How can I get free delivery at Waterstones?
Waterstones offers free standard delivery on all UK orders over £25. This is a great way to save on shipping costs when buying multiple books. For orders under £25, standard delivery costs £2.75. Alternatively, use the free Click & Collect service to pick up your order at your nearest Waterstones store, regardless of the order value.
What is the Waterstones Plus loyalty programme?
Waterstones Plus is a free loyalty programme that rewards you for book purchases. You earn a stamp for every £10 spent, and after collecting 10 stamps, you receive a £10 reward for your next purchase. Members also enjoy exclusive perks like seasonal offers and early access to sales.
Does Waterstones offer a student discount?
Yes, Waterstones offers two student discount options. You can get a 10% discount through UNiDAYS, or join Waterstones Plus Student to earn stamps and get an additional 5% off every purchase. Choose the option that best suits your shopping habits.
How long do I have to return items to Waterstones?
Waterstones has a generous 60-day return policy for most items. This applies to both in-store and online purchases. For Christmas gifts, the return period is extended until the end of January.
Can I use multiple discount codes on a single Waterstones order?
Generally, Waterstones allows only one discount code per order. However, some offers may be combinable with your Waterstones Plus rewards. Always check the terms and conditions of each promotion for specific details.
How do I contact Waterstones customer service?
You can reach Waterstones customer service by phone at +44 208 045 1001, through their website's email form, or via live chat during business hours. For quick updates, you can also follow their social media channels.
Does Waterstones price match?
Waterstones does not explicitly mention a price matching policy on their website. However, they regularly offer competitive prices and promotions. Keep an eye on their 'Great Book Deals' page for the best offers.
Can I earn Waterstones Plus stamps on sale items?
Yes, you can earn Waterstones Plus stamps on most purchases, including sale items. You'll receive one stamp for every £10 spent, regardless of whether the item is full price or discounted.
How often does Waterstones have sales?
Waterstones runs sales throughout the year, with major events during January, summer, back-to-school season, Black Friday, and the Christmas period. They also offer regular promotions and deals, so it's worth checking their website or signing up for their newsletter to stay informed.
Can I use my Waterstones gift card online?
Yes, you can use Waterstones gift cards for online purchases. Simply enter the gift card number and PIN at checkout. Gift cards can also be used in-store or combined with other payment methods for larger purchases.
Money-Saving Made Simple at Waterstones
How to Use a Waterstones Discount Code
Saving money on your favourite books is easy with a Waterstones discount code. Here's how to apply it:
- Browse the Waterstones website and add your desired books to your basket.
- Once you're ready, click on the shopping basket icon.
- Look for the 'Got a promotion code?' box at checkout.
- Enter your Waterstones voucher code in this box.
- Click 'Apply' to see your discount reflected in the total.
- Complete your purchase and get ready for your literary haul!
Student Savings at Waterstones
Waterstones offers two fantastic ways for students to save on their book purchases:
UNiDAYS Discount: 10% Off
Verify your student status through UNiDAYS to get a 10% discount on Waterstones purchases. This straightforward offer applies to almost everything in store and online.
Waterstones Plus Student: Earn as You Learn
The Waterstones Plus Student programme offers a rewards-based system:
- Sign up with your university email address
- Earn a stamp for every £10 spent
- Collect 10 stamps for a £10 reward
- Enjoy an additional 5% off every purchase
While you can't combine this with the UNiDAYS discount, frequent shoppers may find more value in the Plus Student programme over time.
Newsletter Perks: Exclusive Deals in Your Inbox
Sign up for the Waterstones newsletter to access:
- Personalised book recommendations
- Early access to promotions and sales
- Exclusive discount codes for subscribers
- Updates on upcoming author events
- Sneak peeks at new releases
It's free to sign up using the email associated with your Waterstones account. Keep an eye out for special promo codes in your inbox!
Waterstones Plus: Your Passport to Bookish Rewards
The Waterstones Plus loyalty programme is free to join and packed with perks:
Earn Stamps, Get Rewards
For every £10 spent, you earn a stamp. Collect 10 stamps for a £10 reward to spend on your next purchase.
Exclusive Member Perks
Waterstones Plus members also enjoy:
- Exclusive offers and discounts throughout the year
- Early access to sales and promotions
- Invitations to members-only events
- Special treats on your birthday and account anniversary
Plus Student: Extra Savings for Scholars
Students can supercharge their Plus membership with an extra 5% off every purchase when signing up with a university email.
Seasonal Sales: When to Find the Best Deals
While Waterstones offers great value year-round, certain times bring even better bargains:
January Sales
Start the year with discounts of up to 50% on a wide range of titles.
Summer Reading Event
Look for fantastic discounts on beach reads, travel guides, and summer blockbusters in June or July.
Back to School
August and September often feature promotions on academic books, stationery, and study aids.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Find some of the biggest discounts of the year, both in-store and online, in late November.
Christmas Gifting
From late November through December, enjoy festive deals perfect for gift-giving, including multi-buy offers and special editions.
Pro tip: Combine these seasonal sales with your Waterstones promo code or Plus membership for even bigger savings!
Delivery Options: Getting Your Books Home
Waterstones offers various delivery options to suit every reader's needs:
Free UK Delivery
Enjoy free standard delivery on all UK orders over £25, typically arriving within 3-5 working days.
Standard Delivery
For orders under £25, standard delivery costs £2.75 and takes 3-5 working days.
First Class Delivery
Pay £3.75 for delivery within 1-2 working days.
Next Day Delivery
For £7.95, get your books the next day when you order before 2 pm Monday to Friday (excluding weekends and bank holidays).
Click & Collect
Pick up your order for free at any Waterstones store, usually within 5 working days.
Always check the Waterstones website for the most up-to-date delivery information and special promotions.
Return Policies: Peace of Mind for Readers
Waterstones offers a customer-friendly return policy:
60-Day Return Window
Return most items within 60 days of receipt for a full refund, whether purchased online or in-store.
Christmas Gift Returns
Christmas gifts can be returned until the end of January.
Condition Matters
Items must be in new and unworn condition to be eligible for a refund.
In-Store Returns
Return items to any Waterstones store with your proof of purchase for easy processing.
Postal Returns
If you can't visit a store, return items by post. Include your order number and reason for return, but note that you'll need to cover return postage unless the item is faulty.
Exceptions
Some items, like sealed electrical goods, may have different return policies. Always check the specific policy for special or limited edition items before purchase.
Contact Waterstones: We're Here to Help
Need assistance? Here's how to reach Waterstones:
Phone Support
Call +44 208 045 1001 for immediate help:
- Monday to Friday: 8 am – 5:15 pm
- Saturday: 8 am – 4 pm
Email Support
Use the email form on the Waterstones website's Contact Us page for non-urgent queries.
Live Chat
For quick questions, try the live chat function on the Waterstones website during business hours.
Social Media
While not official customer service channels, you can stay updated on news and promotions through Waterstones' social media:
Have your order number or Waterstones Plus card number ready when contacting customer service for quicker assistance.
