NEA Bookstore Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  How does the NEA Bookstore work?

A.  Barnesandnoble.com will offer NEA members and their families an extra 5% discount off their already-low online prices when members link through the NEA Member Benefits website. In addition, 3-day shipping is free on eligible domestic orders of $25 or more. This discount is only valid for online purchases and is not available in Barnes & Noble retail stores.

Q.  Why did NEA Member Benefits choose Barnes & Noble?

A.  Barnes & Noble is one of the oldest, most reputable booksellers in the United States, tracking its beginnings to 1873. Barnesandnoble.com was rated #1 in customer satisfaction among all online retailers 2 years in a row as measured by the University of Michigan. They stock over 1,000,000 titles for immediate delivery—more than any other online bookseller. Barnes & Noble is very civic minded, last year hosting more than 100,000 community events in their retail stores.    

Q.  How do their online prices compare to Amazon.com and Borders?

A.  Overall, Barnes & Noble.com online prices are very competitive.

Q.  Why do I have to go through the NEA Member Benefits website to use the discount?

A.  The structure of the program with Barnes & Noble.com only calculates the discount when you link through the NEA Member Benefits website. 

Q.  Can my spouse and children use the discount? How about other relatives or friends?

A.  NEA members and family members who are a part of your household are eligible for the discount.

Q.  Can I combine this discount with other Barnes & Noble membership programs?

A.  If you are a member of the Barnes & Noble Membership Program, which charges an annual fee, and you order by linking from the NEA Member Benefits website, the greater of the 2 discounts will apply. The Barnes & Noble Educator card can only be issued and used in a retail store. Furthermore, the Educator card can only be used for books used in the classroom and the discount is off of the publisher’s list price. The NEA Member Benefits online discount can be used for all products offered on the site (except for gift cards, and membership fees) whether it is for your professional or personal use, or your family’s.

Q.  Can I combine this discount with other Barnes & Noble coupons?

A.  The 5% online discount can be combined with coupons unless specifically excluded.

Q.  Will I receive mailings or offers direct from Barnes & Noble?

A.  No. Barnes & Noble.com will not send you direct mail or email through your participation in this program. However, members of the Barnes & Noble Membership Program may get email offers from Barnes & Noble.

Q.  Will there be special offers for NEA members?

A.  Yes. Several times a year, Barnes & Noble.com will offer extra discounts and specials to NEA members.

Q.  Does Barnes & Noble carry and sell used books?

A.  Barnes & Noble.com sells used books through third party booksellers. Used books are not be available through the NEA Bookstore. You can access used books directly at barnesandnoble.com but they are not part of our discount program.

Q.  Are there any limitations on purchases using the discount?

A.  The 5% discount does not apply to gift cards, gift certificates, and Barnes & Noble Membership Program fees.

Q.  What is their return and refund policy?

A.  Barnes & Noble.com will refund your online purchase when you return new books, unopened CDs, cassettes, VHS tapes, and DVDs in their original condition.

• Include your packing slip and completed return form within 30 days of the shipment date listed on your packing slip 
• Shipping charges are not refundable
• Returns made to Barnes & Noble.com will be refunded in the form of the original payment method

Q.  Can I return a book or other items to one of their stores?

A.  Yes. Barnes & Noble will give you store credit equal to the value of your online purchase when you return new books, unopened CDs, cassettes, VHS tapes, and DVDs in their original condition.

• Present your packing slip and items to the store within 30 days from the shipment date listed on your packing slip 
• Shipping charges are not refundable
• Credits issued by Barnes & Noble retail stores cannot be redeemed online, but can be used at any Barnes & Noble store