Black Expressions Book Club FAQ
How will Black Expressions Book Club save me money?
Two ways. First, there's the introductory offer. You get 5 books for $2 plus shipping, which amounts to $15.70. True, the shipping charges deflate the magnificence of the deal to an extent, but you still get 5 books for just over $3 apiece, and that's hardly an offer you will find elsewhere.
After that, you can buy books at a discount of up to 40% (or more, on occasion) on retail prices. As a member of Black Expressions you will also be eligible to special discounts, offers, deals (free shipping, buy two books & get one for $1.99) on a regular basis.
What is the total minimum cost of membership?
Less than $65. It depends on which 4 books you choose as your commitment books, and whether or not you take the additional book for $5.99 at the enrollment.
Do I need a credit card to join?
No. You can opt to be billed later at the sign-up process in which case no credit card is necessary. You can always change your payment preferences at a later date.
Shipping rates seem a bit high?
Agreed. Shipping hardcover books has become rather expensive as of late. The postal service seem not to be interested in carrying books at a lower rate to encourage learning and education anymore. That said, some online retailers do seem to manage to get by offering somewhat lower rates, so, there's room for improvement. You will do best, though, if you group your orders into bundles worth $25 or more, in which case you will be charged a flat $2.49 s&h fee. Also, special deals featuring free shipping are often available to members.
What kind of books does Black Expressions have?
Prospective members can choose their introductory offer books among hundreds of titles by African American authors, mostly hardcover editions. Fiction titles are predominant in number, but there is also a large number of popular non-fiction titles as well.
Full members have access to all the books carried by other Bookspan clubs (over 70,000 titles), which makes this book club quite an impressive reading resource.
What is a Featured Selection?
Featured Selection is a book chosen by Black Expressions' selection committee as the hottest read of the moment. It is featured in the free magazine which members receive approximately once every three weeks. The selection will be sent to you automatically unless you cancel. The easiest way to do so is via the club web site, but you can also send in the card that comes with the magazine via regular mail.
Why do I have to respond if I don't want the Featured Selection?
Black Expressions Book Club relies on what is commonly referred to as negative option business model; it's a practice where goods or services are provided automatically, and the customers must decline them if they do not wish to buy or use them. Mail order book clubs are considered to be one of the pioneers of the practice, and have began relying on it early on since their inception.
Negative option method has been a source of some controversy, as it's known to have been abused by unethical companies.
How is membership canceled?
You can send an e-mail to the club's customer support at customerservice@blackexpressions.com, or send a written cancellation request to: Member Service Center, PO Box 6375, Camp Hill, PA 17012-6375.
After canceling, is it possible to re-join the club at a later date?
Yes. You can enroll at Black Expressions' website over again. You might also receive an e-mail from the club (some time after you've canceled) inviting you to re-join, with a special offer that might be even better than the one offered at the club web site (lower commitment, for example).
