Policy FAQ's

Policy FAQ’s

Ordering Information

Payment Information

Shipping Information

Backorders

Returns

International Orders

Catalog

Homeschool Conventions

Our Products

Using Our Website

Email Newsletter

Ordering Information

What if I don't want to order using the website?

Order by Phone: Call our toll-free phone number (888-841-3456) and order with the help of our friendly operators. Our phone hours are 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Central Time, Monday through Friday. For special requests, ordering by phone is your best option.

Order by Fax or Voice Mail: You may fax your order 24 hours a day to 800-705-8809. You may also leave orders on our voice mail system (888-841-3456) outside of our regular business hours. You must give item numbers and titles when using these devices so that we are certain which items you are ordering. Please do not leave a message to call you back on these systems; due to time constraints, calls may not be returned.

Order by Mail: Use the Order Form located at the end of your catalog (or available online here) and include payment with your order. If all order forms have been used, you may type or handwrite an order on any type of paper, as long as you include item numbers, titles, and prices. See our online order form for shipping rates, sales tax, and an explanation of how to total your order. Shipping rates are also printed on the first page of our curriculum catalog and the last page of our gift catalog (or see the shipping chart). Our mailing address is: Rainbow Resource Center, Inc., 655 Township Rd. 500 E, Toulon, IL 61483.

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I just placed an order and forgot something. Can I add to it?

Orders placed online prior to 4PM CT Monday-Friday should be able to have changes made on the day that the order was placed. Orders placed online after 4PM CT Monday-Thursday should be able to have changes made on the following business day. Orders placed online after 4PM CT on Friday through about 12PM CT Saturday generally ship on Monday. While we may not be able to make changes to individual items at that point, if you call (888-841-3456) first thing on Monday, we can typically either cancel the order or have it held so it can be combined with a new order (this will cause a delay on the order shipping). Orders placed online from about 12PM CT Saturday through Sunday are treated as orders entered on Monday. If your order was not placed online, please contact customer service to check if this option is available.

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Some items are in your catalog but not listed online. Can I still order them online?

Yes, you can. If you go to your Cart, the very first step is a summary showing you all of the items currently in your Cart. Regardless of whether your Cart is empty or contains a few items, there will be a section titled "Catalog Quick Entry" under the option to check out with PayPal. Enter the full 6-digit item number in the appropriate box and click on "Add all to Cart." This will add a single copy of the item to your Cart and you can adjust quantities as needed in your Cart. Alternatively, you can enter the full 6-digit item number in the appropriate box and press TAB to enter additional items. As your cursor moves to the next box, the details for the previous item will populate in preparation for being added to your Cart. You can adjust quantities before adding to your Cart if needed.

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How can I cancel an order, or cancel an item on my order?

For orders placed online: you may cancel the entire order until the order has been processed for shipping. Please call customer service with this request. Please do not rely on email to request a cancellation as we cannot guarantee that cancellation requests via email will be completed. We are able to cancel individual items from online orders within a limited window of time. Please see the FAQ “I just placed an order and forgot something. Can I add to it?” for details. We can cancel individual items using the same parameters for adding to orders. For orders placed over the phone, by fax or by mail: you may cancel the entire order, or a portion of the order, at any point before the order goes to the warehouse for shipment. Please call customer service to request any type of cancellation. Please do not rely on email to request a cancellation as we cannot guarantee that cancellation requests via email will be completed. PLEASE NOTE: If the original order total was over $50 and qualified for free shipping, the cancelled item(s) may cause the order amount to drop below $50, in which case the order will be assessed the appropriate shipping charges based on the new total.

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I would like to receive your catalog. How can I get one?

You may use the Request Catalog link at the top of this page to order a catalog. Please be sure to fill out all the information completely. Our catalog sections are also available for downloading in PDF format. You can do this by clicking on the Request Catalog link at the top of this page and choosing the download option for the catalog you need. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the catalog. If you are placing an order at this time, you will have an opportunity to request a catalog as part of the checkout process.

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I don’t want my name, address, or phone number added to any lists. How can I ensure this won't happen?

This is Rainbow Resource Center’s promise to you: We will not sell, rent, or give your personal information to any other organization. Your information is secure. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details.

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I plan on ordering several copies of the same item for a co-op or large group. Do you provide group discounts?

Because we discount as much as possible up front, we are only able to provide quantity discounts on certain items. If you plan to order 25+ copies of a single item, please email customer service for a quote.

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I do not need to receive your catalog; how can I take my name off the mailing list?

Simply contact our customer service department and ask to be removed from the mailing list (info@rainbowresource.com).

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What are "Bargain Books" and how are they different from your regular inventory?

