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What is BookPig?
BookPig is the leading online children's book rental service.
Backed by a unique recommendation engine, BookPig learns the reading level and preferences of
every child to help kids pick books they'll love.
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How does BookPig work?
After signing up and selecting the number of books you want for each child,
log in and add the books each child wants to his/her individual queue
(or you can create a log-in for them to manage their own queue).
Once each child has enough books in their queue, your first shipment will be sent out in 1-3 days.
When you are ready for more books, just return the first set in the pre-paid mailer provided
and we'll "swap" them for the next set of books from your queue! For faster turnaround,
we recommend that you log in and use the "Instant Return" feature to let us know what
books you have sent back (or are about to) - and we will pre-ship your next set of books.
When we ship your next set of books, we will send you an email letting you know what books
are on the way.
For a more personalized service, give us feedback as to what books your kids liked/disliked
and whether they were too hard, too easy, or just right. Over time, we will learn the
reading level and preferences of your children and be able to help them find books
they'll love. We offer two options for feedback - online or via stickers that younger readers
can be put right on the book.
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How many books do I get?
Because every family is unique, we let you decide how many books are right for your family.
Choose a plan that reflects the reading habits of your family: Casual, Active, or Voracious - and then specify how many
books per shipment you want for each reader.
For most families, we recommend selecting 6-12 books per reader and swapping them once per month, but we also offer plans
that allow more frequent swaps for voracious readers or fewer swaps at a better price point for more casual readers
or readers who like to read the same books several times.
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Do I need to return all of the books every shipment?
Not at all. You can keep any book as long as you like. Just send back the ones you want to replace when you are ready,
and we will swap them for the next set of books in your queue(s).
If your child really loves a book, you can also opt to buy it (and keep it), and we will send out an extra book from your queue
in your next shipment.
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How many books should I choose?
We encourage you to choose enough to keep a constant supply of books at home around your child/children.
As we learn each child's reading level and preferences, we'll help them choose books they'll love ...
and as those books keep arriving to your house, your child will read more.
We recommend...
If you are reading picture books to your children:
• choose the Active reader plan (1 swap per month) and 5-10 books for your family
• choose the Casual reader plan (1 swap every other month) and 10-20 books for your family
If your child is a beginning reader who reads likes to read the same books over and over:
• choose the Casual/Beginning reader plan (1 swap every other month) and select 10 books
If your child is a independent reader who reads 2-4 books/month:
• choose the casual reader plan (1 swap every other month) and select 4-8 books
(having double the books will encourage them to read more)
If your child/children are active readers:
• choose the Active reader plan (1 swap per month) and select 4-12 books per reader.
If your child/children can't get enough books (consistently reading 12+ books per month):
• choose the Voracious reader plan (2 swaps per month) and select 6-12 books per reader.
You can change your plan or change the number of books per reader at any time, and we encourage
you to track how many books your kids are reading and adjust your plans as necessary to keep up
with their reading habits.
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Can I change the number of books I receive?
Yes. You can increase or decrease the number of books you rent at any time,
and get more or fewer books in your next shipment. To do so, simply select
"Change my plan" or "Change my book counts" from the home page when you log in.
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How long does it take to get my books?
We ship all packages via USPS Media Mail.
Most members can expect shipping times of 2-5 days.
It usually takes longer to ship to Hawaii, Alaska, and overseas military or embassy addresses.
All packages can be tracked on www.usps.com. Be sure to use our
'Instant Return' option to let us know you've sent books back
and we will start processing your next shipment right away.
If shipping times to your particular area are still too long, ask us about priority shipping.
We will work with you to find the plan that best fits your need
to keep a constant supply of books rotating to your children.
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How do I track my books?
You will receive an email when your books have shipped telling you what
books are in the shipment and including a USPS tracking number. This tracking number can
be used to check the progress of your package at www.usps.com.
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What do I do if I lose my return label?
No problem. Just send us an email to info@bookpig.com and
we can email you a label to print out, or we can mail it to you.
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How much does BookPig cost?
To see our current prices, click here or on the "Pricing" link in the header above.
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How does billing work?
BookPig is a monthly book rental service.
Once your account is active, your credit card will be charged
a flat monthly rate based on the membership plan and total number of books per swap you choose.
Unless you change plans or change the number of books you want to receive,
you will be charged the same amount every month on the same day every month
- typically, the day you joined.
If you joined using a gift certificate, the monthly rate will be deducted
from your gift certificate value until it is used up,
and then your credit card will be billed.
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When will my books be shipped?
Your first shipment will typically be sent 1-3 days
after you sign-up and put books in each child's queue.
Subsequent shipments are typically turned around 1-3 days after we receive your books,
or you can use the 'Instant Return' option to let us know your books are on the way and
we'll get started on your next shipment right away. You will receive an email when your books are
shipped and/or received, or if there are any problems with your shipment.
