Audiobooks Online Sales Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

I live outside the UK, can I register for your newsletter?
Yes, your newsletter will be delivered to your email address.
Can I register for your newsletter without making a purchase?
Yes, we are pleased that you would like to receive our newsletter.
Is it safe to enter my debit/credit card details online?
It is absolutely safe to register your card details with us. We use WorldPay, who are a global leader in payment processing, providing a high level of security to protect our customers. Our staff have no access to your details, these are all confidential between you and WorldPay.
Can you send me offers and news?
Please register for our newsletter to be amongst the first people to hear of new developments and offers.
I am having problems entering my debit/credit card details, what do I do?
Check that all details are being entered in the correct format. If you are still experiencing problems please go to http://www.worldpay.com/shopper/index.php?c=UK to the WorldPay help desk or call 0870 366 1290 for assistance.
I can’t find an answer to my question, what should I do now?
We are sorry that you have not been able to find an answer here, please follow the member enquiry link below. We have a dedicated team of customer services representatives who will give you a personal response to your query. We aim to answer all queries within 24 hours of receipt.

Ordering

Searching for Titles

How do I find my preferred books?
The site has an advanced search which will allow you to search by author, narrator, genre, and publisher.
What information will be given about the books?
For all books the information available will include the title, author, narrator, publisher, a brief synopsis and a cover image. For some titles there will be sound bites and in depth information about the author and narrator, and other books available by the same author and narrator.
I cannot find the book I am looking for?
When you're searching for an item, you may occasionally find that your search does not return any results. Please check your spelling or the wording as we may not recognise spaces etc. However, this could also be because we do not sell that title, or because it is no longer available. We are constantly working to add new publishers and titles to our catalogue. If you have a special request please contact our customer service team who will do their best to find the title and let you know if we are able to supply it.
What does Unabridged mean?
We have titles which are both Abridged and Unabridged. The unabridged version is word for word as the books were printed. The abridged version is shortened by omitting text which will not detract from the story. An abridged version of a book may be 4 hours in length where the unabridged version could be 20 hours.

Payment and Billing

What payment methods are accepted by Audiobooks Online?
We currently accept, Visa Credit/Debit/Electron, Mastercard, Maestro, Diners Club, Laser, JCB and American Express. We are sorry but we are unable to accept Postal Orders, Cheques or Cash
Where can I see my billing information?
Log on to your account where you will see all you current billing information.
How do I change my payment details?
Simply log on to your account and select the relevant option to change personal details such as address, password or payment details, where you will find easy to follow instructions.
Is it safe to enter my debit/credit card details online?
It is absolutely safe to register your card details with us. We use RBS World Pay, who are a global leader in payment processing, providing a high level of security to protect our customers. Our staff have no access to your details, these are all confidential between you and RBS World Pay.
I am having problems entering my debit/credit card details, what do I do?
Check that all details are being entered in the correct format. If you are still experiencing problems please follow the link http://www.worldpay.com/shopper/index.php?c=UK to the RBS World Pay help desk or call 0870 366 1290 for assistance.

Service

What audiobook formats do Audiobooks Online sell?
We currently sell audiobooks on MP3 Players and USB Cards.
Can I download a book?
Yes. We now have over 20,000 titles available to download. You will need an account with us and to download the OverDrive Media Console. For further details see the downloads under sales formats.
What do I do if I have a complaint?
We sincerely hope our customers don't have complaints, but we are only human. Please contact our customer services through the contact page details or contact form and we will do our utmost to resolve the issue straight away.
Can I rent a book from Audiobooks Online?
We do operate a rental site on www.audiobooksonline.co.uk. You will see that this is a site we have operated for some years and we are in the process of updating the look and feel in line with this site. You can join and rent books at very competitive prices.

My Account

Do you need all the personal information that you ask for when I register?
Audiobooks Online recognise that your privacy is very important and we, too, have the same concerns about privacy, online safety and data security. We only ask for the information that we require to enable us to operate our service and provide you with a fully comprehensive online audiobook sales service. Please see our Privacy Policy for full details.
Do you share my personal details with any other parties?
We do not sell or rent your details to anyone else without your consent so you needn't worry about junk mail or spam as a result of purchasing goods from us. Please see our Privacy Policy for full details.
I would like to receive you newsletter, how do I subscribe?
We are pleased that you have decided to receive the newsletter which has many interesting features and articles which we are sure you will enjoy. Please log in to your account and select the Subscribe to Newsletter box.
I receive your email newsletter, how can I unsubscribe?
We are sorry that you have decided not to receive our newsletter, please let us know if there is anything we can do to improve the information provided. Please log in to your account and select the Unsubscribe Newsletter box.
Do you keep a record of books I have ordered?
Your recent order history will be held in "My Account".
How do I change my email address?
Simply log on to your account and select the relevant option to edit your personal details such as address, password or payment details, where you will find easy to follow instructions.
How do I change my password?
Simply log on to your account and select the relevant option to change personal details such as address, password or payment details, where you will find easy to follow instructions.
How do I change my delivery address?
Simply log on to your account and select the relevant option to change personal details such as address, password or payment details, where you will find easy to follow instructions.
I have forgotten my password?
Simply click the Log In button and select “Forgotten password?”, enter your email address, click submit and a new password will be sent to you.

