FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you sell new books, used books, or both?
Both. The Ink Crypt carries new releases alongside used and collectible books across mystery & thriller, romance, fantasy, science fiction, horror, history, children's books, and more. We're working to add condition notes to every listing — if you don't see one on a particular title, feel free to reach out and we'll confirm the condition before you order.
How does the book trade-in program work?
You can trade in books you no longer need for store credit. Visit our Trade Ins page to see how it works, and check Trade Credit for details on how credit is calculated and applied to future orders.
What condition are your used books in?
We inspect every used book before it's listed. We're in the process of adding condition notes (cover creasing, highlighting, etc.) to our listings — if you don't see one on a title you're interested in, just reach out and we'll describe its condition before you order.
Do you ship nationwide?
Yes, we ship across the United States. Full details on processing times, delivery estimates, and carriers are on our Shipping Policy page.
How long does an order take to arrive?
Most orders are processed within 1-3 business days, with delivery typically taking an additional 3-7 business days depending on the shipping method selected at checkout. See our Shipping Policy for the full breakdown.
Do you have a physical storefront, or is this online only?
The Ink Crypt operates online, with orders shipped nationwide. We don't have walk-in retail hours yet, but trade-ins aren't done by mail — a member of our team comes to you for an in-person pickup appointment (currently within 100 miles of Pittsboro, NC) to evaluate your collection and hand you store credit on the spot. As we grow, we plan to add in-store trade-in appointments too.
What's your return policy?
Details on returns and refunds are available on our Refund Policy page. If something arrives damaged or isn't as described, reach out and we'll make it right.
Do you carry rare or collectible books?
Yes — check our Rare Finds & Staff Picks collection for hard-to-find hardcovers and single-copy rarities our team can't stop recommending. Availability is limited since these are often one-of-a-kind copies.
Can I see your full book inventory?
Absolutely — browse our Book Catalog or shop by genre from the Shop page.
How do I contact you with a question about my order?
Visit our Contact page for the best way to reach us. We respond to all inquiries within 24 business hours.
Do you offer email updates on new arrivals and rare finds?
Yes — sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of the homepage to hear about new arrivals, rare finds, and trade-in news first.
What are your business hours?
We're available Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM ET. We're closed weekends and holidays. Email us anytime at customerservice@theinkcrypt.com, and we'll respond within 24 hours.
Where do you offer trade-in pickups?
Currently, we offer in-person trade-in pickups within 100 miles of Pittsboro, NC. We're working on a mail-in option for customers nationwide — join the waitlist on our Trade-In page to be notified when it launches.