Bargain Books are damaged copies of items that we currently sell on our website and in our catalog. They are not used items, remainders or close-outs, but are items that we have inadvertently damaged in our warehouse or have been damaged in transit to our warehouse. These items are dinged and dented but have not been used, and are priced to sell. All Bargain Book inventory is recorded only on our website, so check there for availability. Our customer service department cannot answer queries about Bargain Book merchandise. New Bargain Book inventory will be added on a weekly basis. Orders for Bargain Books are subject to some policies that are different from orders for new items - see other Bargain Books FAQs for additional details.

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How do I order Bargain Books?

You can shop Bargain Books using our Bargain Books site or by simply browsing our regular website (items with bargain inventory will be noted with a link to the bargain item under "Additional Details" on the new product page). The Bargain Books site is set up like our regular website, but the colors are different to remind you that you are on our Bargain Books site. This site has the same organizational drilldown of products as our regular site, but listing only Bargain Book inventory. ALL Bargain Book sales are "as is" - no refunds or exchanges. Because quantities are limited, you cannot place Bargain Books in a Wish List. Bargain Book items placed in a shopping cart will remain there for 12 hours before they are automatically removed. Because our inventory is only recorded on our website, you can only order them through the website. Please do not call customer service to place an order - they cannot process phone orders for Bargain Books. You may combine orders for new items and Bargain Books.

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Can I order new items and Bargain Books at the same time?

Yes, you can place a combined order that includes new items and Bargain Books. You can even qualify for free shipping if the subtotal for the order is over $50.00 (current free shipping terms apply). Payment for combined orders can be made by credit card or PayPal. Items will ship together, but you will receive separate packing slips. Please note that all Bargain Book sales are “as is” and returns are not accepted.

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Can I apply my state sales tax exemption to my order?

We can apply your state sales tax exemption to your order. There are two options:

1. Place your order online and include in the comments section that you have a state sales tax exemption which needs to be applied. You will be charged for that tax at the time your order is placed. Email you state sales tax exemption certificate to info@rainbowresource.com. and reference your online order #. Your taxes will then be refunded back to the payment type that you used online.

2. If you can wait for a short time before placing your order, or if you cannot have taxes included in charges on your credit card, set up an account on our website and then send an email to info@rainbowresource.com. requesting that your online account be converted to a sales tax exempt account. In the email that you send, you will need to specify the email address that is used to login to your online account and you will need to attach a copy of your state sales tax exempt certificate. Your account should be converted to an exempt account within 24 hours (excluding weekend hours).

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Payment Information

How can I pay for my order?

Online: You can pay with VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or PayPal.

Phone: You can pay with VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or check.

Fax: You can pay with VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.

Mail: You can pay with VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, check or money order.

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When will my credit card be charged?

Online orders: Your credit card or PayPal account will be charged the full order amount immediately upon submission of the order.

Phone, fax, and mail orders: Your credit card is charged the full order amount on the day the order is received.

Backordered items that have to be shipped separate from your initial shipment will not incur additional charges.

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I'm expecting a refund, but haven't seen it posted to my account yet. How long does that take?

If we refund you for any portion of an order placed on our website (within 60 days of the order date), you will receive an email from us as soon as we have processed the refund on our end. The length of time it takes for that refund to show up in your account depends on your card issuer. Some card issuing institutions can take more than 72 hours to post refunds. If we refund you for online orders that are older than 60 days, or for any other kind of order, you will not receive an email from us, though the same 72+ hour window applies, depending on who issued your card. PayPal refunds should be applied right away, and you should receive an email from PayPal notifying you of the refund.

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Shipping Information



How much will I pay for shipping?

Shipping charges are based on a percentage of the total order cost. See chart below.

U.S. Shipping Rates (includes U.S. Territories)
Standard Rates (Paid Orders)
  Economy:
Up to $49.99 $6.95
$50.00 and up FREE

Please note: items shipped free may be assessed shipping if returned.

