Shopping Online

Here is how online orders at Readings are currently being processed.

1. If all the item/s you have ordered are in stock at Readings, we’ll send your order as promptly as we can.

2. When your order is shipped, we'll email a tax-invoice with GST details

3. If there are items included in your order that are currently out of stock at Readings, but are expected to be supplied within the next 14 business days we will wait and send your order when it is complete.

4. We use Fastway/Aramex and Australian Post to deliver items. You will receive an email with tracking details when your order is shipped.


Delivery timelines

Orders of in-stock items will be shipped by our web team as quickly as we can. At the moment, in-stock items are being dispatched in 2-3 business days, with further delivery delays expected from Australia Post. Delivery times will vary depending on the location the package is being sent to.

Our stock data is updated on the website every day, but availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. A title showing as in stock may not currently be available at Readings. We will advise you of this if we don’t have more copies imminent.

Once items are lodged with Australia Post or Fastway/Aramex Readings cannot be responsible for lost or delayed packages but will endeavour to track orders where possible. Please refer to your shipping email for more details on how to find lost or delayed parcels.

By placing an order online, you agree not to hold Readings liable for any loss or damage directly or indirectly arising out of or in connection with any delay or failure to deliver within the estimated time frame.


Shipping costs

  • Australia, $9 flat rate; orders $150 and over are free
  • Express post and International order costs are calculated at checkout

Readings delivers worldwide via Australia Post. Please visit Australia Post for global delivery estimates. www1.auspost.com.au/international.

Readings does not accept cash or cheques for the payment of items online. Readings accepts no responsibility for the theft, loss or otherwise non-delivery of mailed cash or cheques.

Prices of products on the Readings website are subject to change without notice.


Gift Wrapping

We will gift-wrap your online order for just $3 ($1 from this fee will go directly to supporting The Readings Foundation). Simply check the ‘Is this a gift?’ box in checkout, then check the ‘Gift wrap your order’ box. There is also the option to include a message to the recipient that can be written on a Readings gift tag.


Gift Cards

Redeeming gift cards & online gift vouchers

When redeeming Readings gift cards or online gift vouchers, simply enter the number on the back of your gift card or the barcode on your online voucher into the ‘Gift card code’ field in the checkout (and your pin if you have one). You will still need to enter your credit card details if your order exceeds the amount of money your gift card is worth.

Terms and conditions

Gift Cards bought online at Readings are valid for three years from their date of issue and we abide by the gift card rules outlined by the ACCC. 


Online pricing & availability

Readings is entitled to withdraw from any contract in the case of obvious errors or inaccuracies regarding the goods appearing on our website. If an error or inaccuracy is discovered with regards to the advertised price of the goods that you have ordered, we will contact you as soon as possible by email. This will be to inform you of the correct price of the goods, and to ask you if you wish to continue with the order at the amended price, or to cancel the order altogether


Readings Returns Policy For Online Purchases

Sometimes you may want to return items purchased on our website. We want you to be happy with your purchase, so will endeavour to accommodate your request where we can. To make a return request, please contact our online customer service via email at [email protected] or by phone on (03) 9341 7729. Please read our guidelines below before making a request.

Change of mind

Under Australian Consumer Law, Readings aren’t obliged to provide a refund or exchange for an item due to ‘change of mind’. All ‘change of mind’ return requests must be formally submitted with proof of purchase within two weeks of the date you receive your item(s) and will then be promptly evaluated on a case-by-case basis by our online team; in assessing your request, we will take into account our ability to resell the item. For example, if you ordered the 1979 Melway we are unlikely authorise a return.

If we do accept your ‘change of mind’ return request:

  • Books must arrive at our warehouse or shops in as-new condition and DVDs, CDs and other items shipped sealed or shrink-wrapped must be returned in original sealed or shrink-wrapped condition.
  • Return postage will be at your expense and will not be paid for by Readings. Alternatively, items may be returned to one of our shops with prior approval from our online team.

Damaged or Faulty Items

Readings will never knowingly send damaged or faulty items. If you have received the wrong item(s), an item has arrived damaged or faulty, or an item in any way does not meet the consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law, please contact our online customer service team via email at [email protected] or by phone on (03) 9341 7729. Please note, umbrage regarding the plot, cover, or the author’s argument doesn’t mean an item is faulty under Australian Consumer Law.

If the item(s) received do not meet the consumer guarantees set out above or under the Australian Consumer Law, you are entitled to either a refund in relation to the item(s) or an identical replacement.

If you have further questions regarding a return, please contact our online team here.


Libraries & schools

We offer Australian libraries and schools a 20% discount off full price books for online orders. To set up an account, head to our Schools and Libraries page and fill in the enquiry form. One of our staff will then be in touch.

Once your account is set up, you can log in and access your discount on all orders.


Bargain books & remainders

Bargain books (found on our bargains page) are made available at heavily discounted prices and although we strive to supply them in the best quality possible, they may occasionally be received in slightly less than mint condition.

More questions?

See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.