Terms of Service

The Indie Author Insider Online Bookstore Effective Date: November 7, 2026 Last Updated: November 7, 2026 1. Acceptance of Terms Welcome to The Indie Author Insider Online Bookstore! These Terms of Service govern your access to and use of our website and any purchases made through our online bookstore. By accessing our website, browsing our products, or placing an order, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use our website or place an order. We reserve the right to update these terms as our business practices and applicable legal requirements change. 2. About Our Business The Indie Author Insider Online Bookstore is an independently operated online bookstore based in Kansas, United States. Our bookstore is built with the community, for the community. We are committed to connecting readers with authors and providing a space where independent and traditionally published authors can reach new audiences. We offer books from a variety of authors, publishers, and literary backgrounds. Our inventory, availability, and offerings may change over time. 3. Website Use and Eligibility By using our website, you agree to: • Provide accurate information when placing an order. • Use the website for lawful purposes. • Refrain from fraudulent purchases, unauthorized transactions, or activities intended to disrupt our business. • Respect the intellectual property and rights of our business, authors, publishers, and other customers. • Refrain from submitting abusive, threatening, unlawful, or inappropriate content. You must have the legal capacity to enter into a purchase agreement. If you are not legally able to enter into a binding agreement, you must have the involvement and authorization of a parent or legal guardian. Customers are not required to create an account to purchase products from our bookstore. 4. Products, Descriptions, and Availability We make reasonable efforts to ensure that product descriptions, book details, pricing, cover images, and other information displayed on our website are accurate. However, certain product information, including descriptions, author biographies, cover artwork, publication information, and other promotional materials, may be supplied by authors, publishers, or distributors. We cannot guarantee that every detail supplied by a third party will remain unchanged or be completely error-free. Product images may vary slightly from the physical product due to printing differences, screen settings, or updates made by publishers. All products are subject to availability. We reserve the right to correct listing errors, update product information, discontinue listings, or remove products from our website. If an error materially affects an order, we reserve the right to contact the customer to discuss available options, including cancellation and a refund where appropriate. 5. Pricing, Payments, and Taxes All prices are displayed in the currency identified at checkout, generally U.S. dollars. Prices may change without prior notice. However, a price change will not alter the agreed price of an already accepted order unless otherwise agreed or required by law. Applicable sales taxes, shipping charges, and other fees will be calculated and displayed during checkout when applicable. We use Square to facilitate payment processing. By placing an order, you authorize the applicable payment transaction for the total amount displayed at checkout. We do not knowingly accept fraudulent or unauthorized payment transactions. If a payment cannot be successfully processed, we may decline or cancel the affected order. 6. Orders and Order Acceptance Placing an order through our website constitutes a request to purchase the selected products. An order confirmation does not necessarily mean that the order has been fully accepted or that the products have shipped. We reserve the right to decline, cancel, or limit orders when necessary, including situations involving: • Suspected fraudulent or unauthorized transactions. • Incorrect product pricing or listing errors. • Inventory shortages or supplier availability issues. • Shipping restrictions. • Circumstances that prevent us from fulfilling an order. If we cancel an order after payment has been collected, we will provide an appropriate refund to the original payment method, subject to applicable law. 7. Order Processing and Shipping We work to process and ship orders as promptly as reasonably possible. Shipping and processing times may vary depending on inventory availability, supplier fulfillment, preorder status, order volume, and other circumstances. Any estimated shipping timeframe displayed during checkout or communicated directly to the customer will serve as the applicable shipping estimate. We do not guarantee delivery dates unless expressly stated. Once an order has shipped, tracking information may be provided when available. Shipping Delays Occasionally, circumstances outside our control may affect order processing or delivery. These may include: • Supplier or distributor delays. • Unexpected inventory shortages. • Publisher delays. • Severe weather. • Carrier disruptions. • Customs processing. • Other unforeseen circumstances. If we cannot ship an order within the applicable promised timeframe, we will provide the required delay notice and offer the customer the opportunity to consent to the delay or cancel the order for a refund, as required by applicable law. Incorrect Shipping Information Customers are responsible for providing accurate and complete shipping information when placing an order. If an order is returned or undeliverable due to an incorrect address supplied by the customer, additional shipping charges may apply to reship the order, where permitted by law. Please contact us as soon as possible if you notice an error in your shipping information. 