Shipping Upgrades (Paid Orders)
  Premium: Priority: 3-Days: 2-Days: Next Day:
Up to $49.99 $8.95 $8.95 $15.00 $22.50 $45.00
$50.00 - $99.99 $8.00 $12.00 30% of Net 45% of Net 90% of Net
$100.00 - $149.99 $8.00 $12.00 20% of Net 30% of Net 60% of Net
$150.00 - $199.99 FREE $12.00 20% of Net 30% of Net 60% of Net
$200.00 - $299.99 FREE $12.00 16% of Net 24% of Net 48% of Net
$300.00 - $499.99 FREE $12.00 12% of Net 18% of Net 36% of Net
$500.00 and up FREE $12.00 8% of Net 12% of Net 24% of Net
Shipping Rates (Purchase Orders)
Standard Rates (Purchase Orders)
  Economy:
Up to $49.99 $7.50
$50.00 - $99.99 15% of Net
$100.00 - $199.99 10% of Net
$200.00 - $299.99 8% of Net
$300.00 - $499.99 6% of Net
$500.00 and up 4% of Net
Shipping Upgrades (Purchase Orders)
  Premium: Priority: 3-Days: 2-Days: Next Day:
Up to $49.99 $9.50 $10.50 $15.00 $22.50 $45.00
$50.00 - $99.99 15% of Net + $8 15% of Net + $12 30% of Net 45% of Net 90% of Net
$100.00 - $199.99 10% of Net + $8 10% of Net + $12 20% of Net 30% of Net 60% of Net
$200.00 - $299.99 8% of Net + $8 8% of Net + $12 16% of Net 24% of Net 48% of Net
$300.00 - $499.99 6% of Net + $8 6% of Net + $12 12% of Net 18% of Net 36% of Net
$500.00 and up 4% of Net + $8 4% of Net + $12 8% of Net 12% of Net 24% of Net
Shipping Rates (Foreign Orders)
  Canada: Other International:
Up to $29.99 $14.95 $20.95
$30.00 - $64.99 $14.95 75% of Net
$65.00 - $199.99 25% of Net 75% of Net
$200.00 - $499.99 20% of Net 50% of Net
$500.00 and up 15% of Net 30% of Net

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Do I qualify for free shipping?

If you pay for the order at the time it is submitted to us, you meet the minimum subtotal for free shipping ($50 USD) and the order is shipping to a U.S. address, you qualify!

Non-qualifying orders include purchase orders, orders with under $50 USD of product, and orders shipping to locations outside of the U.S.

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Do you ship C.O.D.?

Sorry, we do not ship C.O.D.

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How will my order be shipped?

  • • Domestic: 48 Contiguous States:

    • - If you select the Economy method, our system decides which carrier to use based on destination, weight and value of the package. The carrier options available for Economy are USPS, OSM, FedEx or SpeeDee. If you select the Premium method (for an added fee, depending on your order subtotal), our system decides which carrier to use based on destination, weight and value while also limiting the carrier selection to options with a delivery window of up to 5 business days. If you select the Priority Mail method (for an upgrade fee) your order will be sent via USPS Priority Mail. You can select from other upgraded services (3-DAY, 2-DAY and NEXT DAY) for an upgrade fee and we will ship via a service that guarantees delivery within the selected delivery window (***Please note that orders do not leave the same day we receive them, so you will need to add 1 or 2 business days to the delivery time of these services in order to calculate a delivery estimate. Calling customer service will enable you to get the most accurate delivery date.***). This is most often FedEx, but can also be SpeeDee in the following areas: ND, SD, NE, MN, IA, WI, IL, MI - UP only, and the St. Louis metropolitan area. Orders containing a minimum of $150 of product, shipping complete to a physical address in the contiguous 48 states, will be automatically upgraded from Economy to Premium at no additional charge.

  • • Domestic: AK, HI, APO, FPO, DPO and U.S. Territories:

    • - Orders shipping to these locations that qualify for free shipping will be shipped via our Economy method through the U.S. Postal Service. You have the option to upgrade to Priority Mail at the time you place your order for an additional fee.

  • • Canada and other foreign destinations:

    • - Orders shipping to foreign destinations will ship either USPS or FedEx. The carrier is automatically selected based on the destination, size, and weight of the package. Please note: there may be import taxes and brokerage fees that will have to be paid to receive a package. These costs are not reflected in the shipping cost you pay on this website. They are charged directly to the recipient by the carrier, and are the recipient’s responsibility.

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How long will it take to receive my order?

We do not offer same-day shipping. Please view the shipping options page in our online checkout for the most up-to-date information regarding processing and shipping times. The shipping options available at checkout are:

  • • Economy

  • • Premium

  • • Priority Mail

  • •3-DAY

  • • 2-DAY

  • • NEXT DAY

Please note that 3-DAY, 2-DAY, and NEXT DAY refer to the transit time after the shipping company has accepted the package, and do not include the processing time through our warehouse. If you need something by a specific date, call customer service for the most accurate estimate.

Economy shipments to AK and HI may take 3-5 weeks for delivery. Priority Mail to AK and HI generally takes 5-7 days. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery of packages going to Canada and 2-6 weeks for packages going to all other foreign destinations. We are not able to provide shipping time estimates on orders shipping to APO, FPO or DPO addresses.

***Please note - if an item on your order is temporarily out of stock (backordered), and we expect it to arrive to us within 5 business days, we hold your order for up to 5 business days in an effort to ship your order to you complete. If, after 5 business days have passed and the backordered item still has not come in, we will ship the available portion of the order to you, and then we will send the backorder once it has become available. There is no charge to you for additional shipments. If the backordered item becomes available before the end of the 5-day period, your order will not be held any longer and will be released for shipping. If there is no availability date for the backordered item, or if the availability is more than 5 business days out, we will not hold the rest of your order - it will be released for shipping. School purchase orders and international orders may be held up to 10 business days to fulfill out of stock items. Please see our FAQs on backorders for more information on how these are handled.

