Frequently Asked Questions

Our Books

What condition are your vintage books in?

It varies. We try to inspect each book carefully and make sure to post multiple photos to show the condition it's in. Descriptions are subjective, so please take a look at the photos carefully and ask for additional photos if necessary. You can reach us via our contact form or by emailing info@thehoundbooks.com .

Do your books have that "old book smell"?

Rarely. Musty books are not good for our store or your library. However, the "old book smell" is also a subjective term. Please consider the date of publishing for each book you're considering and definitely expect that it will not have a "new book smell."

How do you determine the condition of vintage books?

Since each book is unique, we don't grade the condition of our books the way you would find on other sites. Please look at the photos carefully and ask for additional photos if necessary.

Tears in dustjackets are pretty normal in the vintage books we sell. Some of the books will have compromised spines, loose bindings, visible shelf wear and other issues related to their age.

We think they are still pretty cool and worthy of a spot on our shelves or bedside tables.

Do you guarantee that books are free from mold, tears, or damage?

We don't like mold either but we can't guarantee that all vintage books are in excellent condition. All sales are final so please look at the photos carefully and ask for additional photos if necessary.

Are your books first editions? How can I tell?

Some of our books are special because they're indeed first editons or other rare item. We'll make sure to post photos and also note in the description copy why they're special.

Do you have more inventory in the store than what's shown online?

Yes, we do. You can reach us at info@thehoundbooks.com if you're looking for a special title or author.

Can you help me find a specific book that's not on your website?

Of course! Just email us at info@thehoundbooks.com and tell us more about your search.

Do you also sell new books on your website?

We do! We'll periodically add new titles from independent presses to our site to highlight our favorite books that might not always get the attention they deserve.

For all other new titles, you can shop our page on Bookshop.org, where a portion of the proceeds comes back to us.

How do you price your vintage books?

We find a fair price based on comps found on other popular sites where vintage books sold. The condition, rarity and other special elements may determine the price. Sometimes, you might have to pay a premium for a specific title, because we're finding it really difficult to part with it.

How do I find out about upcoming events?

Please sign up for our newsletter to find out about upcoming events and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. We routinely post our events on our site as well but the most reliable way is to sign up for our newsletter. Just make sure to save our email addresses so you get our updates in your regular inbox instead of spam.

Shipping & Returns

How much does shipping cost?

We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes. We offer free shipping if you spend $50 or more on your order. You can always view our full shipping policy here.

How long will my order take to arrive?

We package up your order as soon as we receive it and delivery depends on which shipping option you pick during checkout. Media mail tends to arrive within 2-8 days in the US.

Do you ship internationally?

Not yet. Hopefully soon!

What is your return policy?

All book, magazine, and media purchases are final sale. We accept returns within 30 days on clothing items as long as they are in new condition.

You can view our full return policy here.

What if my book arrives damaged?

We take great care in packaging and will also provide you with photos of how we shipped the item. If you need insurance on a specific item, please let us know and we can adjust the shipping fee accordingly to provide that custom service for you. Otherwise, all book sales are final.

Can I visit the store to browse in person?

The books on our website are a curated list of online only items, but they can can be bought and you can choose to pick them at the store at checkout.

If you'd just prefer to browse what we have in the store inventory, please come by! We have no doubt you'll find something unique and special in store as well.

Still have questions?

Reach out to us about a special book you're on the hunt for, a question about one of our products, an upcoming event, or if you'd just like to chat.

contact us