Questions, Answered
Welcome. Below you’ll find detailed answers about ordering, shipping, payments, tracking, returns, and more.
If you don’t find what you need, contact us at valerie.vale.official@gmail.com (please include your order number).
SHOPPING INFORMATION
We ship worldwide.
Free shipping: Europe (selected countries)
Worldwide shipping: €4.99 outside the free-shipping region
Your final shipping cost is always shown at checkout based on your country.
Because “Europe” can include countries with different shipping rules and costs.
Your checkout will always confirm whether your country qualifies for free shipping.
Delivery times vary by destination. Typical ranges:
Europe: 3–7 business days
Worldwide: 5–15 business days
These are estimates, not guarantees. Delays may occur due to customs processing, weather, peak seasons, or carrier disruptions.
Orders are typically processed and dispatched within 1–3 business days.
During high-volume periods, dispatch may take longer. If there’s a significant delay, we’ll email you.
Order processing happens on business days. Carriers may not move parcels during weekends or public holidays in certain countries.
Yes. All shipments include tracking.
Once your order is dispatched, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your tracking link/details.
Not necessarily. Tracking updates can be delayed, especially during:
the first 24–72 hours after dispatch,
cross-border handovers,
customs processing.
If tracking shows no movement for an unusual period, email us with your order number and tracking number.
Please check:
your mailbox / parcel safe place,
neighbors or reception desk,
building entrance areas (where applicable).
If it’s still missing, contact us with your order number and tracking details. We’ll guide you through the next steps with the carrier.
Not at this time. We ship using standard tracked delivery only.
No. Currently, we do not offer express shipping—standard tracked delivery only.
We pack every book carefully to reduce the risk of damage during transit.
In many countries, yes—but it depends on local carrier rules.
If your address type is restricted in your country, checkout may reject it or delivery may fail. If you’re unsure, email us before ordering.
Parcels can be returned due to:
an incorrect/incomplete address,
refusal to accept delivery,
failure to collect from a pickup point on time.
If a parcel is returned to us, we can:
reship it (additional shipping fees may apply), or
refund the product price where permitted (shipping fees are generally non-refundable).
Address & Order Changes
If your order hasn’t shipped yet, email us immediately. We’ll do our best to update it.
If the order has already shipped, address changes may not be possible.
Yes—email us as soon as possible with your order number and the correct email.
If your order has not yet been dispatched, we may be able to cancel it.
Email us immediately with your order number. Once dispatched, cancellation is not possible (but withdrawal rules may apply in certain regions—see Returns section).
Contact us as soon as possible. If the order hasn’t shipped, we can often correct it.
PAYMENT INFORMATION
Payments are processed via Stripe, and available payment methods vary by country.
You’ll see the exact options at checkout.
Yes. Payments are processed securely through Stripe. We do not store full card details on our servers.
Common reasons include:
bank security verification,
insufficient funds,
mismatch in billing details,
temporary card restrictions for international purchases.
Try again, use another method, or contact your bank. If the issue persists, email us and we’ll help you troubleshoot.
Depending on your country and checkout settings, pricing/currency may vary. The final amount is shown at checkout before you confirm payment.
Yes. You’ll receive an order confirmation by email, and your payment receipt is available through your payment method provider/bank.
Customs, Duties & Taxes
Possibly. If your country charges customs duties, import taxes, or handling fees, these are paid by the customer.
Such fees are not included in the product price or shipping cost unless explicitly stated at checkout.
Customs processing times vary by country and can add extra days. This is outside our control.
Product Information
You are purchasing the physical paperback edition of The Woman I Once Was by Valérie Vale.
Yes. The book is suitable for a general audience.
We aim for accurate presentation. However, colors may vary slightly due to screen settings and print variations.
You can absolutely order as a gift.
At the moment, we do not offer gift wrapping by default.
Yes. You can purchase multiple copies (for gifting, sharing, or personal collection).
For large quantities, email us so we can confirm the best shipping approach.
Support & Communication
Email: valerie.vale.official@gmail.com
Please include:
your order number,
the email used at checkout,
and any relevant photos (for damage claims).
We aim to respond within 1–2 business days.
Check your spam/junk folder.
If you still can’t find them, email us and we’ll resend your order confirmation or tracking details.
Returns & Refunds
Email us within 48 hours of delivery at valerie.vale.official@gmail.com with:
your order number, and
clear photos of the book and packaging.
We’ll review and propose the fairest resolution (replacement or refund depending on the case).
Examples include:
crushed corners, torn covers, water damage,
loose pages or binding issues caused in transit,
severe scuffing or tearing.
Minor cosmetic marks from shipping may be assessed case-by-case.
This depends on your location:
EU/EEA/UK Consumers (Right of Withdrawal)
You may withdraw within 14 days of delivery, provided the book is unused and in resalable condition:
no writing, highlights, or notes,
no stains, torn pages, or strong odors,
no creased cover or bent spine.
Return shipping is paid by the customer unless local law requires otherwise. Refunds are issued after the returned item is received and inspected (or after valid proof of return, where legally applicable).
Outside EU/EEA/UK
We do not accept returns for change of mind.
Returns are only accepted for damaged/defective/wrong items reported within 48 hours.
It means the book is in a condition we can resell as new:
clean pages, clean cover,
no markings or bends,
no visible use.
Where withdrawal law requires it, we refund the standard outbound shipping cost (if applicable).
Return shipping costs are typically paid by the customer.
Refunds are issued to the original payment method.
Processing time may vary depending on your bank/payment provider.
If a returned book shows handling beyond what is necessary to inspect it like in a physical store, you may be responsible for diminished value. Where permitted by law, we may issue a partial refund reflecting reduced resale value, or refuse the return if it is not resalable.
Website & Privacy
Yes. We use cookies to improve site experience and support essential functions. Cookie preferences can be managed via the consent banner.
Yes. We use analytics (including Google Analytics) to understand website traffic and improve the store experience.
Final Note
If you have a question that isn’t covered here, email us at valerie.vale.official@gmail.com.
We’ll answer with clarity—quickly and honestly.
