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Trade Returns

If you are a HarperCollins trade customer, returns are simple, easy and managed online.

To make booking returns as simple as possible, we have listed our 5 basic steps below (including some requirements depending on the type of return) followed by an FAQ section.

STEP 1: Make a returns request

  1. This can this can be done quickly and easily via batch.co.uk who provides this service for free
  2. Otherwise you will have to liaise with your publisher’s Sales Representative

PLEASE NOTE: If you have made a private purchase with HarperCollins and therefore do not have a Trade Account, please contact our Customer Service Dept via enquiries@harpercollins.co.uk or on 0141 306 3100 between the hours of 08:30 – 17:30

STEP 2: You will then be provided with an approval on what stock can be returned and a corresponding authorisation number

  1. This is will either come in the form of a 7-digit RAN via batch.co.uk
  2. Otherwise you will be given an alternative authorisation reference from your local Sales Rep

STEP 3: You must then confirm your return to us by either booking in a delivery slot for palleted stock or alerting us to your carrier’s return info

  1. To book in a delivery slot for palleted stock please populate and attach this form in an e-mail to returns.bookings@harpercollins.co.uk who will advise you of our earliest time slots
  2. Otherwise, if your return is not palletised, please e-mail returns.bookings@harpercollins.co.uk and advise us of the following information once you’ve arranged for your courier to deliver the goods back to us:
    1. Authorisation No.
    2. Date & Time of Delivery
    3. Name of your Carrier
    4. Detail of the Goods being returned (including quantities)

STEP 4: When arranging uplift of your goods, ensure your carrier will provide us with a manifest upon delivery

  1. These 5 carriers are already known to provide us with an adequately detailed manifest:
    1. FedEx
    2. UPS
    3. Yodel
    4. Parcelforce
    5. TNT
  2. If you are not using one of these 5 carriers then you will have to enquire and ensure they will provide us with one before you agree to use their service

STEP 5: Ensure the goods you are returning are properly labelled and in re-sellable condition as per the specifications outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Supply (unless returning stock specifically to be shredded):

  1. You must print and clearly display this address label on your goods ensuring it is addressed to the following address:

DC1 (Returns Centre)
HarperCollins
103 Westerhill Road
Bishopbriggs
Glasgow, G64 2QT

PLEASE NOTE: For any goods that are being returned due to damage, please e-mail creditmanagement@harpercollins.co.uk with photographic evidence in order for us to direct you further.

FAQs

  1. What happens if I return books without obtaining approval first?

Our Terms and Conditions of Supply state that ‘stock must not be returned without written authorisation.’ As a result, any unauthorised returns will not be credited but may be sent back or pulped – in each case at the customer’s request and expense.

  1. What happens if I don’t book in a palleted stock return?

Any palleted stock returns that do not have a delivery slot booked in will be refused on arrival.

  1. How long will I have to wait before receiving a credit for returned stock?

We will endeavour to credit you in under 28 days.

  1. I would like to return a HarperCollins Publishers Education title – how should I submit my return request?

To return Education titles published by HarperCollins, please seek approval by following the instructions on www.collins.co.uk. If you have any questions about this process, then please speak to your HarperCollins Sales Rep.

  1. If I’m returning stock to be shredded, will HarperCollins Supply Chain dispose of the stock securely?

Yes. The books are shredded on site and are captured on recorded video prior to entering the shredder. The paper bales are stored and then uplifted regularly.