Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a question below to see the answer, or just scroll down the screen to see all of the information.

How much does shipping cost?
Can I have my order shipped to a PO box?
How long will it take for my package to arrive?
Can I pick up my order at the Carleton Bookstore to avoid shipping costs?
What is your return policy?
Where do I report any website issues or concerns that I have?
What do I do if I can't find an item that I want?
Can I pay for my order without a credit card?

How much does shipping cost?
Shipping costs are usually based on the total cost of your order. In addition, some item descriptions will mention extra shipping costs, due to size, weight, or being shipped directly from the manufacturer. In addition to the information listed below, stickers and decals may be eligible for lower shipping costs. For questions about your shipping costs, you may call the Carleton Bookstore at 507-646-4153 or 800-799-4148. The following charts detail shipping costs:

The following chart lists the items we send via United States Postal Service:

Other merchandise will be shipped using FedEx Ground at the following rates:

In addition to the charges above, you may choose to add the following special options at additional cost:

In the event that you request Next Business Day or Two Business Day shipping, your order must be placed by 11:00 a.m. Central time in order to be shipped that day. If it is placed after 11:00 a.m. Central time, it will be shipped the following day. If we are unable to fill your order in a timely manner, we will contact you.

Can I have my order shipped to a PO box?
Yes — however, your shipping options are more limited. For most of our orders, we use FedEx for delivery, but they are unable to deliver to PO boxes. As a result, we ship any orders to PO boxes using the United States Postal Service (USPS) and their First Class shipping. Depending on your location, this may take longer to arrive than using FedEx. Shipping fees to a PO box are the same as listed above, but the Next Business Day, Two Business Day, and Saturday Delivery upgrades are not an option.

We do suggest shipping to a mailing address (not a PO box) whenever possible, to avoid any potential delays in your package arriving.

How long will it take for my package to arrive?
All in-stock orders are filled and shipped within two business days (non-weekend, non-holiday). If your items are not in stock, it may take up to two weeks for shipping. To see the list of days the Carleton Bookstore is not open (their holidays), click here.

If you request Next Business Day or Two Business Day shipping and place your order before 11:00 a.m. Central time on a business day (non-weekend, non-holiday), it will ship the same day if the items you have ordered are in stock. If you request expedited shipping and place order after 11:00 a.m. Central time, your order will ship the next business day if the items you have ordered are in stock.

Unless you request expedited shipping, your order will be shipped by FedEx Ground (with exceptions noted above). Delivery times will depend on your location, but in general, allow 3-5 business (not including weekend) days for delivery.

Though we update our website for inventory on a regular basis, we are sometimes out of stock for a specific item. In the event that items you have ordered are out of stock, we will contact you via email as soon as possible.

During the holiday season, shipping times may be longer than usual, due to the higher burden on the shipping process. We recommend that you order your gifts prior to 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19, in order to ensure that your packages will arrive prior to December 25 using standard delivery. If you order after that time, you will need to indicate your expedited delivery choice to receive the package in time. If shipping is a concern, calling the Bookstore directly at 888-232-6523 with your order will expedite delivery.

Can I pick up my order at the Carleton Bookstore to avoid shipping costs?
You certainly can. You can choose to pick up your items rather than have them delivered when you go through the check-out process.

What is your return policy?
All items are eligible for return within 30 days of purchase with a receipt. Items returned after 30 days or items returned without a receipt are not eligible for return.

Items must be returned in original condition with original tags or wrapping intact. Items returned without original wrappings or tags, or items that have been used or washed prior to return, will not be accepted for return.

Items received as gifts without a receipt may be eligible for exchange. Items must be returned in original condition with original tags or wrapping intact, and must be returned within 30 days. These items will only be accepted as an exchange for another item.

If you have received an item or size different than the size you requested on your order (i.e. if the bookstore sends you the wrong item), or if your order is damaged in transit, you may send the item back to the bookstore and the bookstore will reimburse you for your shipping costs.

For our separate textbook return policy, please click here.

If you have questions about returning an item, please call us at 800-799-4148 or email us at [email protected].

Where do I report any website issues or concerns that I have?
We have a web feedback form we'd like you to fill out if you run into any problems with the website or if you'd like to report any concerns. The form can be found in the Contact section of the website.

What do I do if I can't find an item that I want?
Please contact us by phone or email if you cannot find an item that you'd like.

Can I pay for my order without a credit card?
If you would like to pay for your purchase in a form of payment other than a credit card, please call Carleton at their toll free number for alternative payment arrangements. Please note that we cannot send out your purchase until payment is received in our store. This may result in shipping delays for those payments not made with a credit card.

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