Ordering Books
If I find a book on your site, does that mean it's currently in stock at your store?
If our website says "On our shelves now" we probably have it in stock (unless someone else just beat you to it). If it says "Not on our shelves at the moment, but we will order it for you." we can usually have it in stock within a few days of ordering.
How can I check the status of my order?
Log in and click here. A list of all orders and their current status is provided.
How will I know if my order has been submitted?
Once your order has been successfully submitted, you will receive an automated confirmation email with an order number and a receipt of your purchase.
How will I know when my order has been processed?
We process orders as quickly as we can and strive for a 24 hour turnaround. You will receive a second email notification from us letting you know that we have processed your order and what the status is -- ready for pickup, books on order, or books shipped.
What does Credit Card Payment Received - Order in Process mean?
This means we have processed your order and the books are being pulled off of our shelves if they are in stock or they are being ordered if they are not in stock.
I preordered a book in the same order as other books that are currently available. Will my available books ship now or when the preorder is available?
Our goal is to get you your books in the quickest way possible. If you have a preorder that is several weeks or months away, we will ship the available books now and the preorder separately. If you have a preorder that comes out relatively soon, we try to send the completed order in one package.
How can I track my shipment?
Once your order ships, you will receive a tracking number from Stamps.com if you selected media mail or priority mail or from UPS if you selected UPS shipping.
Can I use my tax-exempt letter online?
We have the ability to adjust your order total if your order is tax exempt. Please put your tax exempt number in the order comments, so we can make the necessary adjustments.
Can I get my book signed if I don't attend the reading?
Yes. If you are unable to attend a reading, but would still like a signed copy of the book, you can call us at (314) 367-6731 to order over the phone, or order online at www.left-bank.com.
Can I change my shipping address?
You can email orders@left-bank.com to request an address change if we have not already shipped out your order.
Do you ship internationally?
We can ship internationally, except to the UK at this time. Please email orders@left-bank.com to request a shipping quote. We will need the full shipping address to provide the most accurate quote.
Why did I only receive part of my order?
We strive to send out complete orders in one package if possible. However, if a title on your order is backordered or is a pre-order, we will mail a partial order out so that the whole order is not delayed.
How long will you hold my order?
Please note that we will hold orders for 60 days after receiving the book. If the book is not picked up within the 60 day timeframe and other arrangements are not made, the order will then be considered abandoned and will not be eligible for a refund.
Is there a purchase limit on signed copies?
There are times when we are able to get a limited number of signed copies of a title. If that is the case for a specific title, there will be a limit of three (3) copies per customer for those titles.
Employment
Are you hiring? Our staffing needs vary, and we're always happy to look at a resume. Print copies of resumes may be dropped off at either store, but we do request (read: insist) that all interested applicants review the information and reply to the prompts at our Become a Bookseller page.
Used Books
Do You Purchase Used Books?
Short Answer: Why, yes we do! Click here for guidelines!
Long Answer: We take as many used books as we can. There is a limit of 3 bags or boxes per person, per month. Sometimes our back room overfills so we have to take the occasional break, so be sure to call (314) 367-6731 before you drop them off. We will look at used books all month long.
Our used book buyer will take a look at your books and contact you to let you know what we can or cannot take.
Before You Pack Up Your Books:
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We do not take westerns, textbooks, romance novels or encyclopedias
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We generally offer 10% of the cover price in store credit for each book.
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We are a general bookstore, so we can't appraise antiques and other treasures.