BooksOnline Book Clubs FAQ
5 books for 99¢? 6 books for $2? Is this for real?
It is. All Booksonline clubs feature these very attractive introductory offers. However, note that shipping charges need to be added and that deflates the magnificence of the deal to an extent. Still, you get 4 to 6 (depending on the club) hard-bound books -- they can be latest bestsellers if that is your choice -- for about $3 apiece, total, and that's hardly an offer you will find elsewhere.
What's the catch? There has got to be one.
The catch is, by accepting the introductory offer you agree to buy a certain number of books within a certain period of time. In most cases this will be 4 books within a year, but with some clubs you will only have to buy one or two books.
How do I save after the introductory offer?
Booksonline clubs offer 30%-50% discounts (depending on the club) for newer titles -- which is pretty much in line with what is offered at better online bookstores. But that's not all: every new catalog brings you special sales and exclusive opportunities to save up to 80% and more. Some clubs also feature Bonus Points, redeemable for discounted books.
What are Bonus Points?
As a member of some Booksonline clubs (see the list below) you earn Bonus Points on everything you buy, be it books or merchandise items. Those are earned based on the amount of your total order. You need to spend $10 or more to start earning. For every additional $10 you spend, you get another Point.
| ORDER TOTAL | POINTS EARNED |
| $0-9.99 | 0 |
| $10-19.99 | 1 |
| $20-29.99 | 2 |
| $30-39.99 | 3 |
| ... | ... |
Total order excludes shipping and handling costs.
A minimum of 8 points is required before you can get a bonus-priced book.
| CLUB PRICE | #OF BONUS POINTS REQUIRED | BONUS PRICE |
| $0-19.99 | 8 | $4.99 |
| $20-39.99 | 12 | $7.99 |
| $40-59.99 | 16 | $9.99 |
So: when you gather 8 points, you get any book priced at up to $19.99 for just $4.99, and so on. Note that you can save up to $50 on most expensive books (requires 16 points).
Bonus Points are redeemable against books only. Some exceptions may apply. To redeem your Bonus Points, visit your Online Account or check off the appropriate box on your Reply Form. Bonus Point purchases do not count toward your membership commitment or earn Bonus Points.
Here's the list of clubs where you can earn bonus points:
Children's Book-of-the-Month Club
How can these clubs offer such low prices on books?
Booksonline are leaders in the field of direct marketing, which means they promote and sell their products directly to you -- the customer -- avoiding the middleman. That's why they're able to offer the club members substantial savings off the Publisher's Edition price.
Do I need a credit card to join?
Yes. Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card and American Express are accepted.
How much are shipping and handling charges?
With the initial order the cost is $5.74 for the first book and $1.99 for each additional book. With subsequent orders the charges are $3.99 for the first book and $1.99 for others.
What is a Featured Selection?
Featured Selection is a book or a set of books chosen by Booksonline clubs' editors as the hottest reads of the moment. They are featured in the free catalog which members receive approximately once every three weeks. The selection(s) will be sent to you automatically unless you decline them. The easiest way to do so is through your account on the club web site, but you can also send in the Reply Card that comes with the catalog via regular mail or call the club by phone.
Why do I have to respond if I don't want the Featured Selection?
Booksonline clubs rely on what is commonly referred to as negative option business method; 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.
