Shipping Policy

Introduction

This Shipping Policy explains how we handle shipping and delivery for products purchased through PubliRead's marketplace. This Policy applies to both digital books and print books ordered through our platform.

1. Digital Book Delivery

Digital books are delivered immediately after purchase. Delivery occurs when the book becomes available in the PubliRead Reader application within your account. You will also receive a confirmation email with access instructions.

Accessing Your Digital Books: Once your purchase is complete, you can access your digital book through:

• The PubliRead Reader application in your account
• The confirmation email with access instructions and links
• Your account's library or purchased books section

Technical Issues: If digital delivery is delayed due to technical issues, please contact support atinfo@publiread.com or through our helpdesk, and we will ensure immediate access or provide a remedy.

No Physical Shipping: Digital books do not require physical shipping. They are delivered instantly through our digital platform and can be accessed immediately after purchase.

2. Print-on-Demand Service

PubliRead uses a print-on-demand service model for physical books. This means that books are printed individually for each order, rather than being maintained in inventory. When you order a print book:

• Your order is transmitted to an appropriate printing partner based on your shipping location
• The book is printed specifically for your order
• The printed book is then shipped directly to you from the printing partner's facility

This print-on-demand model allows us to offer a wide selection of books while minimizing waste and environmental impact.

Printing Locations

We work with printing partners located in multiple regions to optimize shipping times and costs. Printing is done in the following locations:

• United Kingdom (UK)
• United States (US)
• Canada
• Australia

When you place an order, we automatically route it to the printing partner closest to your shipping address to minimize shipping times and costs. The specific printing location for your order will be determined based on your shipping destination and the availability of printing partners in that region.

3. Production and Processing Time

Production Time: Books are typically printed and shipped within 3-10 business days from the date your order is placed. However, production times may vary depending on:

• The printing partner handling your order
• Order volume and printing partner workload
• Your geographic location and the printing partner's location
• Book specifications (size, binding, color options, etc.)
• Holiday periods or peak seasons

Business Days: Production times are calculated in business days (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays). Orders placed on weekends or holidays will begin processing on the next business day.

Order Confirmation: You will receive an order confirmation email when your order is placed.

4. Shipping Methods and Carriers

Shipping is handled directly by our printing partners using standard shipping carriers. The specific carrier and shipping method available may vary depending on:

• Your shipping destination
• The printing partner's location
• Available shipping options in your region

Common shipping carriers used by our printing partners include, but are not limited to:

• United States Postal Service (USPS)
• FedEx
• UPS
• DHL
• DPD
• Royal Mail (UK)
• The Delivery Group
• Other regional and international carriers

The specific carrier and shipping method for your order will be determined by the printing partner based on your location and the shipping options available.

5. Shipping Costs

Shipping costs are calculated separately from the book price and are displayed during checkout before you complete your purchase. Shipping costs vary based on:

• Destination: The shipping address and country
• Shipping Method: The selected shipping speed and service level
• Book Specifications: Book size, weight, and format (hardcover vs. paperback)
• Printing Partner Location: The location of the printing facility fulfilling your order
• Order Quantity: The number of books in your order

Shipping Cost Display: Shipping costs are calculated and displayed during checkout, allowing you to review the total cost (book price + shipping) before completing your purchase.

Free Shipping: Free shipping may be available for certain orders, promotions, or regions. Any free shipping offers will be clearly indicated during checkout.

6. Taxes and Fees

Sales Taxes, VAT, and GST: Prices displayed at checkout may include applicable sales taxes, VAT, or GST depending on your region. Any taxes applied by PubliRead will be clearly shown during checkout before you complete your purchase.

Customs Duties and Import Taxes: Import duties, customs taxes, and international handling fees are not included in our prices or shipping costs. These additional charges are assessed by your country's customs authority and are the responsibility of the customer. PubliRead does not collect or remit customs duties, and these fees are not included in the total shown at checkout.

Refusal to Pay Customs Fees: If you refuse to pay customs duties or import taxes, the package may be returned to us or destroyed by customs. In such cases, return shipping fees, customs handling charges, and any associated costs may be deducted from your refund where applicable.

7. Delivery Times

Delivery times vary depending on several factors:

• Production Time: 3-10 business days for printing and processing
• Shipping Time: Varies by destination and shipping method selected
• Geographic Location: Domestic orders typically arrive faster than international orders
• Shipping Method: Standard shipping vs. expedited shipping options
• Customs Processing: For international orders, additional time may be required for customs clearance

Estimated Delivery Times:

• Domestic Orders: Typically 5-15 business days from order date (including production and shipping)
• International Orders: Typically 10-30 business days from order date (including production, shipping, and customs processing)

Important: These are estimated delivery times and are not guaranteed. Actual delivery times may vary due to factors beyond our control, including weather, carrier delays, customs processing, and other circumstances.

