Returns Policy

VitalSource Bookstore Returns Policy

This Return Policy is intended to provide a clear and consistent framework for how products may be returned or refunded. It outlines the conditions under which returns are accepted, the applicable timeframes, and the responsibilities of both the customer and VitalSource.

Once a return is received and processed, a confirmation will be sent via email. Refunds are issued to the original form of payment, except for cash transactions. If the original payment method is unavailable, store credit will be provided. Processing typically takes 10 - 14 business days.

Customers purchasing on behalf of a tax-exempt organization must select Purchase Order or Credit Card as the payment method at checkout. These are the only payment methods that supports tax-exempt transactions, and tax refunds are not issued after a purchase is completed. Selecting the correct payment method at the time of purchase is required to ensure tax-exempt status is applied.

Certain items are designated as non-returnable and are not eligible for refunds. This status is disclosed at the time of purchase. 

For purchases of Dell hardware and accessories, additional return conditions may apply. Please review the Dell Returns & Exchange Policy for full details before completing your order.

PHYSICAL BOOK RETURN POLICY

Purchased items can be returned to us for a full refund in the amount of the price paid, provided the following conditions are met:

• Item was not purchased on our marketplace

• Items returned within 30 days of the order confirmation

• Item was not sold as "not returnable”

• If applicable, included materials such as a one-time-use access code, have not been opened, used, or had the access code revealed

• Bundles, looseleaf items, or any other sealed item must not be opened

• The item is not a replacement

If you return a book, there is a return shipping fee unless the return is due to a bookstore error (i.e. wrong item sent). Anything sent to us which is not in a refundable condition will not be sent back to you. Please verify that your items meet the above conditions before sending.

Physical Rental Returns 

Important: Before placing your rentals in the package, photograph each book for your records. We recommend capturing the front and back covers, the spine, and a few interior pages with the book open. Keep these photos until your rental return has been fully processed. 

Next, pack all rentals from your order together in a single package. 

• Only one shipping label is provided per order, per school term. 

• For example, if your first order includes 2 rentals, use one label and ship both books in the same box.

• If you have a separate order that also includes a rental, that rental should be shipped in its own box with its own label. 

Attach the shipping label to the outside of your package. 

Drop off the package at the carrier location listed on the label. 

• Do not drop off your package at your campus mail room or any other on-campus location.

Bulk Physical Purchases

• Return window: 30 days from date of receipt

• Items must be new, unused, and sealed

• Customer is responsible for return shipping

• A 15% restocking fee applies

Custom or trade special orders may be non-returnable

Bulk physical returns must be approved in advance by Contacting our Bulk Order Team

EBOOK REFUND POLICY

There are a few important things to keep in mind when returning an eTextbook you purchased from any Site. You may request a refund provided that the following are true:  

• You are returning the item within 14 days of the purchase date

• You have not viewed or printed, in total, more than 20% of the eTextbook

• You have not viewed or used any included access codes for any online resources that came with your eTextbook purchase

• You have not previously returned the same eTextbook from a prior purchase

• You have not returned 3 or more eTextbooks in the past 90 days across all of your accounts

• You are not returning an eTextbook from one of the publishers in our Return Policy Exceptions

Bulk Digital Purchases

Bulk digital purchases may be returned within 14 days from the date of receipt, provided:

• All access codes have not been revealed in Bookshelf

• Access codes have not been distributed, revealed, or activated

• The title is not subject to a publisher exception*

*Publisher Exceptions (Digital)

Certain publishers have stricter return windows. The timelines below override all other digital return periods:

• Penguin Random House: 7 days (unredeemed only)

• Simon & Schuster: 2 days (unredeemed only)

• HarperCollins (including HarperCollins Christian): 2 days (unredeemed only)

• Hachette Digital: 3 days (unredeemed only)

If a publisher has additional restrictions, those restrictions will apply

ERESOURCE RETURN POLICY

“eResource” applies to any item that is accessed through publishers’ systems (e.g. Pearson+, Cengage Unlimited, McGraw Hill Connect, etc.). You may request a refund for an eResource within the following timeframes if you have not viewed, revealed, or used the access code:

• Within 14 days of your initial purchase of an eResource:

  • Cengage & Cengage Unlimited

  • Pearson and Pearson+

  • McGraw Hill

  • WileyPLUS 

How to Initiate a Return

To return a purchase from your Online Bookstore (powered by VitalSource), sign in to your bookstore account using your school credentials to view your order history and initiate your return. 

Detailed instructions can be found in our Return an Item for a Refund article. For an item to be considered for returns all steps must be followed. Please ensure you have thoroughly read the Returns Policy above. 

Bulk physical returns must be approved in advance by Contacting our Bulk Order Team