HarperCollinsUK Reviews 36

Delivery took 8 days and it wasn’t always clear why or whether there was a delay, however I was so impressed with the condition the books arrived in. I ordered 7 paperbacks and they arrived in immaculate condition (such a rarity for an online order of books), but also in completely recyclable packaging - box, packing paper and tape - and the package perfectly fitting the contents (no additional carbon footprint for transporting air).

I got a good offer on 10 books. It was still a big expensive order. Half of my order arrived first, no notification that the order would be split or when the rest of my items would arrive. The package turned up open, no sign of the package being sealed correctly in the first place. I contacted customer services about the state of my delivery and about the missing items. They only informed me about the second half of my order arriving at a later date. I responded about my open package and had no reply, a week later I messaged again. I finally received a reply saying they send out millions of orders and they have no way of knowing what happened to my order. I found this rude and dismissive, that they don't care about their customers. Will no be purchasing from them again.

UPDATE:
2 More books came in 2 seperate boxes on 2 seperate dates! I'm still missing a book which hasn't even been dispatched yet. I've never known a store to do this, a series of 6 books in 4 different parcels at different dates. Will update if I ever get the missing book or if I contact my bank for a refund.

The worst part, they do not update you! The slip in the box that's meant to list everything you ordered only lists what's in the box, it's a lazy way to do business.
Worse online book store ever.

Ordered a series of books. Only 3 of them came. Two days after delivery, 2 of the other books have label created, another one still hasn't had label created.

It's stupid, the company doesn't reply to emails. Why say items are in stock if they aren't? Literally, 3 out of 6 of the books weren't delivered with the order and those 3 delayed aren't even getting shipped together.

Don't use! They might say items are in stock but they clearly aren't!

Not to mention the packaging note only listed the books delivered, didn't mention others and say out of stock, dispatched separately etc. No updates at all on the other books.

Fact is, I'd be happy to wait... if they have real updates and information, not just silence.

I ordered the Rachel Reid Heated Rivalry series directly from the HarperCollins website on 19 January, after spotting a decent offer. Now it’s 29 January, and the books have arrived in the most confusing way possible.

Some turned up quickly. Others arrived days later. Meanwhile, I am still waiting for two books, plus one on pre-order. Ordering a box set should not feel like collecting Pokémon cards.

Customer service did little to reassure me. Fiona responded, although urgency was noticeably absent. I was told the remaining books were “being picked”, a process that appears to take longer than finishing the series itself.

What makes this more amusing is that TikTok influencers seem to have no trouble getting copies. While they happily flog the same books on TikTok Shop, with pristine sets ready for promotion, paying customers wait and guess.

The irony writes itself. Marketing moves fast, yet fulfilment drags its feet.

Nice books. Poor logistics. If you enjoy suspense, you’ll get plenty here, just not by reading.

Update: Still waiting for the one book which was In stock when ordering on 10/02/2026 and the other book which is pre-order.

Harlequin Enterprises which is a subsidiary of HarperCollins Publishers U.K. which in turn owns Mills and Boon. I was looking for one of the books that Mills and Boon publishers, The Hookup/The and Sex Cure by Anne Marsh. But was unable to locate a copy anywhere. Even though it was published several years ago there wasn't a single copy to be found. When I contacted Mills and Boon I was told that they has stopped publishing the books, that they had switched from physical paper format to the more lucrative ebook format. This becoming more trendy. Especially if you can control and convince gullible individuals (readers) that this format is more desirable. Unfortunately like most of the ebook market ebooks are controlled by Amazon which has a monopoly on the market. And even if you prefer the physical paper form to ebooks sources like Kobo, Barnes and Noble and Google Play Books can't get foothold or a piece of the ebook market because of Amazon. To say that this is frustrating is an understatement.

Ordered several books using their mobile website as they guaranteed Christmas delivery.
3 of the books in an order shipped, but not the other two.

When I chased them, I was told they were “print on demand” editions and take 2-3 weeks to be shipped.

This was not obvious on the site (on mobile it was hidden under an “about” dropdown menu)
It was also not show at all during checkout, so I had no idea they would take that long.

To make matters worse, they do sell these books as normal editions, their website had defaulted to the print on demand version- which is just labelled as paperback- so anyone who searches for a book on mobile and doesnt think to read the entire description (which for an Agatha Christie book I know I had no need to read) would have a clue.

I requested that the orders be cancelled, or swapped to the editions that they actually stock, and I was met with condescending and unhelpful replies.

