Terms of Sale

All items are guaranteed as described. Autographed items can be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity upon request. We accept payment via checks, money orders, and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). Payment plans are also available; feel free to inquire about them. Please note that Virginia residents will incur a 5.3% sales tax at checkout.

In rare cases, an order may be placed for a book before it is removed from our online inventory. Should this occur, we will promptly notify you and offer an alternative copy if one is available. If your order is time-sensitive, please reach out to us via email at info@mullinsbooks.com. Generally, we update our site daily to remove sold items.

Returns

We take pride in accurately describing the condition, edition, and printing of each item we sell. Returns are accepted within seven days of delivery, with return shipping covered by the buyer. Items must be returned in their original condition using the same mail service we used. If we’ve made a cataloging error, a full refund will be issued. For returns and cancellations on credit card orders, a 3% restocking fee may apply due to non-refundable processing costs, while payments by money order, check, or cash are exempt. Please contact us in advance to arrange your return.

Shipping (Domestic)

For orders totaling $100 or more, domestic shipping is complimentary. By default, we use USPS Media Mail, with an estimated delivery time of 2-8 days. However, we also provide expedited options such as USPS Priority Mail and UPS Ground/2-Day for customers requiring faster delivery.

Our standard handling time is 1-2 business days from the cleared payment date. Additionally, we reserve the right to upgrade shipping to a quicker service or add adult signature confirmation at our discretion, with no extra charge to the customer.

Shipping (International)

For orders outside of the U.S., our default shipping method is UPS Ground, with an estimated delivery time of 4-10 days. Please note that international shipments may be subject to taxes, customs duties, and fees imposed by the destination country. The recipient of the shipment is considered the importer of record and is responsible for all associated import fees.

Our standard handling time is 1-2 business days from the cleared payment date.

Book Condition Guide

Subjectivity in grading collectibles is a significant challenge that affects the market's integrity and the value of items. Grading collectibles, such as books and dust jackets, involves assessing their condition based on various criteria, including wear, age, and preservation quality. However, this process can be highly subjective, as different graders may have varying standards and interpretations of what constitutes a particular grade. This subjectivity can lead to inconsistencies, making it difficult for buyers and sellers to agree on an item's true condition and value. Overgrading to inflate prices can also occur, undermining trust in the market. The distinction between a 'Very Good' book and a 'Near Fine' book or dust jacket can represent a significant financial difference, sometimes ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards in book and dust jacket grading. Whenever we grade a book or dust jacket, we strictly adhere to the guidelines outlined below.

As New: The book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published. This could be the description for a book that has been lost in a warehouse for years, never shelved, thumbed or even opened yet may still be some years old.

Fine: A Fine book approaches the condition of As New, but without being crisp. The book may have been opened and read, but there are no defects to the book.

Near Fine: A Near Fine book may appear to be Fine at first glance, but after close inspection may have one or two minor defects. No writing can be present in a Near Fine book, even a previous owner's name (unless the owner is of significant historical, literary, or cultural importance).

Very Good: Describes a book that shows some small signs of wear - but no tears - of paper.

Very Good Plus: Describes a Very Good book that has no writing or bookplates present.

Good: Describes the average used worn book that has all pages or leaves present.

Good Plus: Describes a Good book that has no writing or bookplates present.

Fair: Worn book that has complete text pages (including those with maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title, etc.

Poor: Describes a book that is sufficiently worn. May be missing maps or plates. This copy may be soiled, scuffed, stained or spotted and may have loose joints, hinges, pages, etc.

Restored to: Describes a book that has gone through the restoration process. All restoration work will be clearly noted.

Dust Jacket Condition Guide

Fine: The dust jacket is in the same immaculate condition as when it was printed. Color must not be faded, but only the slightest traces of aging are allowed to a small area, such as a corner.

Near Fine: A Near Fine dust jacket may appear to be Fine at first glance, but after close inspection may show some minor signs of wear, principally around the edges, but no tears of paper. Color may be faded only faintly on spine, but no rubbing.

Very Good: Describes a dust jacket that shows small signs of wear. Price may be clipped (cut off) from inner flap. Small tears under ¼ inch around edges are acceptable – but no chipping. Spine color may be slightly rubbed. Paper may have aging that approaches tan. All defects must be clearly documented.

Good: Describes the average worn dust jacket. May contain rubbing or fading of color other than the spine. Paper may have aging that appears dark tan. Tears larger than ¼ inch, but less than 1 inch are acceptable. Small amounts of chipping under ¼ inch may be present around edges. Nothing can be added (ink, tape, glue, et cetera).

Fair: A mostly worn dust jacket. Tears larger than 1 inch and/or chipping larger than ¼ inch may be present. Small amounts of soiling and/or staining unrelated to age may be present.

Poor: Describes a dust jacket that has a great deal of wear and/or damage. May be missing sections. This example may have excessive soiling and/or staining unrelated to age.

Restored to: Describes a dust jacket that has gone through the restoration process. All restoration work will be clearly documented.

Facsimile: The dust jacket is a reproduction and is noted on the jacket itself as such.