Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference among required, CMI, recommended, choice, and optional (item codes)?
- Required: This means an instructor has selected this item as a MUST for your course.
- CMI: This is a placeholder item to indicate the course is participating in CMI. This item cannot be added to your cart, and in the event it is; it will be removed with an error code. Please read the notes attached to this item or check out the CMI page.
- Recommended: This means an instructor feels this item will be beneficial for your studies and recommends that you purchase it. We suggest that you attend the class prior to purchasing this item to find out how highly your instructor recommends this item.
- Choice: Choice can mean many things. 1) This item comes as part of a bundle (Textbook, access code, solutions manual) or can be purchased as separate pieces. 2) This could mean that the instructor would like you to choose one of the given choice options. If this is the case we recommend that you attend class prior to selecting your choice to hear more detailed directions from your instructor. 3) This item is a physical alternative to the digital items provided through CMI.
- Optional: This means that the instructor has not chosen this item as a MUST for your course but that your instructor or other students have found this item helpful.
- Why am I seeing pending charges on my bank statement?
- The credit card processing company works with your bank to ensure that all online orders it approves will have sufficient funds to cover it. Therefore, once it approves your order with the Bookstore, it puts a “hold” on those funds so that they cannot be used accidentally for other purchases. Once your order is processed by Bookstore staff, the pending charges drop off your account in 1-2 business days. This procedure is not the Bookstore’s but is one designed by the credit card processing company and the banking industry. We are not able to override it.
- When I view the books in my cart, why is the total amount listed for new books when I selected used?
- Our online system does not access our in-store inventory, so it does not know whether a used book will be available or not. Therefore, the total given is for all new books.
- When am I actually charged for my order?
- Your credit card is not charged when you initially place your order. You will be charged when Bookstore staff pulls and processes your order. The actual charge may differ from the pending charge (see above) due to used copies of books being pulled for you.
- Can I use my scholarship or financial aid for an online order?
- Yes, you may! First you must log on with an account, you can not use a guest user account. Second, you must do "Pickup at Store". Fill out your Billing address and hit "Calculate Totals". In the payment option screen, use the drop down menu to select "SFA on Insite" and enter your student ID number.
- Can I use a gift card to pay for my order?
- Yes. You must supply the number on the back of the gift card in the comments section. If the gift card amount is not sufficient to cover the order amount, the Bookstore will contact you via the email provided to request credit card information.
- How do I know if my order went through and when it has been processed?
- You will receive email confirmation when your order has been successfully placed with our online ordering system. A second email will be sent when Bookstore staff pulls and processes your order. Please take care to provide the correct email address.
- How do I ship to an APO/FPO address?
- Enter Country > "United States"
- The City > choose APO or FPO
- The State > either "Armed Forces America," "Armed Forces Europe," or "Armed Forces Pacific"
- Enter your zip code
- Enter your full name, grade, and PSC or unit number
- Why am I receiving my items in a non-branded or plain box?
- At UMBC sustainability is more than just “going green.” For us, sustainability is about considering the complexity and integration of natural, human, and social systems that maintain our thriving world. One of the largest forms of waste is shipping and packaging materials. In an effort to reduce our environmental footprint wherever possible, the UMBC Bookstore recycles boxes by using them again for our online order shipments. Every action matters, so we welcome you to help create and maintain a healthy and just environment for all, today and into the future.
Online Reservation Rules
- Reservations will not be ready for pickup until you receive an email stating so.
- Reservations must be submitted online only. They will not be accepted by phone or in the store.
- Orders must be picked up within 5 business days after the first day of class or within 5 days of the pickup confirmation email being sent (whichever is later).
- Orders are typically ready for pick up within 2 business days; but may take longer during peak times and if items are out-of-stock.
- Reserved textbooks not picked up within the allotted time period will be re-shelved, and your credit card will be refunded the cost of the textbooks, minus a $25 restocking fee. Some orders may not be refunded.
- Reservations processed after the last day to return course materials will not be refunded.
- Picture ID is required at the time of pick-up.
Online Shipment Rules
- In-stock orders ship within 2 business days.
- Orders may be held until all items are available to ship.
- Orders may ship incomplete if all books will not arrive before classes begin.
- Your card will NOT be charged until your items are shipped.
- No delivery to on-campus locations. Orders with an on-campus ship-to address will automatically be changed to in-store pickup.
Shipping Fees & Rules
- Shipping fees for online orders are charged per shipment as indicated below and are not refundable:
- Textbooks and Course Materials: $12.99
- General Merchandise: $12.99
- Diploma Frames: $25.00
- KH Sports Fan, Nordic, CDI Drop Ship Items: $18.00
- Gift Cards: $0.00 (after promo code "giftcard")
- Note: Drop ship and diploma frame orders that also include standard stock items will be charged the standard shipping fee on top of the drop ship fee.
- Orders with shipping addresses to Alaska, Hawaii, and US territories or outside of the USA, will be subject to additional shipping charges. These shipping charges will vary. Orders will not be processed until customer is contacted and approves these additional charges.
- UMBC Bookstore reserves the right to use alternative carriers for shipping.
Methods of Payment
The Bookstore accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Book Loans and Scholarships for online orders.
Sales & Promo Codes
- Online promo codes cannot be combined with other sales and offers.
- Limit one promotional code per order.
- Some promo codes require registration.
