Frequently Asked Questions


  • What hours is the Don Bookstore open?
  • When can I sell back my book?
  • When will books be sold on the website for the next semester?
  • What is a digital book?
  • How do I download a digital book?
  • I got a confirmation email.  Does that mean my order is ready?
  • When will my order be completed?
  • Can I pick up the books in person?
  • How will I know my order is ready for pickup?
  • Can I have the books shipped to me?
  • How will I know my order has been shipped?
  • Can I get a Fedex tracking number for my order?
  • Is my credit card charged automatically?
  • Why am I being charged more than the total on my order confirmation?
  • To pick up my books, where do I go and what do I need?
  • What if I forget to pick up my books?
  • I have a class at Santiago Canyon College.  Can I buy the book from the Don Bookstore instead?
  • Why Are My Books So Expensive?
  • Why can't I sell my book back to the Bookstore?
  • What if I want a refund?

  • What hours is the Don Bookstore open?

    Regular hours are Monday-Thursday 8:00am-8:00pm, and Fridays 8:00am-12:30pm.  We are open for extended hours during peak periods, and limited hours during semester breaks and in the summer.  You can get the latest information by calling us at (714) 564-6435.

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    When can I sell back my book?

    Wholesale buyback now runs year-round. However, you will get the highest price for your books during finals week and the first 2 weeks of classes every semester.

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    When will books be sold on the website for the next semester?

    Fall 2010 books will be sold online August 16.

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    What is a digital book?

    A digital book is the electronic version of a textbook. When you purchase a digital book you are given an access code that allows you one download of the book to a computer of your choice. After you download, you can print any pages you wish. There are no refunds after you download. There is no buyback for digital books.

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    How do I download a digital book?

    After we process your transaction you will be emailed an access code and a web address.  The website gives step-by-step instructions on how to download.

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    I got a confirmation email.  Does that mean my order is ready?

    No.  All of our customers receive a confirmation email from us when they place an order.  The way to tell your order is completed is by logging into your account from our website and checking your order status.

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    When will my order be completed?

    Often we can process your order the same day we receive it.  During peak periods, it may take up to two business days to prepare your order.  Please allow us extra time for holidays and weekends, when we are out of the office.  During the summer, the college is also closed each Friday.

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    Can I pick up the books in person?

    Yes!  Make sure to choose "In-Store Pickup" as your shipping choice.  There is no charge for this service, and you can pick up the books without having to stand in line.  During peak periods, it may take up to 2 business days to process your order.

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    How will I know my order is ready for pickup?

    Log in to your account from our website and check your order status.  When the status says Complete or Shipped, your order is ready at the bookstore.  We don't send another email to notify you the order is ready.

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    Can I have the books shipped to me?

    Yes, just make sure to choose "FedEx Home Delivery" during the checkout process.  Shipping costs $8.50 for the first item, and $1.25 for each additional item.  Shipping takes about 3-7 business days.

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    How will I know my order has been shipped?

    Log in to your account from our website and check your order status.  When the status says Shipped, your order is on its way to you.  We don't send an email when we ship your order.

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    Can I get a tracking number for my order?

    Unfortunately, at this time our system cannot provide you with a tracking number.

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    Is my credit card charged automatically?

    No.  Your credit card is charged after we have processed and packaged your order.

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    Why am I being charged more than the total on my order confirmation?

    The total charged to your credit card may be adjusted based on inventory quantities of new or used books at the time your order is processed.

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    To pick up my books, where do I go and what do I need?

    Two business days after placing your order, bring your picture ID to the Web Order desk in our lobby.  For current Bookstore hours call (714) 564-6435.

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    What if I forget to pick up my books?

    If you do not pick up your web order by the semester's refund deadline, your books will be returned to stock, and you will be charged a restocking fee of the greater of $5 or 10%.

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    I have a class at Santiago Canyon College.  Can I buy the book from the Don Bookstore instead?

    No.  To get the correct books for your class, purchase your books at the campus where your class is held.  Books can be purchased for Santiago Canyon College classes on their website at:         Hawk Bookstore Online

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    Why Are My Books So Expensive?

    The Don Bookstore sells new and used textbooks at a price designed to cover the costs of operating the bookstore and meeting all other required financial obligations. This price includes all expenses associated with bookstore operations and personnel. We are 100% nonprofit.

    Click on the link below for a graphic representation of what goes into the cost of your textbooks:

    Where New Textbook Dollars Go

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    Why can't I sell my book back to the Bookstore?

    If we cannot buy back your textbook, it is for one of the following reasons:

    • The instructor has requested a different book than was used last semester
    • The course has been dropped from the curriculum
    • We already have a full quota of books for the course
    • The publisher has advised us of a forthcoming new edition
    • The textbook has gone out of print
    • The textbook is in poor condition (water damage, etc.)
    • The course is offered only once a year or every other year
    • We have not received a request from faculty to provide the book
    • We cannot buy back tapes, computer software, or workbooks

    NOTE: As a courtesy to students, the Bookstore will provide for a used book wholesaler, College Book Co., to make you an offer on most of the books the Bookstore cannot buy. You will get the most for your books during finals week, because our need is greatest at that time.

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    What if I want a refund?

    Don Bookstore Refund Policy
    All textbooks must be accompanied by a student ID and a web order invoice/packing slip from the Don Bookstore.  Refunds are given only at the campus where you bought your books.

    Fall 2010 textbook refunds end August 30. Digital textbooks are not refundable once downloaded.  Refund deadlines for television, mini, and all other short-term sessions will be Thursday of the first week of class.  Web orders must be picked up by the refund deadline.  Unclaimed web orders will be returned to stock and are subject to a processing fee of $5 or 10%, whichever is greater.

    Packaged or shrink-wrapped textbooks will be refunded for the full amount if unopened.  There is a $3.00 fee to replace shrink-wrap.  Damaged or soiled books will be refunded at the used book price (75% of the new price). 

    New study guides, workbooks, and lab manuals must be in resalable and brand new condition; no markings, folds, creases. scratches, or water damage.

    Used books must be in resalable condition.

    Graduation merchandise purchased through the website must be returned for a refund within 2 weeks of the date you received it.

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