Terms of service

Terms & Conditions

Welcome to Second Chapter Bookstore! These terms and conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of our website and services. By accessing our website or making a purchase, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

About Second Chapter Bookstore

Second Chapter Bookstore is a Black-owned small business operated in Buffalo, New York by Stephanie Peete and Lisa Queener-Johnson. We don’t just sell books! As a mother-daughter duo, we combine our mutual passion for Black culture and love for reading to create spaces and events that cultivate joy, community, and shared learning while centering the Black experience throughout the African diaspora.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By using our website, making a purchase, or participating in our events, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services.

2. Website Use

Permitted Use

  • Browse and purchase books and merchandise
  • Create an account to track orders and participate in our community
  • Subscribe to newsletters and event notifications
  • Participate in book clubs and community discussions

Prohibited Activities

  • Using our website for any unlawful purpose
  • Attempting to gain unauthorized access to any part of our website
  • Interfering with the proper functioning of our website
  • Posting or transmitting harmful, offensive, or inappropriate content
  • Using our website to harass or discriminate against any individual or group

3. Products & Orders

Product Information

We strive to display accurate product information, including descriptions, prices, and availability. However, we do not warrant that product descriptions or other content is error-free, complete, or current.

Pricing

  • All prices are listed in US dollars
  • Prices are subject to change without notice
  • We reserve the right to correct pricing errors

Order Acceptance

  • All orders are subject to acceptance and availability
  • We reserve the right to refuse or cancel any order
  • Payment must be received before order fulfillment

Order Fulfillment

  • We will make reasonable efforts to fulfill orders promptly
  • Shipping times may vary based on product availability and location
  • You will receive tracking information when your order ships

4. Payment & Billing

Accepted Payment Methods

We accept major credit cards, debit cards, and other payment methods as displayed on our website.

Billing

  • You authorize us to charge your payment method for all purchases
  • You are responsible for all charges incurred under your account
  • You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account

5. Shipping & Delivery

Shipping Policy

  • Shipping costs are calculated based on destination and order size
  • We are not responsible for delays caused by shipping carriers
  • Risk of loss transfers to you upon delivery to the shipping address

Delivery

  • Delivery times are estimates and not guaranteed
  • You are responsible for providing accurate shipping information
  • We are not liable for packages delivered to incorrect addresses due to customer error

6. Returns & Refunds

Return Policy

  • Books must be returned in original condition within 30 days of purchase
  • Digital products and personalized items are not eligible for return
  • Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the item was defective

Refund Process

  • Refunds will be processed to the original payment method
  • Please allow 5-10 business days for refund processing
  • Original shipping charges are non-refundable

7. User Accounts

Account Creation

  • You must provide accurate and complete information
  • You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account
  • You must be at least 13 years old to create an account

Account Security

  • Choose a strong, unique password
  • Notify us immediately of any unauthorized account access
  • You are responsible for all activities under your account

8. Events & Community Participation

Event Registration

  • Registration may be required for certain events
  • We reserve the right to limit event capacity
  • Cancellation policies vary by event and will be clearly communicated

Community Guidelines

We are committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces for all community members. When participating in our events or online community:

  • Treat all participants with respect and dignity
  • Engage in constructive, thoughtful dialogue
  • Respect diverse perspectives and experiences
  • Avoid discriminatory, harmful, or offensive language or behavior
  • Support our mission of promoting literacy and celebrating Black culture

Event Liability

  • Participants attend events at their own risk
  • We are not liable for injuries or damages during events
  • Photography and recording may occur at public events

9. Intellectual Property

Our Content

All content on our website, including text, images, logos, and designs, is owned by Second Chapter Bookstore or our licensors and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.

User Content

By submitting content (reviews, comments, photos), you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute your content in connection with our services.

Respect for Others’ Rights

We respect intellectual property rights and expect our users to do the same. Do not post or share copyrighted material without proper authorization.

10. Privacy & Data Protection

We are committed to protecting your privacy. Our collection and use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

11. Communication

Email Communications

  • We may send you order confirmations, shipping notifications, and promotional emails
  • You can opt out of promotional emails at any time
  • Transactional emails related to your orders cannot be opted out of

Newsletter & Updates

  • Our newsletter includes book recommendations, event announcements, and community news
  • Subscription is voluntary and can be cancelled at any time

12. Disclaimers

Website Availability

  • We strive to maintain website availability but cannot guarantee uninterrupted access
  • We reserve the right to modify or discontinue any part of our website

Content Accuracy

  • While we strive for accuracy, we do not warrant that all website content is current, complete, or error-free
  • Product availability and pricing are subject to change

13. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Second Chapter Bookstore shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, or use, arising from your use of our website or services.

Our total liability for any claim arising from these Terms or your use of our services shall not exceed the amount you paid for the specific product or service giving rise to the claim.

14. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Second Chapter Bookstore, its owners, employees, and affiliates from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your violation of these Terms or your use of our services.

15. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Erie County, New York.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to be valid and enforceable.

17. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

18. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us:

Second Chapter Bookstore
Buffalo, New York
Email: info@secondchapterbookstore.com
Website: https://secondchapterbookstore.com/

Our Mission: We don’t just sell books! We create spaces and events that cultivate joy, community, and shared learning while centering the Black experience throughout the African diaspora.

Thank you for supporting Second Chapter Bookstore and our mission to promote childhood literacy, celebrate Black culture, and strengthen our community!