If order processing time is important, please order by phone during our normal business hours so that we can give you our best shipping time estimate.

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What if I need my order shipped as quickly as possible?

The following express shipping options are available: 3-DAY, 2-DAY Air, and NEXT DAY AIR, although at a higher shipping charge. Please see the shipping table for additional charges and call customer service for the most accurate delivery estimate.
If you are concerned about backorders holding your order for up to 5 business days, we also offer an option where your order will bypass the backorder hold and move to the front of the line for shipping. There is a $10 fee for this service and most of these orders will go out the next day, though always within 2 days of receipt of the order.

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I live in (or am traveling through) Central Illinois. Can I pick up my order to save on shipping?

Yes! If you would prefer to pick up your order, please make arrangements with our customer service representatives at the time you place your order.

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I’m placing an order for Bargain Books - what are my shipping options?

Orders with Bargain Books will have the same shipping options available as any other order. Free shipping is available on mixed orders or even Bargain Book only orders with a subtotal of $50.00 or more. Orders of only Bargain Books or mixed orders of new and Bargain Books that receive free shipping are subject to the same terms and conditions as orders of all new items with free shipping.

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I have a large order, how will it be shipped?

Large orders will be shipped using the carrier, or service type, selected at the time the order is placed. If the order is large enough to ship in more than 5 boxes, we will pack the order using a box manifest procedure. This will produce an itemized manifest detailing exactly which items are in each box. This manifest will be attached to the outside of the first box in the shipment. If the order is large enough that shipment via pallet would be the most economical method, we will contact you first to ensure you can receive pallet deliveries. The box manifest will also be used on palletized orders to ensure accuracy.

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Rainbow Warehouse Crew

Warehouse Crew

Backorders

When I place an order, how will I know if there are items on backorder?

Please refer to the product page of each individual item on our website for the most current availability message. If an item is on extended publisher backorder, you will see this information displayed below the item number on the product page. Once an item has been added to your shopping cart, it will also display a backorder message, if applicable, with the confirmation that the item was added to the cart. Please note that packages (sets assembled by us with alphanumeric codes instead of item numbers) contain multiple items and do not show inventory availability. Package component stock can be checked by viewing the package content list on the description tab below the image. Out of stock components will be noted as such in that list. Phone and mail orders do not have access to the most current availability information at this time; please call customer service the next business day after placing a phone or mail order to check on possible backorders.

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I was notified that I have an item backorder. When can I expect it?

Most backorders are temporarily out of stock items. We generally expect those items to arrive in our warehouse within about 2 weeks. If we have an expected availability date from the publisher, we will include that information item's product page of our website, or in the weekly backorder reminder email. If an item is on a longer publisher backorder, and we have an expected availability date, we include that information below the item number on the item's product page. When backordered items arrive in our warehouse, they are the priority for the next day's shipping. We will keep an order open for backorders for up to 60 days. If a backorder has not shipped from our warehouse at that time, we will cancel the backorder an issue a refund to the original payment method.

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How do I cancel a backorder?

You may call or e-mail us to cancel a backorder up until the day that the backordered item ships. Please also specify how you would like to be refunded for the amount of the backorder, if you have already paid for it. Backorders will be cancelled under 3 circumstances: if you contact us and ask us to cancel the backorder, if we are notified by the publisher that the item is no longer available, or if the order reaches 60 days past the order date and the backorder is still not available. When a backorder is cancelled, your original payment method will be refunded.

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What is your backorder policy?

Although we do our best to anticipate demand and keep our products in stock, some items will sell out before we can replenish our inventory. These are temporary backorders and typically arrive in our warehouse within one to two weeks. When we have an expected availability date, we include it on the item’s product page on our website. Some products may be on an extended backorder with the supplier. If we are aware of this, we request an availability date from the supplier, which we display on the item's product page. This information can change, as suppliers adjust their printing and manufacturing schedules, but we will try to keep this information current as we receive updates from the supplier.

We receive new inventory every business day. If a backordered item is expected to arrive within 5 business days, we hold domestic orders for up to 5 business days to try and ship the order complete. International orders and purchase orders are held for up to 10 business days. If, after that time, the backordered item has not arrived, we ship the portion of the order that is in stock. If the backorder arrives within 60 days , we will ship it to you with no additional shipping charge. If the backorder has not arrived after 60 days from the date the order was placed, we will cancel the backorder and issue a refund back to your original form of payment.

