Ordering FAQ
We’ve compiled a few frequently asked questions about ordering online below. If your question is still not answered by these responses, please write to [email protected] or call us at 773-752-4381 and we will reply to your inquiry within one to two business days.
Thank you again for everything you are doing on behalf of the Seminary Co-op community. It means so much to us.
With gratitude,
The Seminary Co-op and 57th Street Books
What are your hours, including your hours for in-store pickup?
You can find our hours listed here.
How do I order books from you?
The easiest way to order books from us is right here on the website. Search by ISBN (without any hyphens!), author, or title to find just what you're looking for. Or you can browse through our holiday guides, 2023 Notables, newsletter archives (kids and adults), and featured new releases to stumble upon new reads.
If you are having trouble navigating our website, do send us an email or leave a voicemail (773-752-4381), and we will get back to you in one to two business days.
How do I apply my store credit to my order?
When placing your order, please note in the comments field that you are a member and that you'd like to use the store credit associated with your account. Though the credit won't be reflected in the upfront check-out price or the initial pre-authorization on your credit card, we will be sure to manually deduct it from the total before your card is ultimately charged.
When will my order arrive? Will my coursebooks arrive before my assignment is due?
We are currently (and joyfully) working through a long line of orders and are processing them as quickly as possible. USPS, FedEx, and UPS are also facing their own internal delays. At the moment, we are unable to give precise estimates on fulfillment times, though we will let you know as soon as your order ships from our stores or is available for in-store pickup. If you haven't heard from us yet, we are still processing your order and won't yet be able to provide much more information. All coursebook orders are processed within 24 to 48 hours of receipt. If you need your books by a certain date, we suggest you select UPS Ground or in-store pickup to decrease the chances of delay.
My tracking number just says, "Shipping label created, USPS awaiting item,” and it’s been stuck there for several days. Has it shipped?
We've noticed that USPS is not often scanning their tracking labels. That means that tracking numbers often link to a message saying, "Shipping label created, USPS awaiting item." Unfortunately, this bit of the process is totally out of our hands. We can assure you that shipments leave the store within 24 hours of label creation and that the package is on its way to you. Postal carriers are also experiencing delayed shipping times, meaning that arrival dates may be later than you are used to.
My tracking number indicates that the package has been in the same postal facility for many days. Is it lost?
USPS, FedEx, UPS, and the publishers themselves are all experiencing their own delays and service interruptions, working hard to meet increased shipping demand while also adhering to strict distancing and health measures. This has led to much slower delivery than we are all used to. Unfortunately, we simply don't have any further information about a possible arrival time. As an intended recipient, you can certainly fill out a missing mail form here, asking the postal service to open up an investigation.
I only received part of my order. When will the rest arrive?
For items shipping via a standard shipping method, we will ship items as they arrive in the store. We will send you tracking information via email as soon as any part of your order has shipped. We will be sure to let you know about any availability issues or updates should they arise, but, as always, do feel free to let us know if you have any further questions.
If I select expedited shipping, does that guarantee that my order will arrive by a specific date?
Mail carriers across the board are experiencing their own internal delays as they work to keep staff and customers safe. Combining that with the supply chain disruptions from the publisher on down, we cannot guarantee arrival of a shipment by a certain date.
Are you shipping internationally?
Yes, we are. Please be advised that international orders are taking longer to ship than you may be used to.
Can I order a particular book?
Yes, you can place orders via semcoop.com or purchase books in store. If you are having trouble locating a certain title on our website, try searching by the 13-digit ISBN, without any hyphens.
Can I use my University of Chicago research account?
Yes, you can use your University of Chicago research account. Please select the payment option “UChicago Research Account or Gift Card.” In the comment field of the order, specify that you are using your U of C research account.
What is your return policy?
Non-coursebooks titles are returnable for 30 days from purchase date. Books must be returned in the same condition as when they were bought. All books need to be in their original condition and accompanied by the receipt. Refunds will be issued via the original payment method used. Thank you for your support of the stores!