FAQ's

Shopping FAQs

How do I pay for my order?
Our policy calls for payment in full within 30 days of your receipt of the items we have shipped to you unless you have made other arrangements with us in advance of shipment. We accept checks in US$ drawn on a US bank or in œSterling drawn on a UK bank. We also accept international postal money orders in US$. We do not accept Eurocheques. We do accept credit cards (see next FAQ). Back to Top

Do you accept credit cards?
We accept MasterCard, VISA, American Express and DISCOVER cards if you provide us the name of the cardholder, and a valid card number with expiration date. We will send a copy of the receipt, with the card number omitted for security, to your billing address. The receipt will list your order number in the box marked "reference no." Back to Top

Can I have an order shipped to one address and billed to another?
Yes. Please specify the address to which you want the order shipped and the address to which you want the bill sent. We will send the shipment with a packing list to the shipping address; the bill/invoice for the order will be sent under separate cover to the billing address. Back to Top

Does sales tax apply to my order?
Sales tax applies only in California. Effective July 1, 2004, the applicable Alameda County rate is 8.75 percent. A new state law requires the tax to be applied to handling charges as well as to the list price of the items purchased. Postal (shipping) charges are not taxed. Back to Top

How are handling and shipping charges calculated?
Handling charges depend on the packing medium used and the size of the package: these charges usually range from $1.50 for a padded envelope with stiffener to $2.50 for a single large box. Shipping charges are determined by the weight of the package, its destination, and the method of shipment. For shipping within the US, you must specify either first class (up to 13oz.)/priority mail (over 13 oz.) or "media mail" (formerly book rate). Most first class/priority mail arrives at its destination within a few days; media mail may take two weeks or longer, but is less expensive than priority mail for shipments weighing 1lb. or more. For shipping outside the US, please specify air or surface shipment. Please note: International postal rates increased significantly in January 2001. These rates are modified periodically. Air mail shipments arrive at most destinations within one to two weeks. There is no longer a separate book/music rate for air mail. If you do not need your music immediately, surface mail is much more economical than air mail. It may take about six to eight weeks to arrive at its destination. New weight restrictions also apply to many categories of international mail. If you do not specify a method of shipment, we will ship your music by the fastest method: first class or priority mail for US shipments, air mail for overseas shipments. We are always happy to provide you, upon request, an estimate of your total charges before you finalize your order. For more information on domestic and international postal rates by weight, please consult the United States Postal Service's website (http://www.usps.com). Back to Top

How long will it take to receive my order?
Most first class/priority mail arrives at its destination within a few days; media mail may take two weeks or longer, but is less expensive than priority mail for shipments weighing 1lb. or more. Back to Top