If the backordered item becomes available before the end of the 5-day period, your order will not be held any longer and will be released for shipping. If there is no availability date for the backordered item, or if the availability is more than 5 business days out, we will not hold the rest of your order - it will ship right away. If you have questions about product availability, please refer to our website, which shows the most current inventory available for each item.

We charge for the entire order up front and then ship backorders with no additional charge, if they have to ship separately. You may call or e-mail us to have a backorder cancelled and we will issue a refund to your original method of payment.

If a supplier decides to stop producing an item that is on backorder, we will automatically cancel that item for you and issue you a refund.

A backordered item will remain open on your order until one of 4 things happens: it becomes available and we ship it to you; it is cancelled by you; we cancel it due to a notification by the supplier that the item is no longer available; or we cancel the backorder because it reached the 60-day limit for backorders to remain open.

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Returns

What is your returns policy?

You may return items (exceptions noted below) within 30 days from the date on your packing slip for a full refund of the price of the item (shipping not refunded), as long as we receive the item back in salable as new condition. After 30 days, we will accept eligible items for return, but we charge a 10% restocking fee. No returns after six months.

PLEASE NOTE: AN ORDER THAT QUALIFIED FOR FREE SHIPPING WILL BE ASSESSED A SHIPPING CHARGE IF THE ITEM(S) RETURNED FROM THE ORDER CAUSE THE RECALCULATED ORDER TOTAL TO DROP BELOW $50.

ELECTRONIC MEDIA (CDs, DVDs, CASSETTES, CD-ROMs, VIDEOS, E-BOOKS, COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND PRODUCTS WITH AN INTERNET COMPONENT) CANNOT BE RETURNED.*Exception: please see the Digital Item exception or customer service for details on returning Rosetta Stone or Monarch programs.

We cannot give refunds on items that are returned damaged, as they are not resalable.
We do not accept returns on items that we no longer offer for sale.
We are not able to offer exchanges.

* TO RETURN DROPSHIP ITEMS, PLEASE CONTACT US BEFORE RETURNING; PROCEDURES VARY BY SUPPLIER.

A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT RETURNING PACKAGE COMPONENTS:

Package components can ship in multiple shipments, depending on individual item availability at the time you placed your order. However, package content is not flexible. We cannot add to or subtract from a package at the point of sale and if any component of a package is returned, 3 things happen:

• The package price is voided
• The order total is recalculated based on our normal selling price for each item
• The refund amount is affected by the difference between the original package price and the total price of the individual items not returned. In some cases, this may result in no refund being issued, if the amount saved by purchasing a package is more than the value of the item(s) returned.

Refunds for package components are also subject to restocking and recalculated shipping fees, if applicable. Package components are noted on your packing slip with "PKGCMP" in the price column and any package(s) you ordered are listed at the bottom of the packing slip.

Phone orders, mailed paper orders and any orders older than 50 days will receive refunds by check, unless alternate arrangements are made. Orders placed online that are less than 50 days old will be refunded using the original payment method.

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How do I return an item or items?

When returning books, do not use any of the books as a flat surface on which to write return notes or other information, as this can leave a permanent etching on the cover. To avoid damage in return shipping, do not use newspaper as your packing material, as this often leaves ink smears on books. Pack items securely in a box and include a copy of the packing slip or receipt. Address the package to:
Rainbow Resource Center, Inc., Attn: Returns Department, 655 Township Rd. 500E, Toulon, IL 61483.
We suggest that you ship your return by UPS or Fed Ex (as it is insured automatically for up to $100). If you ship through the Post Office, please insure the package. Please allow 3 to 4 weeks to process your return.
Do not refuse packages as a way to return them to us. The shipping company charges a fee to deliver refused packages and we will deduct that fee from your refund. Also, some shippers are very lax about delivering refused packages back to the sender, so there is no guarantee that refused packages will make it back to us.

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What is the Digital Item exception?

Rosetta Stone and Monarch programs are the only digital items that can be returned. Both of these programs can be returned within 30 days of activation for a full refund. Please contact customer service at Rainbow to process the return and obtain a refund. Rainbow will work with the publisher to deactivate your online account. Returns cannot be accepted later than 30 days after activation.

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What if I received the wrong item, a damaged item or I am missing an item from my order?

If you are missing an item from your order, please check your packing slip again to ensure that it is not listed as a backorder. If you see no reason why the item should be missing, please contact customer service immediately. If you believe you received an incorrect item, please contact customer service immediately. If you receive a damaged item, and you did not order a Bargain Item, please contact customer service immediately. We will work to correct missing, damaged or wrong items as quickly as possible. Please report wrong, damaged or missing items within 90 days of the shipping date. After 90 days, we will consider orders to be received in full. In some cases, the wrong or damaged item will need to be sent back to Rainbow Resource Center. RRC will pay for the return shipping in this case – please be prepared to box the item up.

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What if I was shipped a defective item?