8. Lost, Stolen, or Missing Packages If a package is marked as delivered but cannot be located, we encourage customers to: • Check around their delivery location. • Check with household members, neighbors, or building management. • Review the tracking information. • Contact the shipping carrier when appropriate. We understand that delivery issues happen, and we will review reported situations on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the circumstances, we may work with the carrier to investigate the issue and determine whether a replacement, refund, or other resolution is appropriate. A package being marked as delivered does not automatically mean that every reported delivery issue will be denied. All resolutions will be handled in accordance with applicable consumer protection laws. 9. International Orders and Customs We accept orders from customers outside the United States when shipping services are available for the destination. International shipping costs, delivery estimates, customs requirements, and import fees may vary depending on the destination country. Customers may be responsible for additional charges imposed by their country, including: • Customs duties. • Import taxes. • Brokerage fees. • Customs clearance charges. • Other applicable government or carrier fees. Where applicable, these charges will be identified or disclosed during checkout or before the order is finalized. Unless expressly stated otherwise, customers are responsible for destination-country import charges. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs inspections, import restrictions, or other government processing requirements outside our control. Customers are responsible for ensuring that purchased products may legally be imported into their destination country. 10. Returns, Refunds, and Exchanges We want customers to be happy with their purchases and understand that occasional issues may arise. Our general return policy allows customers to request a return within seven (7) calendar days of delivery. To qualify for a standard return: • The return request must be submitted within seven calendar days of delivery. • The book must be unused and in its original condition. • The book must be returned in its original packaging when reasonably possible. • The customer must contact us and receive return instructions before sending the item back. Returns sent without prior authorization may be refused. Return Shipping For standard returns requested because a customer changed their mind or no longer wants the product, the customer is responsible for return shipping costs. If we shipped the wrong book, sent an incorrect item, or made an error with the order, we will cover reasonable return shipping costs or provide another appropriate resolution. Damaged or Incorrect Orders If your order arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect, please contact us as soon as possible with your order information and photographs when available. We will review the situation and determine an appropriate resolution, which may include: • A replacement. • A refund. • A return with shipping covered by our bookstore. • Another mutually agreed-upon solution. Customers should report visible shipping damage or order discrepancies promptly so we can investigate and address the issue. Nothing in this policy limits any rights or remedies customers may have under applicable law. Refund Processing Approved refunds will generally be issued to the original payment method. Refund processing times may vary depending on the payment provider and financial institution. Shipping charges are generally nonrefundable for standard customer-requested returns, except when otherwise required by law or when the return results from an error on our part. 11. Preorders and Upcoming Releases Our bookstore may offer books for preorder before their official publication or release dates. By purchasing a preorder, customers acknowledge that: • The book may not be available for immediate shipment. • Publication and release dates are estimates and may change. • Authors and publishers may adjust publication schedules. • Cover artwork, descriptions, and other product details may change before publication. • Supplier availability may affect fulfillment. We will make reasonable efforts to communicate significant preorder delays or changes when we become aware of them. If a preorder cannot be fulfilled within the applicable shipping timeframe, we will follow the required delay notification, cancellation, and refund procedures under applicable law. Preorders are subject to the same applicable customer rights and refund obligations as other purchases. 12. Book Conditions and Product Expectations Our online bookstore currently offers new books. We make reasonable efforts to ensure that books are received from our suppliers in new condition and are handled appropriately before shipment. However, minor variations in printing, binding, cover alignment, or manufacturing may occur. If a book arrives with significant damage or a condition that materially differs from its listing, please contact us so we can review the issue. We do not intentionally advertise previously owned, used, or damaged books as new products. 13. Author, Publisher, and Distributor Relationships The Indie Author Insider Online Bookstore is an independent retailer that carries books from various authors, publishers, and suppliers. Unless expressly stated otherwise: • We are not the publisher or copyright owner of the books we sell. • Authors and publishers retain their respective intellectual property rights. • Listing a book does not necessarily mean that an author or publisher sponsors, endorses, or is formally affiliated with our bookstore. • Product information and promotional materials may originate from authors, publishers, or distributors. • Book availability may depend on the supply and fulfillment arrangements available to us. We are not responsible for independent author or publisher business practices, social media activity, personal websites, or services that are not operated by our bookstore. Questions or concerns about a purchase made through our bookstore should be directed to us first so we can assist. 