I will avoid ever purchasing a book from them again,

Was sent the wrong edition of a book I ordered. Have given them a lot of my custom recently despite the terrible delays in books arriving.
Had to chase the initial email a few times then got told I would be sent the correct edition. The incorrect edition arrived again and now they are just completely ignoring my emails

I would give zero but can’t. Took my money and that was it! I even emailed them and nada. Bad service all round.

Ordered 7 books in a series and was not told of any delays. Took around a week to be delivered with no comms on status.

1 book was a different cover to the others, a more recent release - not what I ordered. I emailed 10 days ago to request a different copy but have not heard back. Pathetic.

Will never order from them again.

Ordered two books in October knew there was a delay but communication could have been better, I eventuall reached out to them on November 14th asking where my books were, as they were showing in stock, had a replay back 5 days later advising they were with the courier. 5 Days later the courier told me that they had finally received my package. Really unimpressive communication and I don't appreciate being told information that is untrue.

Will NEVER use this company again

I too wish I’d read reviews before ordering. Needed a music theory book urgently. Website said 3 - 5 days. Still not despatched 10 days later. Emails ignored. Cost me a wasted fee for an hours music lesson as I had no book to work from. AVOID!!!

my recent order, which included The Times Cryptic Crossword Book 23: 100 World-Famous Crossword Puzzles (The Times Crosswords). Unfortunately, this item has still not arrived.

It has now been almost two months since I placed the order, and I have not received any update or explanation regarding the delay. I am very disappointed by this lack of communication and the failure to deliver the item as expected.

Awful experience. Ordered some revision books and revision cards for my son. This was nearly two months ago now. They were very delayed and came in a damaged packet with ripped covers and missing items. It took over a week to make contact with someone and they promised to send me an email so I could upload photos. 8 days later I was still chasing them for this and got told eventually I could email them with the details and a case number. It took four further emails to confirm what was missing (from the same order, with me giving them the photos and order details and book details... they still then requested the ISBN!). Finally got the parcel for the replacements today... and.... the revision cards are STILL missing. Awful delivery. Awful timings. Awful communication.

I Have ordered 3 books from Harper Collins Publishing from they Web adress, first time of order and the last time. Ordered in 6 oktober 3 books with discount pay 29.99£, advertise the book with 40 % discount and because of that i have made the order. After 7 days send me not complete order only two of the books. I have wraithing until today twice and nothing for response. Maybe Before the order i have reading the complain about other costumer, but my mistake i think this is the big publishing house and, know iam verry dissapointed because poor costumer service, nobody cant tell you why its partialy send the book , When Will arrive missing book this is classic scam, unfortunaly you have scam me once dont order twice again lost in the future customers because iam big book costumer. After 16 days from order dont expecting to send my books, dont have order from this publishing house do not have same mistake.

I placed an order on 28th August, only some of my order was delivered 2 weeks later. I qas not advised of a delay with the remaining book. It was apparently fulfilled on September 15th but I am still waiting over 2 weeks later for the book. I emailed twice a week apart about the book but to this day have still received no response. It's a shame as they tiktok shop is so much better, I usually receive books within 24-48hrs when ordering through tiktok and the same book I am waiting for is constantly advertised on their tiktok lives. I will not be using their main website ever again, poor customer service and awful delivery times. I will continue to use their tiktok shop as whoever is in charge of that is doing a stellar job.

They literally delivered me an empty box. The box was so flat it could never have had a book in in the first place (I ordered a hardback) don’t bother bordering via them.

I received a 50% discount so thought I’d take a look at their books! I found quite a few I wanted so I placed my order and even though there was a heads up on their website and my email about potential delay in delivery, I received my order quite quick!
I was very impressed with the service, the books arrived packed well with no damages and only one book missing because it’s a preorder!
I will await arrival of that but have no worries about it turning up.

I have placed a second order today also with the 50% off code and have also shared with 2 friends who have also placed orders!

Will review again once I receive those and my preorder book from my last order! 🥰

Wish I’d read reviews before buying. Awful. Website claims 3-5 days for delivery. 6 working days later, my order still hasn’t even been dispatched. Communications from company are terrible. Finally got my order 10 days later and one book is missing, had no comms that it was out of stock or what happens now

Books not delivered.
I ordered three Su Doku books 5 days ago. Track order doesn't work. Look at the other reviews, Harper Collins are incompetent.

Returned an order and confirmation of warehouse received order 8 days later still no refund…. Avoid I wouldn’t buy direct ever again