Please contact customer service immediately (maximum 6-month window) after finding a defective item in your order. Although we check stock received from publishers, some defects (like pages bound into books the wrong direction) are easy to miss. We will replace the defective product or refund your money if a replacement is not available or you have decided you no longer want the item. In some cases, we may need to send the item to the supplier for quality control purposes. There will be no shipping cost to you if this is requested.

If you have defective software, or have a problem running or installing it, please first try to contact the software company's technical support service. If they are not helpful, or if you cannot find contact information, please call us. We can provide contact information for the software company, try to troubleshoot the problem for you (if it is within our knowledge/ability to do so), replace the item or refund you if the other options do not resolve the issue.

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How can I avoid return items getting damaged in transit back to Rainbow?

There are a few things you can do to help ensure your returned items are not deemed unsalable by our returns department.

Before you place your returns in a box, make sure no books have been written in, had the bindings broken or creased, or pages dog-eared to the point where they no longer look new. Do not use books or materials as a sturdy surface to write your returns information or notes on. This can permanently etch what you've written into the cover of the book, and we cannot resell items like this. Do not open packaging or remove shrink-wrap on items that you cannot repackage to a new condition. Please take great care when packing books and materials in a box. We cannot stress enough how important a good packing job is in making sure items do not get bent up or damaged during transit. We recommend that you wrap the books or materials you are returning in shipping paper, bubble wrap, or other clean packing material (do not use newspapers as these can permanently stain books with ink). After wrapping, place in box, and then pack more packing material around your items. When you close the box and shake it back and forth, you should not hear anything moving around inside the box.

We suggest that you ship your return by UPS or Fed Ex (as it is insured automatically for up to $100). If you ship through the Post Office, please insure the package. Insurance ensures that if your package is damaged, you can file a claim with the handler. We will contact you in the event your returns arrive to us damaged.

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Can I return something I bought at a homeschool convention?

Yes, you may return purchases made at a homeschool convention, as long as you comply with the return policy. Returns must be in resalable condition and received back in our office within 30 days of purchase for a full refund on the product. If product is returned in resalable condition after 30 days from the date on your receipt, a 10% restocking fee will be deducted from the return refund, and if the product is damaged or used, no refund will be given. As with mail order returns, no refunds will be given after 6 months from the date of purchase. Sales tax paid at the convention is refunded.

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Can I return something that was part of a package?

A package is a group of items sold by RRC as a set for a reduced price. Package content is not flexible and cannot be modified at the point of sale. Packages are noted on your packing slip with an alphanumeric item number/package code (such as APH1AB) in the price column. Also, any packages ordered are listed at the bottom of the packing slip for reference. If your order ships in multiple boxes or shipments, the package components may be spread throughout those different boxes. An entire package is returnable to us, subject to the returns limitations in our complete returns policy. If you return individual items that were part of a package you purchased, 3 things happen:

• The package price is voided
• The order total is recalculated based on our normal selling price for each item
• The refund amount is affected by the difference between the original package price and the total price of the individual items not returned. In some cases, this may result in no refund being issued, if the amount saved by purchasing a package is more than the value of the item(s) returned.

Refunds for package components are also subject to restocking and recalculated shipping fees, if applicable.

*Please note that a package sold by RRC as defined above does not include items with a numeric, six-digit item number that are physically bundled together and sold as a set. If you have purchased this type of shrink-wrapped set of items, the single components cannot be returned.

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Do you offer exchanges?

No, any item sent back to us is handled as a return.

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How long do I have to return an item?

Items may be returned to us for up to 6 months from the shipping date on the packing slip. Please note, however, that unless items have been returned within 30 days of purchase, there will be a 10% restocking fee deducted from the refund amount. No returns are accepted after six months from shipping date.

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What if I want to place another order with my return?

If you want to order additional materials, we advise that you order separately so that the return processing does not delay your order. We do not offer exchanges and since returns can take 4-6 weeks, any new order you place with your return could be significantly delayed.

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Can I return Bargain Books I have purchased?

No. All Bargain Book are sold "as is" and sales are final. We do not accept returns or offer exchanges on these items. If you receive a product with a defect that has rendered it unusable (missing pages, severe printing defects, etc.), contact us and we will either provide a replacement or a refund at our option.

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Who pays for shipping on a return?

We do not issue return labels - you are responsible for shipping costs on any returns.

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International Orders

I am not in the US, can I still place an order?

Yes - we accept orders from, and will ship to, most countries around the world. There may be one or two countries excluded at any given time due to interruptions to mail service, security concerns, or various other reasons. The address page of our checkout process has the most up-to-date information on this. Shipping time to international destinations can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks.

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What are international shipping costs?

Please see our shipping table

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Are there import duties or taxes on international orders?