14. Customer Reviews, Comments, and Submissions We appreciate customers who share their experiences and feedback. If our website allows customer reviews, comments, photographs, or other submissions, customers agree that their submissions will: • Be truthful and based on their genuine experience. • Not contain unlawful, threatening, discriminatory, or abusive material. • Not infringe on another person's intellectual property or privacy rights. • Not contain spam, fraudulent content, or misleading promotional material. • Not include another person's private information without authorization. We reserve the right to remove or decline content that violates these terms or is otherwise inappropriate for our website. By voluntarily submitting content, you grant our bookstore a nonexclusive, royalty-free permission to display, reproduce, and share that content in connection with our bookstore and its promotional activities, subject to applicable law. You retain ownership of your original content. If you wish to request removal of content you submitted, please contact us. 15. Intellectual Property and Website Content All original content created and owned by The Indie Author Insider Online Bookstore, including website text, branding, logos, graphics, promotional materials, and original designs, is protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, modify, sell, or use our original materials for commercial purposes without prior written permission. Book covers, author photographs, publisher materials, trademarks, and other third-party content remain the property of their respective owners. Nothing in these Terms of Service transfers ownership of third-party intellectual property to our bookstore or to website visitors. 16. Giveaways, Contests, and Promotions From time to time, we may offer giveaways, contests, special promotions, or other opportunities for customers and readers. Each promotion may have its own eligibility requirements, participation instructions, deadlines, and prize details. By participating, you agree to follow the applicable promotion rules. We reserve the right to disqualify entries that involve fraud, manipulation, or violations of the promotion rules. We also reserve the right to modify, suspend, or cancel a promotion when necessary, subject to applicable law and any existing obligations to participants. Additional rules may be published for individual promotions. 17. Prohibited Activities Customers and website visitors may not: • Use our website for unlawful purposes. • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our website or systems. • Submit fraudulent orders or payment information. • Interfere with website functionality. • Use automated systems to scrape or misuse website content without authorization. • Copy or exploit our original intellectual property without permission. • Harass, threaten, or abuse our staff, business representatives, authors, or other customers. • Submit malicious code or attempt to compromise our website or business systems. We reserve the right to restrict website access or decline transactions when we reasonably believe these terms have been violated. 18. Third-Party Services and Websites Our bookstore relies on third-party services to support certain business operations. These may include payment processors, shipping carriers, website hosting providers, and other service providers. Our website may also contain links to third-party websites, including author and publisher websites. Third-party services operate under their own terms, policies, and privacy practices. We are not responsible for the content, availability, or independent practices of third-party websites and services. 19. Limitation of Liability To the extent permitted by applicable law, The Indie Author Insider Online Bookstore will not be responsible for indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages arising from the use of our website or products. We are not responsible for interruptions, technical issues, third-party service disruptions, or circumstances outside our reasonable control. Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited, including applicable consumer rights and remedies. Nothing in this section eliminates our obligations to fulfill orders, provide required refunds, or comply with applicable law. 20. Indemnification To the extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to be responsible for claims, damages, losses, and reasonable expenses arising directly from your unlawful use of our website, intentional misuse of our services, infringement of another person's rights, or material violation of these Terms of Service. This provision does not apply to the extent a claim results from our own unlawful conduct, negligence, or other conduct for which we cannot legally limit responsibility. 21. Website Availability and Changes We make reasonable efforts to maintain the availability and functionality of our website. However, we cannot guarantee uninterrupted access. Our website may occasionally experience maintenance, updates, technical difficulties, or temporary service interruptions. We reserve the right to update, modify, suspend, or discontinue portions of our website or services when necessary. 22. Gift Cards and Store Credit We may offer gift cards or store credit in the future. If and when these products become available, additional terms may apply regarding purchase, redemption, expiration, refunds, transfers, and other applicable conditions. Any gift card or store credit program will be subject to the applicable terms and laws in effect at the time of purchase or issuance. 23. Governing Law and Disputes These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the State of Kansas, United States, without regard to conflict-of-law principles, except where applicable law requires otherwise. Any disputes arising from the use of our website or purchases from our bookstore will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and procedures. Nothing in this section prevents customers from exercising rights or remedies available under applicable consumer protection laws. 24. Changes to These Terms We reserve the right to revise or update these Terms of Service as our business, website, or legal obligations change. Updated terms will be posted on our website with a revised effective or last-updated date. Continued use of our website following an update constitutes acceptance of the revised terms to the extent permitted by applicable law. We encourage customers to review these terms periodically. 25. Contact Information We value our customers and appreciate the opportunity to serve the reading and bookish community. If you have questions about these Terms of Service, an order, a return, or any other bookstore matter, please contact us. The Indie Author Insider Online Bookstore Kansas, United States Website: www.theindieauthorinsider.com Email: info@theindieauthorinsider.com Thank you for supporting our bookstore, our authors, and the bookish community. We appreciate you being part of what we're building!