Book Depository Buying Guide For Malaysians
Image: Unsplash/Toa Heftiba |
For the uninitiated, The Book Depository is an online book store based in the UK and has a wide selection of books on topics we normally couldn't find here in Malaysia.
The books are not only (sometimes) cheaper but they also offer free shipping with no minimum order.
Wide range of books + free shipping anywhere in the world!
How can anyone not be excited?
If you are a Book Depository virgin, here is a simple buying guide for those residing in Malaysia.
Step 1: Create an account with Book Depository
Although you can still purchase without an account, it's advisable to create one HERE so you'll have your own account page and keep your purchase history.
It's pretty simple & straightforward
Remember to sign in before any purchase for your order to be recorded in the order history.
Step 2: Start Shopping!
Once you have created your account, now it's time to browse their MANNNNYYYYYY selection of books.
This could take the whole day and I'm definitely not complaining 😋
The books could or could not be cheaper so it's a good idea to look around 1st.
I like that the page has RM as one of the currencies so it's convenient to estimate your purchases.
Then add to basket. add to basket. add to basket.
Step 3: Payment Method
Fill in the necessary delivery details and payment is either by:
- VISA
- MasterCard
- AMEX
- Maestro
- PayPal
Do prices include tax?
All prices include any local VAT (Value Added Tax) or sales tax which Book Depository may be required to charge. This may change dependent on your delivery location, details of which can be found in our terms and conditions.
At the moment, if you are shipping to Malaysia, you do not have to pay any additional tax for your order.
Step 4: Shipping/Delivery
Read: How long does it take for books from The Book Depository to reach Malaysia
Which courier are they using?
Your books will arrive via regular mail. Like Pos Malaysia.
So if you live in an apartment complex like me, you will need to check your mailbox/ pigeon hole every once in a while.
My book arrived in a brown envelope like this.
Is there any tracking number given?
Tracking number is provided for delivery to these countries: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Israel, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, Turkey, United States, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay.
Unfortunately no for Malaysia. Sad.
No other information is available except for "dispatched from UK xx July" so you will just have to be patient and wait.
How long does it takes to reach Malaysia?
20- 25 days business days.
But it could take longer, some people up to 2-3 months. My personal experience, it took 1 month for 1st book to arrive.
I ordered few books in one order, will they arrive together?
Books can take different times to get to you as it depends on the supplier for each book.
Each books detail page will tell you when you should expect delivery for that book.
My order did not arrive after 3 months. What should I do?
If your order shows as dispatched and hasn't arrived in the expected time, you may contact them via their online contact form giving details of your order.
Well, you can check with your nearest POS office but I wouldn't really recommend it though as you don't have any tracking number for them to check and they already have so much parcels to handle.
So it can be a futile & frustrating attempt.
More information on delivery here
Have you purchased from The Book Depository before? I would love to hear your experiences in the comment section below 💖
Yes, I purchased a book after reading about Book Depository in your earlier post. Very true that we much check first if there are cheaper ones. After I bought my book, I discovered that Lazada (MPH) also got at a lower price. Wah! Menyesal tak sudah1 LOL! But it's ok lah because the one from BD was a hardcover.
ReplyDeleteHahahaha it happens!
DeleteHi! If you don't mind me asking (placed an order two weeks ago), about the custom declaration sticker, is it from Book Depository or Kastam Malaysia? And does it state the value of parcel in MYR? I bought a bookset that exceeds RM500 ever so slightly so it might be 'tahan' by them lol (am willing to pay the tax) but would I even get a notice? Am insanely worried now lol cause no tracking.
ReplyDeleteI'm not too sure about that though. I'm sorry I don't have information about taxable amount. All I know is their books prices is already including local tax. The sticker looks like it's from Books Depository cause if it's from Kastam Msia, surely it will be in BM, looking all formal. hahaha. Understood ur anxiety while waiting. All the best!
Delete