How are your books stored?

All books in our catalogue are stored in a smoke-free, climate-controlled library, in a stable environment. We use removable, protective sleeves of archival quality on all our dust wrappers, as well as on books with particularly sensitive bindings that are prone to rubbing or damage.

Where do you ship?

We ship worldwide, however only buyers based in the United Kingdom are able to place an order via our website at the moment.

If your shipping destination is outside the UK, we kindly ask that you purchase from us via eBay.co.uk, our marketplace site. International buyers who buy from us via eBay can pay all postage, taxes and import charges up front at check-out, so they will not have to worry about any extra charges or additional paperwork when their item is delivered. This is because we use eBay's Global Shipping Programme which, although a bit slower than direct shipping, we have found extremely reliable.

Additionally, if you are based outside the UK and are interested in purchasing multiple books listed in our store, please feel free to message us first and we can create a combined eBay listing to help you save on shipping fees.

How do you ship items?

For small and medium-sized items, we use Royal Mail's tracked service, upgrading to Royal Mail's special delivery option when the items are particularly valuable or rare. Larger orders are usually shipped with Parcelforce or Fedex.

How much does shipping cost?

Unless otherwise specified at check-out, postage charges will be shown at check-out and are based on the weight and size of the parcel.

How long does it take for an item to arrive?

We aim to despatch all items the next working day. Standard shipping will aim to get this to you within 2 to 3 working days from despatch. Express options, which can be chosen by customers at checkout, will aim to get this to you within one working day from despatch. Please do note, however, that we do not control the post, and so delays may unfortunately happen. If you want to be sure that your item will arrive as soon as possible, please select Royal Mail's Special Delivery Guaranteed service at check-out.

How do you pack your items?

We package our books carefully in brown paper, resealable bags (for those rainy days), a layer of corrugated paper, then in plenty of cushioning honeycomb paper and, finally, in a sturdy cardboard box. We care deeply about the environment, so you will find that all our packaging materials can be recycled and, in the case of our resealable bag, reused.

Can I track my shipment?

Absolutely. We provide a tracking number with all our orders. You will receive this number by email and will also be able to check this in your online account.

What should I do if my item does not arrive?

Please allow up to seven working days for your item to arrive. If your item still has not arrived, then please reach out to us to investigate.

What is your refund policy?

We do our best to describe items as accurately as possible. All our books can be returned within 30 days of receipt, whether they have been found to be not-as-described or you have simply changed your mind about the purchase. Returns are only free when items have been found to be not as described.

How do I initiate a return?

Please contact us either using our form below, or by emailing hello@sanchosrarebooks.co.uk.

What if I receive a damaged item?

Please contact us immediately with a couple of photos clearly showing the damage on the book, as well as the shipping box (if applicable). We will work with you to arrange for a replacement or refund. Please note that, as most of our books are antiquarian, out-of-print fine bindings and rarer vintage books, it is rare that we will be able to send a replacement.

How long does it take to receive a refund?

Refunds are processed within 5 working days of the item being received. Please note the item must be in the same condition as when it was received.

Where are you located?

Sancho's Rare Books is a small family-run online bookshop, operating on an internet and mail order basis. Run, as most other book stores, by collectors with a love for all thing bookish, we have been in full operation since October 2022.

Why Sancho's Rare Books?

Sancho’s Rare Books is named after the family’s chief mouser, the faithful Sancho Panza, a tabby, pot-bellied fourteen-year old, squire and inseparable companion of owners Jasmine and Vladimir.

Do you also buy books?

We certainly do. It would be a difficult feat staying in business without acquiring new, interesting titles. Head over to our Sell to Us section to find out more.