Our Promise to You
At Book Island, we want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If something isn't right, we're here to make it right. This policy outlines our approach to returns, exchanges, and refunds.
Returns for Physical Books and Products
14-Day Return Window
You may return most physical items purchased from Book Island within 14 days of delivery for a full refund of the purchase price. To be eligible for a return:
- Items must be in their original condition — unread, unmarked, and with no damage beyond what they arrived with
- Items must be in original packaging where applicable
- You must have proof of purchase (order confirmation email or receipt)
Items That Cannot Be Returned
The following items are not eligible for return:
- Blind Date With a Book packages: Due to their mystery nature, these cannot be returned once the wrapping is opened. Unopened packages may be returned.
- Sale or clearance items: Final sale items are non-refundable unless defective.
- Gift cards: Gift card purchases are non-refundable.
- Personalized or custom items: Items customized to your specifications cannot be returned.
- Items showing signs of use: Books with highlighting, writing, stains, bent pages, or other damage caused after delivery.
Damaged or Defective Items
If you receive a damaged or defective item, please contact us within 7 days of delivery. We will arrange a free return and either replace the item or provide a full refund, at your choice. Please include photos of the damage when you contact us — this helps us improve our packaging and address issues with suppliers.
How to Request a Return
To initiate a return, please follow these steps:
- Email us at [email protected] with:
- Your order number
- The item(s) you wish to return
- The reason for the return
- We'll respond within 2 business days with return instructions and a return authorization number.
- Ship the item(s) back to us using the provided address. Please keep your tracking number.
- Once we receive and inspect the returned item(s), we'll process your refund.
Return Shipping Costs
- Damaged/defective items: We cover return shipping costs.
- Changed your mind: You are responsible for return shipping costs. We recommend using a trackable shipping service.
- Our error: If we sent the wrong item, we cover return shipping costs.
Refund Processing
Once we receive your return and verify it meets our return conditions:
- Refunds are processed within 5-7 business days
- Refunds are issued to your original payment method
- Depending on your bank or credit card company, it may take an additional 5-10 business days for the refund to appear on your statement
- Original shipping costs are non-refundable unless the return is due to our error or a defective product
Exchanges
If you'd like to exchange an item for a different title or product, please initiate a return as described above and place a new order for the desired item. This ensures the fastest processing. If there's a price difference, it will be handled accordingly.
Services (Personal Book Curation, Event Tickets)
Personal Book Curation ($149 CAD)
- Before consultation: Full refund if cancelled more than 48 hours before your scheduled consultation.
- Within 48 hours: 50% refund if cancelled within 48 hours of your consultation.
- No-show: No refund for missed appointments without prior notice.
- After receiving books: If you're unsatisfied with your curated selection, contact us within 14 days. We'll work with you to exchange books that didn't resonate. Refunds for completed curation services are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Event Tickets
- Event tickets may be refunded if requested more than 7 days before the event.
- Refund requests within 7 days of the event are at our discretion.
- If we cancel an event, you will receive a full refund automatically.
Late or Missing Refunds
If you haven't received your refund within the expected timeframe:
- Check your bank account or credit card statement again
- Contact your bank or credit card company — it may take time for the refund to be posted
- If you've done both and still don't see your refund, please email us at [email protected]
Contact Us
Questions about returns or refunds? We're happy to help.
Book Island
100 King Street West, Suite 5700
Toronto, ON M5X 1C7
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 705-238-5464