Terms of Service

Effective Date: [Insert Date]  |  Last Updated: [Insert Date]

Welcome to IseeBooks.store (“we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”). These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of our website located at iseebooks.store (the “Site”) and your purchases of used and rare books from our store in Los Angeles, California, USA.

By accessing or using our Site, placing an order, or making a purchase, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Site or make any purchases from us.

2. About Our Books

We specialize in used and rare books. As such, please understand the following:

• Pre-Owned Condition: All books sold are previously owned unless explicitly stated otherwise. Each book’s condition is described individually in its listing using industry-standard terms (e.g., “Fine,” “Very Good,” “Good,” “Fair,” “Poor”).
• Rare and Collectible Books: For books designated as “rare,” “collectible,” “first edition,” or similar terms, we provide detailed condition reports including any defects, restorations, markings (underlining, marginalia, bookplates, ex-library stamps), and other imperfections.
• No Two Copies Are Identical: Because each used book is unique, please read the condition description carefully before purchasing. Photographs are provided as a supplement to the written description, not as a substitute.
• Authenticity Guarantee: We guarantee that all books sold are authentic as described. Any book proven to be inauthentic (e.g., a forgery or misrepresented edition) may be returned for a full refund of the purchase price as described in Section 7 below. Shipping costs are not refunded for authenticity returns unless the inauthenticity was due to our error.

3. Eligibility

To use our Site and make purchases, you represent and warrant that:

• You are at least 18 years of age, or you are using the Site under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian.
• You have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract.
• All information you provide to us is accurate, current, and complete.

4. Placing an Order

When you place an order through our Site:

• Order Confirmation: After placing an order, you will receive an email confirming the details of your order. This email is an acknowledgment of receipt, not an acceptance of your offer to purchase.
• Order Acceptance: We reserve the right to accept or reject any order for any reason, including but not limited to: the book is no longer in stock, the price was listed incorrectly, or we suspect fraudulent activity.
• Cancellation by Us: If we cancel your order after payment has been processed, we will issue a full refund to your original payment method within 5 business days.

5. Pricing and Payment

• Prices: All prices are listed in United States Dollars (USD). Prices do not include shipping, handling, or applicable taxes unless otherwise stated.
• Taxes: California residents will be charged applicable sales tax as required by law. Customers outside of California are responsible for any applicable state or local use taxes.
• Payment Methods: We accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), PayPal, and other payment methods as indicated at checkout.
• Price Errors: In the event a book is listed at an incorrect price due to a typographical or technical error, we reserve the right to cancel your order and refund any amounts paid, even after an order confirmation has been sent.
• Rare Book Pricing: Prices for rare and collectible books are determined based on market value, condition, scarcity, and provenance. All prices are final and non-negotiable unless otherwise stated in the listing.

6. Shipping and Delivery

• Shipping Carriers: We ship via USPS, FedEx, and UPS. Shipping method and carrier are selected based on the value and destination of your order.
• Shipping Costs: Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on weight, dimensions, destination, and selected shipping speed. Shipping costs are non-refundable except in cases of our error (e.g., we shipped the wrong book).
• Domestic Shipping (USA): Standard shipping typically takes 3-7 business days. Expedited options are available at checkout.
• International Shipping: We ship to select international destinations. International customers are responsible for all customs duties, taxes, and import fees. Delivery times vary by destination and customs processing.
• Risk of Loss: Title and risk of loss pass to you upon our delivery to the shipping carrier. We are not responsible for delays, loss, or damage caused by the carrier after shipment.
• Shipping Insurance: All rare and collectible books (valued at $100 or more) are shipped with insurance. Standard books are insured at our discretion.
• Tracking: A tracking number will be provided via email once your order has shipped.

7. Returns and Refunds

Because we sell used and rare books, our return policy is as follows. For complete details including step-by-step instructions, please see our Returns & Refunds page.

Important: Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you return a book for any reason other than our error (e.g., wrong book shipped), the original shipping charges will not be refunded.

7.1 Standard Used Books (under $100)

• Return Period: You may return any standard used book within 14 days of delivery for a refund of the purchase price.
• Condition for Return: Books must be returned in the same condition as received. Books damaged by the buyer will not be accepted for refund.
• Return Shipping: Buyer is responsible for return shipping costs. Original shipping costs are not refunded.

