Ordering, Stock & Delivery FAQs
Back to School Stock: FAQ
Back to School can be a stressful time for parents, learners and suppliers. Items often show as out of stock or unavailable just when they’re needed most. This FAQ explains why it happens, and what you can do to avoid disappointment.
December and January orders often end in disappointment — for customers and for us. We strongly recommend placing Back to School orders before 30 November.
- Check which items are currently in stock.
- Order only those items if you need them urgently.
- Expect backordered items may only arrive after school has started.
If you need everything immediately in January, it may be quicker to check physical stores. If items can’t be found elsewhere, you are welcome to place a backorder with us, which will be fulfilled as soon as stock arrives.
Please note: lead times shown on product pages may be significantly longer in December and January.
Why is there no stock when it’s Back to School? ▼
Demand spikes nationally at the same time that many suppliers operate with limited capacity over the festive season. Stock can sell out quickly, and replenishment depends on supplier availability, shipping, and reprinting schedules.
Do suppliers shut down in December? ▼
Yes. Most suppliers close for December, typically from around 12 December, reopening between 8–15 January.
While Bob’s Books does not close, we rely on suppliers for stock. If we run out while suppliers are closed, we can’t replenish until they reopen.
When should I place my Back to School order? ▼
We recommend ordering by 30 November to give yourself the best chance of receiving your full order before school starts.
What happens if an item is out of stock at a supplier? ▼
If a supplier is out of stock, our order is placed on backorder and items are supplied as soon as they arrive. Your items are reserved within that backorder.
If delays occur, you’ll be notified and an ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) will be provided. If the ETA doesn’t work for you, we recommend checking stock with other retailers before cancelling, as many stores source from the same suppliers.
Why are some brands harder to get than others? ▼
Some brands are available from multiple distributors, which makes them easier to source. Others are exclusive brands supplied by a specific supplier — if they are out of stock, we have to wait for their next delivery.
Why do textbooks sometimes take longer? ▼
Publishing houses often reprint textbooks only on specific schedules, or once they have enough orders to justify a reprint run.
Each textbook is tied to a specific ISBN licensed to one publisher. If that publisher is out