Q-  How do I fill in the address form on the quick cart?

First you will need to fill in your personal information-

 

Please notice the small box on the bottom of the form.

 

 

You must click in that box to activate the "Ship To" part of the form.

 

Please use "Address Line 2" for Unit Name, Inmate number, and other designation.

 The form requires a phone number for the "ship to" you may repeat your personal phone number here, or type in 123-456-7890 or something similar.

 

Q- Can I place my order by phone or mail? 

Yes, it is easier if you fill out the form the quick cart, and use the  "Print and Call" option.  All of the needed information will be on the cart available to us, you will not have to wait while we take care of customers in the store, and you save the 75 cent receipt fee.  If you mail in your order,please supply all credit card information, (number, expiration date, and billing address)  and add the 75 cents to the total for your mailed receipt.  We also accept payment by money order, no personal checks please.

Q-  Does Paperback Swap N Shop have the mailing addresses for Texas Prisons?

Yes, however the Quick Cart form which is used for Grab Bags requires addresses to be filled in.  You can find all TDCJ addresses here.

Q- I Do not see a Grab Bag that is just exactly the type of books I want to order for an inmate can you make one up for my order?

Sad to say, but no.  Grab Bags are made from excess stock. When there is stock available to make a western bag, a science fiction bag, a non-fiction bag or some other special bag we do so. We can not make Grab Bags to order, If your inmate requires certain types of books, call the store to order books at regular prices. Shipping and Handling Charges will apply.

Q- How often can I send a Grab Bag?

I do not recommend sending more than one Grab Bag per month.  There is very often a problem of storage space, your inmate may not have enough room to keep all 60 or so books at once  If you order two at one time, they will be shipped.  Please ask your inmate about his/her storage space first.

Q- Can supply and book orders be combined for shipping?

Not with Grab Bags, or multi-book orders.  Books are shipped at USPS "Bound Printed Matter"  or "Media Mail" rate which are much cheaper  that Parcel Post.  If we see that we can combine and save you money, we will, and charge you the lower price on your credit card.

Q- Can Paperback Swap N Shop send the book or supplies I purchased somewhere else to my  inmate?

Absolutely Not.  This could endanger our privilege of mailing to any inmate.

Q- Can Paperback Swap N Shop order used or new books not in the store or on the web site?

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Yes – Most new books can be ordered at publisher price, used books ordered from on line book search service (or new books ordered from on -line publishers) will have a $5 fee added. 

Q- How about writing supplies not on the list?

If TDCJ approves of an item, we will be happy to expand our product line.

Q- Can an inmate order books directly from the store used the commissary account "Trust Check"?

Yes, but inmates do not have as many options. Special and No-Romance Grab Bags are not available by Trust Check. Inmates do get some price breaks on the Grab Bags.  (Paperback Swap N Shop has not yet determined how to price/handle orders for supplies purchased by TDCJ Trust Check).  Send us your inmate's name and address so we will mail them an information letter and order form.

Q- More questions?  Contact Us.