7.2 Rare and Collectible Books ($100 or more)

• Return Period: You may return a rare or collectible book within 14 days of delivery for a refund of the purchase price.
• Condition for Return: The book must be returned in exactly the same condition as when shipped. We strongly recommend that you photograph the book upon receipt and before returning it.
• Return Shipping: Buyer is responsible for return shipping costs, including insurance. Original shipping costs are not refunded.
• No “Buyer’s Remorse” Returns: Because rare books are unique and condition-sensitive, returns based solely on a change of mind (e.g., “I decided I don’t like the binding”) may be subject to a 15% restocking fee at our discretion.

7.3 Authenticity Disputes

If you believe a book you purchased is inauthentic (e.g., a forgery, misrepresented edition, or facsimile sold as original):

• You must notify us within 30 days of delivery.
• You must provide a written explanation and, if possible, supporting evidence (e.g., expert opinion, comparative photographs).
• Upon verification of inauthenticity, we will issue a full refund of the purchase price. Original shipping costs are refunded only if the inauthenticity was due to our error (e.g., we knowingly misrepresented the edition).

7.4 How to Initiate a Return

To initiate a return, contact us at returns@iseebooks.store with:

• Your order number
• The title and author of the book
• The reason for return (including any specific defects or authenticity concerns)
• Photographs showing the book’s current condition

We will provide you with return instructions. Do not ship any book back without receiving return instructions from us first.

7.5 Refund Processing

Once we receive and inspect your return, we will process your refund within 10 business days. Refunds will be issued to your original payment method for the purchase price only. Shipping costs are not refunded unless the return is due to our error.

8. Condition Descriptions and Grading

We take condition description seriously. Our grading standards are based on commonly accepted bookselling standards:

Defects We Always Disclose: Missing or loose pages, ex-library markings, underlining or marginalia (extensive), water damage or mold, restorations or repairs, bookplates or prior owner inscriptions (if notable).

If you receive a book whose condition is materially different from the description provided, you are entitled to a return under Section 7 above.

9. Disclaimer of Warranties

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, OUR BOOKS AND SITE ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.”

We make no warranties other than those explicitly stated in these Terms:

• No Implied Warranties: We disclaim all implied warranties, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.
• No Warranty of Completeness: For rare books, we describe defects known to us. We may not have discovered every defect, especially in books over 100 years old. Our authenticity guarantee applies only to known and verifiable misrepresentations.

California Note: California law provides certain consumer protections. Nothing in these Terms limits your rights under California’s consumer protection laws, including the right to return defective goods. These Terms apply only to the extent permitted by law.

10. Limitation of Liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

• Our total liability to you for any claim arising out of or relating to these Terms or your purchase from us shall not exceed the total amount you paid for the specific book giving rise to the claim.
• We shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including lost profits, lost data, or loss of collectible value appreciation, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
• This limitation applies regardless of the legal theory (contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or otherwise).

11. Intellectual Property

All content on our Site, including text, images, logos, and design, is the property of IseeBooks.store or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws.

You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works of any content on our Site without our express written permission.

12. Prohibited Conduct

When using our Site, you agree not to:

• Use the Site for any unlawful purpose.
• Attempt to bypass any security features of the Site.
• Interfere with the proper functioning of the Site (e.g., through viruses, bots, or denial-of-service attacks).
• Scrape, crawl, or collect data from the Site without our permission.
• Create fake accounts or impersonate another person.

13. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

• Governing Law: These Terms and any dispute arising from them shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
• Venue: Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California. You consent to the personal jurisdiction of these courts.
• Informal Resolution First: Before filing a lawsuit, you agree to contact us at legal@iseebooks.store to attempt to resolve the dispute informally. We will make a good-faith effort to resolve the matter within 30 days.
• Small Claims: Either party may bring an individual action in small claims court in Los Angeles County without first engaging in informal resolution.
• No Class Actions: You agree to resolve any dispute with us on an individual basis. You waive the right to bring or participate in any class, consolidated, or representative action.

14. Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any delay or failure to perform our obligations under these Terms if the delay or failure results from events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to: acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, strikes, labor disputes, government orders, pandemics, supplier failures, or postal/carrier disruptions.

15. Modifications to These Terms

We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time. If we make material changes, we will notify you by updating the “Last Updated” date on this page and, where reasonably possible, by email.

Your continued use of our Site after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

17. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and IseeBooks.store regarding your use of our Site and your purchases from us. They supersede any prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral.

18. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, to initiate a return, or for any other matter:

Customer Support: support@iseebooks.store
Returns: returns@iseebooks.store
Legal / Disputes: legal@iseebooks.store
Mail: [Insert your Los Angeles business address]