Delivery and Returns

Will I be notified when my order has been despatched?
You will receive an email confirmation that your order has been despatched. The confirmation will show details of your order and the delivery address.
Can my order be delivered to an address other than my billing address?
Yes. You can specify your required delivery address when you place your order.
Can I return my purchase if I am not happy with it?
Yes. You may return unwanted items within seven (7) working days of delivery if the goods are sealed, you may only return the goods if the seals have not been broken. All original packaging must be included with returned goods. Please see Section 6 of our Terms and Conditions for full details.
Can I return a damaged item?
Should an item you have purchased from Audiobooks Online be damaged or defective on receipt, we will offer you a choice of a prompt replacement upon notification of the problem. We require that the damaged or defective product is returned to be received by us within thirty 30 days from delivery to you. Please see Section 6 of our Terms and Conditions for full details.

Why Choose an Audiobook

Can Audiobooks aid learning?
Reading and listening are great ways to learn, but audio books let readers engage with books differently than print. A narrator can often reveal much more than text which can help vocabulary and comprehension.
Is an Audiobook portable?
The great thing about audiobooks is that they can be listened to practically anywhere and fit into most lifestyles. They can be listened to on the move, they are very compact and ideal for taking on the daily commute, while exercising, gardening, and other chores.
What advantage does an Audiobook have over text?
When reading, it is easy to skip over text but with audiobooks you hear every detail.
I have a problem engaging my children with books, how can audiobooks help?
Audiobooks are a great way to encourage children's interest in books. MP3 players are perceived to be cool where books may not be.
Are audiobooks kind to the environment?
Audiobooks are greener. You help to save trees when you choose an audiobook.
Aren't audiobooks only for people with poor eyesight?
Audiobooks are for everyone. They are great for helping to relax and to rest tired eyes and great when reading is not an option.
Can I listen to an audiobook without disturbing anyone else?
Yes, you can listen to the audiobook through ear buds, and even at night without a light to disturb anyone else who may be in the room.
Can audiobooks increase understanding of a book?
By offering the narrators own approach to the text, audiobooks can often highlight areas of the text which would have been missed or read differently.
Can an audiobooks change your view of a book you have already read?
We recommend returning to a book you have previously read. The experience is usually pleasurable and usually enhances your appreciation of the book.

OverDrive Downloads

What are OverDrive downloads
The OverDrive system is an advanced software system for organising and listening to audiobooks. You can see an overview of the service in within the formats section of this website.
What is the OverDrive Media Console
The Media Console is the software you need to create a library, download and enjoy your audiobooks. You can use the OverDrive media console to listen to your books or transfer them to a CD or players where this is allowed.
What devices can I use with the OverDrive Media Console
Many devices are supported with versions of OverDrive Media Console available for PC, MAC, Android, Blackberry, Iphone/Ipad and Windows Mobile. For much more detail on device compatibility you can visit the OverDrive Resource page at Overdrive Resource Center
If I already have the OverDrive Media Console do I need to download this again.
No, if once you have the console it can be used with any supplier using the OverDrive system.
What is the difference between WMA downloads and MP3 downloads.
WMA is compatible with devices that can support encrypted Windows Media format. MP3 plays on almost all devices.
Can I listen to my audiobooks on several devices.
Yes. You can download the OverDrive Media Console to several devices and download your books to these. This is only allowed for your own use and convenience and can't be used to share or distribute content.

USB Cards

How do I use a USB Card?
Just plug your USB Card into the USB port of your computer or other USB equipped device. Your computer may recognise a new drive has been detected, and prompt you to open the drive, or run files already of the drive. Choose the option to open or explore the new drive.
Can I transfer the book with my USB Card?
Yes. Your USB Card uses mass storage class drivers, therefore any system that supports mass storage class drives should be able to access the content from the USB Card including audio files.
Is my USB Card susceptible to corruption from airport security technology?
No. Your USB Card is airport security safe.
Can I transfer my audiobook to a PC?
Yes. The content of the USB is transferrable to your PC.
Can I use the USB Card in my car?
If your car has a USB compatible connection, you can listen to your book in the car. You can find USB connections on modern car models or they are often fitted to many mobile phone kits.
Can I use the USB Card with my home hi-fi?
Many home hi-fi systems have a USB connection.

MP3 Player

Terms and Conditions

Frequently asked questions

and answers