Frequently Asked Questions
Scroll down for a list of frequently asked questions that may assist any queries you have.
Career Based Questions
What happens when I submit my application form to Borders (UK) Ltd?
We are committed to keeping your details private and confidential at all times. The information you submit will be used as part of the Borders (UK) Ltd. recruitment process only and will be held in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
Store recruitment is handled at store level and so it will be the relevant Store Manager who contacts you if a suitable vacancy arises. A similar process also applies for positions at our Head Office and Distribution Centre; the appropriate departmental manager will contact you if are successful in obtaining an interview.
If you have not heard from us within four weeks please consider your application unsuccessful. This is due to the large volume of applications we receive and we are sorry that we are not able to respond to each application individually.
If your application is successful your details will be entered onto the HR system and held in your personnel file. If your application is unsuccessful your details will be held confidentially for a period of 6 months and then destroyed.
Do you offer a graduate training programme?
At Borders (UK) Ltd. we do not run a specific graduate programme due to vacancies arising at different times of the year. Instead we recruit externally at every level but find that many people enter as Booksellers and use the advertised opportunities for advancement and promotion.
At Borders (UK), we pride ourselves on the fact that we grow people from within the Company. We operate a policy whereby all vacancies are advertised both internally and externally.
When working in Store, what hours would I be expected to work?
Please refer to our Storefinder to view individual store opening times. Work is likely to involve weekends as a large majority of our stores are open from Monday to Sunday and the working rota will normally be arranged between these days.
Full-time hours are 37.5 hours per week whilst Part-time hours can vary between stores and as agreed by management.
At Head Office the full-time hours are 37.5 hour per week, Monday to Friday, part-time hours will vary depending on the role.
At the Distribution Centre, shift patterns for Warehouse staff are primarily 6 am to 2 pm, 2 pm to 10 pm and 10 am to 6 pm with 8.30 am to 4.30 pm for office-based staff, all are based on a Monday to Friday working week.
What is it like to work for Borders UK?
Borders UK is a firm believer that the preferred place to work is the preferred place to shop. Our teams are busy and inclusive and we find that people often form lasting friendships with their colleagues. We offer structured and robust training programmes available to all employees and have a proven track record of developing and promoting people from within.
Find out more about what it is like to work for us
Will I be expected to wear a uniform?
An employee's appearance and the impression it gives to Borders customers is important to us. All employees are expected to dress smartly and professionally during working hours. Borders and Borders Express employees are provided with red shirts or red polo shirts to ensure that they are easily identifiable to customers.
Where a uniform is in place at a location employees are required to wear it however adjustments may be made in line with our equal opportunities policy.
Do you employ Saturday staff?
We have part-time job opportunities in most of our stores that involve weekend work. Please refer to job vacancy listing for current opportunities.
Do you encourage work experience from local schools/colleges?
We do have opportunities for students wanting work experience in stores, however they must be 15 years or over. To find out more contact the HR manager at your nearest store.
General Questions
Can I purchase a Gift Card over the Internet?
Unfortunately it is not possible to purchase Gift Cards Online, you can however call your nearest store and buy one over the phone. The store will then send it to you in the post.
Can I redeem a Gift Card or Book Tokens over the Internet?
It is not possible to redeem Gift Cards Online. However, if you call your nearest store a purchase can be made over the phone using your Gift Card. The store will then post your order to you.
Can Borders and Books etc stock my book? How would I go about contacting Borders Head Office?
In order for us to stock a new title, it needs to be available via a wholesaler (e.g. Gardners or Bertrams). If your book is stocked by a wholesaler, please send a copy with an advance information sheet to:
New Press
Borders Group
Stillerman House
120 Charing Cross Road
London
WC2H 0JR
Unfortunately, due to the large numbers of titles we receive for consideration, we are unable to return or pay for samples.
Do Borders and Books etc stock the book I want to find?
Use our Storefinder to phone your nearest store to find if it is in stock.
Where is my nearest store?
Use our map of the UK to find the Borders or Books Etc store closest to you.
I have a complaint / some feedback. How can I contact Borders / Books etc?
You can contact us:
- by email
- by post
- by phone.
I am not able to attend a book-signing event. Is there any way I can get a signed copy of the book?
This is not a problem! A week before the event, contact the store that is holding the signing. You will have to purchase the book over the phone using a Credit or Debit card. The store will keep a copy aside for the author to sign for you and will post it to your home after the event.
What is your returns policy?
We are happy to exchange unsuitable goods purchased from one of our stores within 28 days provided they are returned in a saleable condition and an original receipt can be produced. This does not affect your statuary rights.
What is your policy on charitable donations?
Borders (UK) Ltd currently supports literacy trusts such as Reading is Fundamental – part of the National Literacy Trust.
Why are prices on www.borders.co.uk different to prices in store?
The prices listed on our website are reflective of prices in our stores only and do not relate to the prices as shown on Amazon as per the terms and conditions of the partnership. As such, please be aware prices and offers will differ when buying product online.
Do you offer discount to Students?
We currently offer all students 20% off* books, music, DVD, Paperchase and Starbucks on exclusive discounts days on 3 occasions a year. Register for our newsletter today to receive the most up to date information on the next discount days.
Do you offer discounts to Schools, Colleges, Universities and Businesses?
We do offer discounts to many organisations.
Do your stores have coffee shops?
All our Borders stores have a partnership Starbucks Coffee concessions in store.
How can I find out about special offers running in Borders/Books etc stores?
We want our customers to benefit from the best special offers, with in store offers on books, music and DVD.
Are you stores accessible to disabled customers?
Borders (UK) Ltd has taken steps to ensure that as far as possible we are compliant with Part lll of the Disability Discrimination Act and that our stores are accessible to our disabled customers. In addition all Borders (UK) staff are trained on disability awareness.
