name in the search box on the right-hand side. Click on the Go button or press the Enter key on your keyboard.

This will list all books containing the search word or phrase. To find out more about a particular book, click once on its title.

Once you have found a book, buying it requires a few steps.

Adding a Book to your Shopping Basket

Wherever you see a Buy button, clicking once on it will add that product to your shopping basket. However, just as in a supermarket, adding an item to your basket does not commit you to purchasing it. You can take it out of your basket at any time.

Your shopping basket page keeps a list of the items you are considering buying.

To remove an item from your basket, remove the tick next to it and press the Recalculate button.

To alter the quantity, change the number in the Quantity box and press the Recalculate button.

To continue shopping, click on the Continue shopping button.

To continue to the check out, click once on the Go to check out button.

Your shopping basket remembers the items you want to buy. You can search for further books without losing the contents of you basket. When you are ready to take your basket to the check out, return to your basket by clicking on the basket button on the top or on the basket icon at the top of the page, if it is visible.

Taking your Basket to the Check Out

To take you basket to the check out for payment, first return to your shopping basket page by clicking on the basket button on the top of the page. Check the items in your basket and then click on the Go to check out on your shopping basket page.

Before proceeding, we need to collect your name and address. We do this before asking for credit card information as your address will determine any charges for post and packing.

Completing the Contact Us Page

If you have already shopped with us, we will have your name and address (but not your credit card information, for security reasons) within our list of customers. At the top of the contact page you can enter your last name (e.g. Smith) and your e-mail address (e.g. jsmith@freeserve.co.uk). Click on the Login button to look up your details. If you have purchased items from us before the page will then display your address. You can change this information if you wish.

If you have not purchased items before, please complete the contact form. The postal address you enter must be the address for the credit card you will use to make the purchase. The *s indicate required information. You will not be able to proceed until we have all the information required to complete and deliver your order. Please check that you have entered a correct e-mail address as we use this address to confirm your order.

Post and packing is free within the UK. If you are purchasing from outside the UK, there is a standard charge of £3.95 per order.

If you want your order to be delivered to an address other than your own, please complete the shipping section as well. Normally we are happy to deliver your order to an address other than your own, but for security reasons we reserve the right to refuse.

Finally, you can add any additional comments or delivery instructions. Then press the Continue button to proceed to the payment stage.

Paying for a Book

So far we have your shopping basket and we now know your address. The next step is to collect from you your credit card details.

When you click on Order now!, all subsequent information that you enter will be encrypted so that no one snooping on the site can read the credit card details you give us. If you are using a recent browser such as Internet Explorer 5 or 6, you will automatically use '128-bit encryption', which means that it would take thousands of years to crack the code. (Older browsers will only be able to use 40-bit encryption, which is still safe.) You can read more about security.

Select your credit card type (Visa, MasterCard etc.), enter your card number and its expiry date. Check that the name and address are valid for the card you are using. Some Switch cards also require an Issue number. Please leave this blank unless you are using such a card.

Finally, click once on the final order button to place your order. Only click once or you may place multiple orders for the same item (but don't worry if you do - we usually spot these multiple orders and confirm with you by e-mail before sending them to you).

Order Confirmation and Receipt

Once you have placed your order, the site will display a receipt. You should print this out as your record of the transaction. Each order has a unique order number, which should be quoted in any correspondence.

We will also send you an e-mail confirming your order.

Delivery of your order

Postage and packaging is free of charge for all orders in the UK. Our normal shipping period is within 5 working days of your order. Single/small items will be sent by 1st class post and larger orders with a carrier.

Checking if your order has been sent

You can return to the site at any time to check the status of your order. Click on Past orders on the top and enter your name and e-mail address.

The system will look up your past orders, listing the most recent first. Our sales staff indicate when an order has been processed. If you do not see your order, or it is not being shipped within a few days, please e-mail ivp@ivpbooks.com giving your name and order number.

Returning Books

Our books are not available on a 'sale or return' basis. However, in the unlikely event of you receiving an incorrect order or damaged goods, send the item(s) back to us along with the delivery documentation and a covering note. We will then refund your money or replace any missing or damaged goods.