Church Booktables

Many congregations have books for sale before and after Sunday services. The church booktable (often called a bookstore or bookstall) is a popular way to raise money and keep your congregation aware of new reading resources.

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about running a UU church booktable. We hope this information will be a handy reference for both novices and experienced church bookstore managers.

How do I order from the UUA Bookstore?

By phone: 1-800-215-9076

Online: If you are ordering for the first time, please contact us to set up a new account or log in. If you have already activated your online account and would like to log in or update your account information, please click on “Your Account” on the upper right hand side of your screen.

By mail: UUA Bookstore, 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108

By fax: 617-723-4805.

By email: bookstore@uua.org

How do I choose which books to buy?

For help selecting books that will be of interest to your customers, click on Recommendations for Churchbooktables. We suggest that you start by ordering only two or three copies of each title at first. As time goes by, you’ll get to know which books your customers will want. If you need additional assistance, please call 800-215-9076 or email bookstore@uua.org.

What discounts are available?

Church booktables receive a discount on quantity orders of Beacon Press and Skinner House books. For more information, call 800-215-9076 or email bookstore@uua.org.

How can I be sure that I get the discount my bookstore is entitled to?

It is extremely important that you let us know that you’re ordering for a church bookstore. If you tell us that you are ordering for a church rather than a church bookstore, we won’t know to give you the discounts. Remember the church bookstore account is separate from your church account. Please give us your account number when you place your order.

I’m placing a big order, so is it okay if I order additional items such as pamphlets and curricula for other people in my church?

No. Your church bookstore account can only be used for books that are going to be sold at your bookstore.

What are the terms for payment?

You may pre-pay with a check or credit card (we take Visa and MasterCard). Or we can bill your church bookstore account. Payment for billed orders is due 30 days from the order date. Please send your check and a copy of the invoice to:

UUA Bookstore
Lockbox #843151
Boston, MA 02284-3151

Can I return unsold books?

Unsold books may be returned at any time for credit on your account if the book is in good condition and still in print. Be sure to enclose a copy of the original invoice or packing slip with your return and send it to: UUA Bookstore, c/o PSSC, 46 Development Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420. If you have any questions, please call 800-215-9076.

How much time should I allow for shipping?

Books are shipped via UPS Ground service unless otherwise requested. Shipping takes approximately 5 to 12 business days. Please allow an extra 2 weeks for an order placed by mail. Rush services are available for additional costs.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping charges are based on the total value of your order. To view the shipping fees online, click on http://www.uua.org/bookstore or call 800-215-9076

What is a backorder?

If you want to order a book that is temporarily out of stock or not yet available, we can take your order and ship it out to you as soon as the books arrive in our warehouse. This kind of order is called a backorder. You will not be charged additional shipping when the backorder ships.

Where do I turn if this page doesn’t answer all of my questions?

Please feel free to call, write, fax or e-mail the UUA Bookstore (see above) and we will be happy to answer any questions you still have.