8. International Shipping

We currently ship to most countries worldwide through our network of printing partners. If shipping to a specific country or region is unavailable, this will be indicated during checkout.

When shipping internationally:

8.1 Customs Processing

International shipments must pass through customs in the destination country. Customs processing may add additional time to delivery, typically 3-10 business days, but can take longer depending on the country and customs workload.

We are not responsible for delays caused by customs processing or customs authorities.

8.2 Restricted or Prohibited Items

Some countries may have restrictions on importing books or printed materials. It is your responsibility to ensure that books can be legally imported into your country. We are not responsible if your order is rejected by customs or if books are prohibited in your country.

9. Order Tracking

When your book is printed and shipped, you will receive an email notification with tracking information (when available from the shipping carrier). You can use this tracking information to:

• Monitor the status of your shipment
• View estimated delivery dates
• Track the location of your package
• Receive delivery notifications

Tracking Availability: Tracking information is provided when available from the shipping carrier. Some shipping methods or carriers may not provide detailed tracking information. If tracking information is not available, we will notify you when your order has been shipped.

If you have questions about your shipment or tracking information, please contact our support team atinfo@publiread.com or through our helpdesk.

10. Shipping Address

Address Accuracy: It is your responsibility to provide a correct and complete shipping address when placing your order. Please double-check your shipping address before completing your purchase.

Address Changes: If you need to change your shipping address after placing an order, please contact our support team immediately. We will attempt to update the address if the order has not yet been shipped. Once an order has been shipped, we cannot change the shipping address.

Incorrect or Incomplete Addresses: If a package is returned to us due to an incorrect or incomplete address provided by you, you will be responsible for:

• Any return shipping costs
• Additional shipping costs to reship to the correct address
• Any delays in delivery

PO Boxes and APO/FPO Addresses: We can ship to PO boxes and APO/FPO addresses, but delivery times may be longer, and some shipping methods may not be available for these addresses.

11. Lost, Damaged, or Delayed Packages

11.1 Lost Packages

If your package appears to be lost in transit:

• Please allow the estimated delivery time to pass before reporting a lost package
• Check the tracking information to see the last known location
• Contact our support team at info@publiread.com or through our helpdesk
• We will work with the shipping carrier to locate your package
• If the package is confirmed lost, we will arrange for a replacement or refund

11.2 Damaged Packages

If your package arrives damaged:

• Please inspect the package upon delivery
• Take photos of the damaged package and book (if applicable)
• Contact our support team immediately at info@publiread.com or through our helpdesk
• Provide photos and a description of the damage
• We will work with the shipping carrier and printing partner to resolve the issue
• We may arrange for a replacement or refund, depending on the circumstances

11.3 Delayed Packages

If your package is delayed beyond the estimated delivery time:

• Check the tracking information for updates
• Allow additional time for delivery, especially for international orders
• Contact our support team if the delay is significant or if you have concerns
• We will work with the shipping carrier to investigate the delay

Important: We are not responsible for delays caused by shipping carriers, customs authorities, weather, natural disasters, or other circumstances beyond our control. However, we will work with you to resolve issues and find solutions when possible.

12. Third-Party Printing Partners

Shipping and fulfillment are handled by third-party printing partners, not directly by PubliRead. This means:

• Printing partners are responsible for printing, packaging, and shipping your order
• Shipping carriers are selected by printing partners
• Tracking information is provided by the shipping carrier
• We work with printing partners to resolve shipping issues, but we are not directly responsible for carrier operations

While we select reputable printing partners and work to ensure quality service, we are not responsible for the actions, errors, or delays of printing partners or shipping carriers, except as required by applicable consumer protection laws.

13. Unclaimed or Refused Packages

If a package is unclaimed or refused:

• The package may be returned to the printing partner or sender
• You may be responsible for return shipping costs
• We may charge a restocking fee if the package is returned
• Refunds, if applicable, may be reduced by return shipping costs and restocking fees

To avoid unclaimed packages, please ensure you are available to receive the package or make arrangements for someone to receive it on your behalf.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about shipping, delivery, or your order, please contact us:

Email: info@publiread.com
Helpdesk: Help centre(opens in new tab)

When contacting us about shipping, please include:

• Your order number
• The date of your order
• Your shipping address
• Any tracking information you have received
• A description of your concern or question

15. Changes to This Shipping Policy

We may update this Shipping Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, shipping partners, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated Policy on our website
• Sending email notifications to registered users for significant changes

The "Last updated" date at the top of this Policy indicates when it was last revised. Your continued use of the Service after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy. However, orders placed before policy changes will be subject to the Policy in effect at the time of order placement.