Our website will only calculate the shipping cost and add it to your total. We do not add any import duties or taxes that may be imposed by the destination country. Every country has a different threshold for when import duties will be assessed. It is the responsibility of the individual ordering items that will be shipped to an international destination to be familiar with where the threshold for import duties has been set by that particular country, and to pay any applicable duties assessed by the destination country.

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What if my order is shipping to a different country and gets lost in transit, arrives damaged, or there is a problem with an item in the order?

Please contact customer service.

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Catalog

I would like to receive your catalog. How can I get one?

You may use the Request Catalog link at the top of this page to request a current Homeschooling catalog (in print or on CD-ROM) or a Christmas catalog (U.S. addresses only). You can also choose to request multiple copies or send a catalog to a friend. Homeschooling catalog mailings are done every two weeks; please allow six weeks for postal delivery. New annual Homeschooling catalogs are released in mid-June and Christmas catalogs are released in early October. Christmas catalog mailings are sent in October and November and are only available while supplies last. All of our catalogs are available in PDF format as well, for computer, tablet, e-reader or mobile device viewing. Download a catalog at any time by using the link on the Request Catalog page. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the catalog. If you are placing an order at this time, you can also request a catalog as part of the checkout process.

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If I am already on your mailing list, when will I get the new catalog?

Our annual catalog is typically printed at the end of May and the initial mailing usually takes place in early June. Because they are mailed in bulk, delivery time will vary based on location. Smaller bulk mailings are done periodically throughout the year as well. Sorry, we are not able to provide specific delivery times for catalogs.

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I do not need to receive your catalog; how can I take my name off the mailing list?

Simply contact our customer service department and ask to be removed from the mailing list (info@rainbowresource.com).

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Your curriculum catalogs are now labeled Vol.1 and Vol. 2 and are smaller than they used to be. Why?

Our curriculum catalog had become very big (the last catalog that included all subjects was the 2014-15 catalog, which was 1368 pages long). This was also becoming prohibitive to mail. We decided to split the catalog into two volumes; volume 1 will be produced in odd-numbered years and volume 2 will be produced in even-numbered years. Together, the two catalogs will create a full catalog. Each volume will contain a different selection of subjects in their entirety, plus the new items we have added in the remaining subject areas. The subjects in Volume 1 are: Home School Helps, Curriculum, Early Learning, Language Arts, Phonics, Reading, English, Spelling, Handwriting, Math, Library Builders and (Not) Just for Fun. Volume 2 subjects are: Science, Logic, Bible, History, Foreign Language, Art and Music. The index in each catalog is complete, so you can still use that to see if we carry a particular item. If that item is not in the catalog, it will say "website" in place of referencing a catalog page number.

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I noticed a price in your catalog that is different from what is listed on your website. Which is correct?

Although we make a concentrated effort to hold our prices steady for the life of the catalog, our suppliers occasionally make significant price changes which necessitate price changes on our end. Typically, the website (or our customer service department) will be your best sources for current pricing information. Please note that prices are subject to change without notice.

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Homeschool Conventions

Where can I find a list of the homeschool conventions that Rainbow Resources will be attending?

Click on the Exhibit Schedule link at the top of our home page for a list of the conventions that we are scheduled to attend.

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Can I return something I bought at a homeschool convention?

Yes, you may return purchases made at a homeschool convention, as long as you comply with the return policy. Returns must be in resalable condition and received back in our office within 30 days of purchase for a full refund on the product. If product is returned in resalable condition after 30 days from the date on your receipt, a 10% restocking fee will be deducted from the return refund, and if the product is damaged or used, no refund will be given. As with mail order returns, no refunds will be given after 6 months from the date of purchase. Sales tax paid at the convention is refunded.

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Can I cancel an order placed at a convention?

Your best option for cancelling an order placed at a convention is to return to our booth and cancel the order at the registers onsite for an immediate refund. If that is not an option, please contact customer service to see if a cancellation is possible. Your refund options, if customer service is able to cancel the order, are to mail you a check, put credit on Rainbow account, or refund a credit card if you give us the card details.

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Can I request specific items be taken to a particular convention?

Unfortunately, we are not able to fulfill requests for specific items to be displayed at a convention. Only about 10% of the 50,000+ items on our website are approved to be displayed at conventions each year. Logistical constraints prohibit us from being able to accommodate individual item changes for single events.

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Our Products

How many products do you carry?

We currently carry over 50,000 educational products from over 1000 different suppliers, which we believe are among the best products available.

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How do you decide which products to carry?

Our family and team of homeschooling experts attend trade shows, go through hundreds of supplier catalogs, and review and compare thousands of sample items each year. We strive to carry only what we believe is worthwhile to our market. We acknowledge that preferences, learning styles, and philosophies vary widely among homeschoolers, so we offer a variety to suit everyone's needs. Because what one person finds useful may seem totally irrelevant to the next, we try very hard through our catalog and website to provide accurate information on each product so our customers can make educated decisions and purchase only what works for them.

