Frequenty Asked Questions

Why does it take 1 - 3 days before my order is shipped?

We do not receive and process orders after hours, on weekends, or on holidays. Order processing generally takes 1 - 3 business (working) days because it involves:

• Receiving your order via the internet
• Verifying the information on the order
• Physically pulling the books from the shelves
• Verifying the books match what is requested on the order
• Processing the order to the credit card
• Packaging the order securely and processing it for shipment 

For example: if an order is placed on Friday - it is typically received and processed on Monday, and picked up for shipment on Tuesday. Or, if an order is placed on Wednesday - it is typically received and processed on Thursday, and picked up for shipment on Friday. However, some days when an order is placed before the store is Open - it will be received and processed the same day, and picked up for shipment the following day.

How do I cancel my order?

Please call (254-526-1482) or email (ctc.books@ctcd.edu) our office immediately to cancel your order. If the order has already been processed and shipped, then it will not be eligible for cancel and will need to be returned for a refund.

Why is my textbook out of stock? When will it be available?

Since the Bookstore supplies textbooks to so many different campuses, our stock varies everyday. We do our very best to keep the required textbooks for the current semester in-stock - but occasionally books will be out of stock for various reasons including sales peaks, changes requested by the instructor, and availability from the publishing company.

Please keep checking back. Our stock in-store and on the website (ctcbookstore.com) is updated every day as we receive shipments. Due to publishing variables and shipping irregularities, we can never promise a date of arrival for any textbook. If we do not have your required textbook, and the start date of your class is approaching - please let one of the Bookstore staff know so that we can ensure that the book is on its way.

What if my Term and/or Course information is not listed on the website?

Most likely, that particular Term and/or Course is down for maintenance. Please check back.

Can you hold/reserve my books for me until I can pick them up?

No. To be fair for everyone, all sales are on a first come, first served basis.

Alternatively, you can participate in our Pick-Up program. This allows you to pay for your books via the website (ctcbookstore.com), and pick them up later. This service generally takes 1 - 3 business days for processing. A credit card is required, and books must be picked up within 5 business days.

How can I get the ISBN's for my books?

For security reasons, we do not give out ISBN's over the phone or via our website. You can find the ISBN's for your books listed on your syllabus or located on the CTC Instructional Materials website at http://www.ctcd.edu/im/im_main.asp . Enter the Term and Class information to view a detailed list of materials required.

Are there other CTC Bookstore locations where I can purchase my books?

No. We do not have any additional locations. We are not affiliated with any other stores located off campus. We do occasionally sell books for Fort Hood classes at the CTC Registration building located on Fort Hood. This mini-sale is usually open during the first week of registration, and the first week of class for any particular semester of Fort Hood classes.

Is ctcbookstore.com and MBS the same?

No. The CTC Bookstore (ctcbookstore.com) is not affiliated with MBS. If you have questions about an order placed with MBS please contact them directly.

If I select Next Day Air, will my book be here tomorrow? Why?

No. All orders generally take 1 - 3 business days for in-house processing before they are shipped. Once an order has successfully been processed, it will be shipped using the service that was chosen.

Why? Because in-house processing involves:

• Receiving your order via the internet
• Verifying the information on the order
• Physically pulling the books from the shelves
• Verifying the books match what is requested on the order
• Processing the order to the credit card
• Packaging the order securely and processing it for shipment

Are the books I ordered guaranteed to be in stock?

No. Since the Bookstore supplies textbooks to so many different campuses, our stock varies everyday from hour to hour. Students are purchasing books all day online and in-store - and all sales are on a first come, first served basis. If the book you ordered becomes out of stock before your order is processed, you will be notified and the item will be placed on Backorder. All Backorders receive priority and are shipped as soon as the item is received.

We do our very best to keep the required textbooks for the current semester in-stock - but occasionally books will be out of stock for various reasons including sales peaks, changes requested by the instructor, and availability from the publishing company.

When will my credit card be charged?

Your credit card is charged during processing - not during checkout on the website. Backordered items are not charged to the credit card until they are received, processed and shipped.

If there are any problems processing your card, you will be notified immediately via email and/or telephone.

Can I check the status of my order? What does my order status mean?

Yes. To check the status of your order at anytime and to view your account history, simply click on the Login link to access your account. Log in with your email address and password and click on the Order History link. Click directly on the order number to view details about that order.

There are 5 status levels in our system:

• Submitted - This means that your order has been taken by the website and is on its way to our office.
• Accepted - This means the order has been received by our office and is being processed.
• Partially Shipped - This means that part of your order has been shipped or ready for pick-up, and part of your order has been backordered.
• Shipped - This means that all of your order has been processed and either shipped or ready for you to pick-up.
• Cancelled - This means that the order has been cancelled. Orders are only cancelled because we cannot collect payment or per the customers request.

Contact Support

Contact us anytime with questions or concerns via email at: ctc.books@ctcd.edu. You can also call us directly at: 254-526-1219