Shipping and Delivery Policy

1. Shipping Coverage Areas

1.1 Domestic Shipping

We provide shipping services across India through our network of reliable courier partners:

1.2 International Shipping

Currently, we do not offer international shipping services. Our delivery network is limited to Indian addresses only. We are working to expand our services globally in the future.

1.3 Serviceable PIN Codes

• We deliver to most PIN codes across India
• Some remote areas may have limited service
• PIN code serviceability is verified during checkout
• Alternative arrangements made for non-serviceable areas

2. Delivery Timeframes

3. Shipping Charges

3.1 Standard Shipping Rates

Order Value	Shipping Charge	Delivery Type	Applicable Zones
Below ₹299	₹50	Standard	All zones
₹299 - ₹499	₹25	Standard	All zones
₹500 - ₹999	FREE	Standard	Zones 1 & 2
₹500 - ₹999	₹25	Standard	Zones 3 & 4
₹1000 and above	FREE	Standard	All zones

3.2 Special Shipping Rates

• Express Delivery: Additional ₹75-100 based on location
• COD Orders: Additional ₹25 COD handling charges
• Bulk Orders (10+ books): Discounted shipping rates
• Institutional Orders: Customized shipping solutions

4. Order Processing

4.1 Processing Timeline

4.2 Processing Time

• Regular Orders: 1-2 business days
• Bulk Orders: 2-3 business days
• Custom Orders: 3-5 business days
• Pre-orders: As per publication schedule

4.3 Business Hours

• Order Processing: Monday-Saturday, 10 AM - 6 PM
• Weekend Orders: Processed on next business day
• Holiday Orders: Processed after holidays
• Cutoff Time: 4 PM for same-day processing

5. Order Tracking

5.1 Tracking Options

• Courier Website: Track using AWB number
• Our Website: Order tracking page
• Mobile App: Push notifications for status updates
• Customer Support: Call/email for tracking assistance

5.2 Tracking Updates

You will receive updates for:

• Order confirmation and processing
• Dispatch notification with tracking number
• In-transit updates
• Out for delivery notification
• Successful delivery confirmation
• Delivery attempts and exceptions

6. Delivery Guidelines

6.1 Delivery Procedures

• Delivery Attempts: Up to 3 attempts will be made
• Delivery Notification: SMS/call before each attempt
• Delivery Hours: 10 AM - 7 PM (Monday-Saturday)
• Identity Verification: Valid ID may be required
• Signature Required: Confirmation signature for delivery

6.2 Delivery Requirements

• Recipient Availability: Someone must be available to receive
• Correct Address: Complete and accurate delivery address
• Contact Number: Working phone number for coordination
• Landmarks: Clear landmarks for easy location

6.3 Delivery Instructions

You can provide special delivery instructions such as:

• Preferred delivery time slots
• Alternative delivery locations
• Security desk or reception instructions
• Contact person for delivery

7. Failed Delivery Procedures

7.1 Delivery Attempts

7.2 Reasons for Failed Delivery

• Recipient not available
• Incorrect or incomplete address
• Refused by recipient
• Premises locked or inaccessible
• Phone number not reachable

7.3 Redelivery Options

• Reschedule Delivery: Contact courier for new attempt
• Pickup from Hub: Collect from nearest courier office
• Address Change: Update delivery address (charges may apply)
• Redelivery Charges: ₹25-50 for additional attempts

8. Special Delivery Services

8.1 Bulk Order Delivery

For institutional and bulk orders (10+ books):

• Special Packaging: Reinforced packaging for large orders
• Scheduled Delivery: Coordinated delivery timing
• Dedicated Support: Assigned delivery coordinator
• Partial Deliveries: Split shipments if required
• Installation Support: Assistance with large deliveries

8.2 Gift Delivery

• Gift Wrapping: Available for ₹25 per item
• Personalized Messages: Custom greeting cards
• Direct Delivery: Ship directly to gift recipient
• Surprise Delivery: Coordinate surprise deliveries

8.3 Cash on Delivery (COD)

• Availability: Available for orders up to ₹5,000
• COD Charges: ₹25 handling fee
• Payment Methods: Cash only (exact change preferred)
• Verification: Additional verification for COD orders

9. Packaging and Handling

9.1 Packaging Standards

• Protective Packaging: Bubble wrap or foam for fragile items
• Moisture Protection: Sealed plastic covering
• Sturdy Boxes: Quality cardboard boxes
• Secure Sealing: Tamper-evident packaging

9.2 Environmental Considerations

• Eco-Friendly Materials: Recyclable packaging materials
• Minimal Packaging: Optimized packaging to reduce waste
• Reusable Boxes: Encourage customers to reuse packaging
• Sustainable Practices: Continuous improvement in packaging

10. Damaged or Lost Shipments

10.1 Reporting Damage

• Immediate Report: Report damage within 24 hours of delivery
• Photo Evidence: Provide photos of damaged package and contents
• Retain Packaging: Keep original packaging for inspection
• Contact Details: Provide courier delivery person details

10.2 Lost Shipments

• Investigation Period: 7 days for domestic shipments
• Courier Inquiry: Formal inquiry with courier partner
• Replacement/Refund: Immediate replacement or full refund
• Insurance Coverage: All shipments insured for full value

11. COVID-19 Safety Measures

12. Customer Support for Shipping

12.1 Support Services

• Order status and tracking assistance
• Delivery scheduling and rescheduling
• Address updates and corrections
• Damage and loss claims
• Bulk order coordination
• General shipping inquiries