We are always adding new products and there may be times where several products we offer seem very similar. This is often because we have found something better than the original product we started with, and there will be some overlap while we phase the other item out, or because both products are continually requested by customers.

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You carry both Christian and secular products - why?

Although we are a Christian company, it is our goal is to serve all homeschoolers, regardless of religious affiliation. As homeschoolers ourselves, we understand the significant challenges and great benefits homeschooling offers, and we respect families that have made the commitment and are trying their hardest to provide the best education they can for their children. With that being said, we understand the importance of providing accurate information on our products so homeschooling parents know the basic philosophy and background of the product to make sure it fits their family needs. We try to provide relevant information in our product reviews on whether the product comes from a Christian or secular background, and are always working to enhance that information.

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I can't find an item in your catalog or on your website that I have ordered from you before. Do you still have it?

If an item is not listed in our catalog, please check our website to see if it is listed there. If you still can't find the item, call customer service so we can check for you. Occasionally, items are discontinued because they are out of print or the supplier is out of stock until the next printing. If you are having difficulty finding comparable product to replace a discontinued one, contact our consultants for assistance. A few items are not listed on the website at the request of the supplier. These include answer keys and teacher guides from Amsco and most Rod and Staff titles as well as a small selection of other items. Please contact customer service to order or inquire about these items.

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I’ve written a great educational product and would like to get it out to the homeschool market. Would you consider selling it?

Yes, we often review and add products from homeschooling parents and other small publishers. If you have a product you are currently selling, and would like us to consider adding it to our catalog, you may send us a sample copy for review.

Please label the package as a "SAMPLE", and address it to:

Attn: Linda Schneider
Rainbow Resource Center, Inc.
655 Township Rd. 500E
Toulon, IL 61483

Please note that we cannot guarantee that your sample will be reviewed within a specific time frame, due to the high volume of sample products we receive. If we decide to purchase your product to offer in our catalog, we will contact you to request dealer terms and shipping rates. Here are some things to consider before you send a sample product:

• Is the product ready to sell, or is it still in a rough "proof" format?
• If you are not prepared to sell, how long will it take you to finish your product?
• Are you prepared to sell in volume?
• How are you producing the product now?
• Will that need to change if you must produce higher volumes?
• Can you produce your product in a cost-effective way that will result in competitive prices and customer interest?

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I've heard a lot about toy safety; are the products you carry safe?

With the passing of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act in 2008, manufacturers face more stringent testing standards for the materials they use in their toys and games. The manufacturers' responsibility is to ensure that their products are in line with the new laws or, if that is not possible, that they discontinue the product and inform resellers of that fact. We have removed from our inventory any item that a manufacturer or distributor has informed us is not in compliance, or if it is found to be unsafe through some third party testing. In general, however, manufacturers and distributors are compliant with the new safety standards. The only part of the act that will have obvious visual affect on our website and in our catalog is the requirement for us to include the choking hazard safety warnings that pertain to certain items. You will see these warnings between the picture and description for products that require them online, or between the description and price line in the catalog.

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Using Our Website

How does your product search work?

We offer several methods to find the product you are looking for.

Using search box, which features drop-down selection, you may search for keywords, an author, Rainbow's item number, or an ISBN.

If you are familiar with our catalog, you will appreciate our subject category drilldown. Hover on a subject from the list on the left side of the screen and a fly-out will show you all of the major product headings, and several options under each heading, for that subject area. You can click into any option from that list - the subject, product heading, or specific product category or product.

This organization is similar to what you will find in the catalog, but with more cross-referencing.

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Why does the information on your website occasionally differ than what is printed in the current catalog?

The website listing contains the most up-to-date information regarding our products.

While we make every effort to ensure that our catalog is as accurate and current as possible when it goes to press each year, invariably there will be changes in a few products that occur between catalog printings. When a product change occurs, we update our website as soon as possible and make note of the change so the information is updated in the next catalog printing.

Prices are subject to change without notice.

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Email Newsletter

What are your company emails like and how frequently do you send them?

We send an e-blast to our subscribers once a week or 3-4 times per month. These "email newsletters" feature a helpful, encouraging article from one of our consultants or staff, sale information, information on new products, highlighted newly reviewed products, seasonal or themed product features, and more. They are the best way to stay up-to-date on sales and newly-added product between our catalogs!

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How do I subscribe to your email newsletter?

Just opt in at checkout, sign up at Newsletter Signup or send an email to info@rainbowresource.com.

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How do I unsubscribe from your email newsletter?

Just use the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of any email to unsubscribe or change your preferences. If you run into any issues, feel free to email info@rainbowresource.com and we will be happy to remove you from the list.

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