To make sure your shipments are not delayed, keep your credit card up to date,
and keep plenty of books in each child's queue.
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Can I cancel anytime?
You may cancel anytime by logging into your account and under
'Manage Account' choosing 'Change your account status'. If you choose to cancel,
please return any outstanding books within 14 days
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I’m going on vacation. Can I put my account on hold?
Of course you can. At any time and for any reason, you can choose to suspend your account.
Log into your account and under 'Manage Account' click on 'Change your account status'.
We won’t bill you or send you any more books until you reactivate your account.
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Can I have a different billing and shipping address?
We do not require entry of you billing address to verify your credit card.
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Can my kids pick their own books?
Yes. Every child gets a unique reading queue.
You can select books for each child or you can create a FREE sub account that allows them to login
and add books to or manage their own reading request queue.
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How does your feedback system/recommendation engine work?
We make recommendations based on reading level, past preferences, and a
simple rating system for difficulty and enjoyment. Your kids can provide feedback by:
1) Entering their rating online while browsing for books or managing their queue.
2) Or by using the feedback stickers that are included in every shipment of books.
As a child’s reading level and preferences change over time, so will our recommendations.
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Will BookPig help my child read more?
While there are no guarantees, studies show that kids read more when they have
access to books they like to read. Our approach not only lets kids choose books they want,
but also makes it easy for kids to find books by learning what they like and recommending similar books.
This helps funnel the selection to one more geared to their interests and reading level,
resulting in more successful reading experiences and happy reader's!
In addition, by offering a convenient, low-cost rental service, we allow parents to surround their children
with books. If they don't like the first book, they'll probably like the next one.
As parents ourselves, we feel this gives you the best chance to keep your kids reading.
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What is the selection of books like?
We have over 20,000 titles available and continue to grow our library.
If you do not find something you are looking for, please email us your request at librarian@bookpig.com
and we will do our best to get it. We can get most titles in stock the next day so there needn't be a
long wait for books you really want to receive, even new releases!
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What condition are your books in?
All of our books are protected using a laminate cover that keeps them like new. After every shipment,
we clean them and inspect them for quality. Most customers have commented that are books look like they've hardly been used,
but if you ever receive a book that is not completely to your satisfaction, let us know and we will send out a replacement.
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What happens if the books get damaged?
We know that shipping can be hard on our books, and occasionally one of them
won’t survive intact. If your book arrives damaged within its package, just let us know
and you won’t be held responsible.
If something happens to a book while in your care please let us know and we’ll work something out.
Log in to your account & under ‘Manage Account’ click on ‘Keep book or report book loss’.
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What happens if books get lost in the mail?
Every BookPig shipment has package tracking, so we can always tell if a package of books has been lost en route. Don’t worry, you’ll never be held responsible for our shipper’s mistake.
As soon as you tell us of a shipping error, we’ll arrange a replacement shipment for you right away.
Please go to www.usps.com to check your shipments progress.
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If my child loves a book, can I keep it?
Absolutely! Log in to your account & under 'Manage Account', click on
'Keep book or report a problem'.
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I have received a gift certificate. What do I do now?
All gift certificates are redeemable against any membership plan and number of books.
To get started, click on the Sign-Up link in the upper right corner and enter your
gift code in the 'Promotion/Gift Certificate Code' box.
If you've already registered,
log in to your account and under 'Family Account' click on Buy or redeem gift
and enter your gift certificate code.
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I have a BookPig gift certificate. Why do you ask for my credit card?
We require a credit card on all active accounts as a deposit,
in case a rented book isn't returned. We will not use the credit card unless there are
charges after the value of gift certificate is completely used.
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What happens when my BookPig gift certificate / credit runs out?
You decide. If you're hooked on BookPig and want to continue the
stream of books arriving at your door, you will be billed for the plan you’ve chosen.
If you'd rather not continue, you just cancel your plan. There are no surprise fees.
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How do I give BookPig as a gift?
The best way to give BookPig as a gift is to buy the recipient a gift certificate.
(This allows them to enjoy your gift but manage their own account and reading queue).
To send a gift certificate, click on the 'Buy/Redeem Gift' link in the upper right corner of any bookpig.com web page and choose 'Give a Gift'.
Choose an amount you’d like to give and then personalize your gift certificate:
• Enter the email address of the recipient (usually mom or dad)
• The name of the child / family you’re giving to.
• Your name (Aunt Sara, Grandma…)
• Enter your credit card details and email address
Once the purchase is made, we will email the recipient their gift certificate with your message
and include a brief overview of BookPig with instructions on how to redeem the gift certificate.
Additionally, we have printed gift cards and envelopes that you can hand deliver or mail
if you'd prefer. Email info@bookpig.com for more information.
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