Terms of service

Last Updated: April 2026

Welcome to Gentle Books. This website is operated by Gentle Limited (“gentle”). Throughout the site, the terms “we”, “us” and “our” refer to gentle. By visiting our site, donating books, purchasing a membership, or buying from our store, you engage in our “Service” and agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions.

1. BOOK DONATIONS & CREDITS

Gentle Books operates a circular economy program open to the general public.

1.1. Donation Criteria: We accept books in good, readable condition. We reserve the right to decline books that are heavily damaged, moldy, or do not fit our current collection needs.

1.2. Credit Issuance: Upon successful donation and processing, donors may be issued "Book Credits" based on the quantity and quality of books accepted.

1.3. Credit Validity: All book credits (for both members and the general public) are valid for six (6) months from the date of issue.

1.4. Charity Contribution: Unused or expired credits are automatically converted into donations for our literacy-based NGO partners. Credits have no cash value and cannot be redeemed for currency.

1.5. Ownership: Once books are donated and credits are issued, ownership of the books transfers entirely to Gentle Books to be resold, gifted, or recycled.

2. MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

By purchasing a Gentle Books membership (e.g., "Gentle Reader" or "Gentle Friend"), you agree to these specific terms.

2.1. Monthly Renewal: Memberships are billed on a monthly recurring basis. Your membership automatically renews each month on the same calendar day.

2.2. Cancellation Policy: You may cancel your membership at any time. However, a one-month notice period is required. Your final payment will be processed for the billing cycle following your cancellation request.

2.3. Non-Transferability: Memberships are strictly for personal use. Abuse of benefits (e.g., sharing login details or vouchers with non-members) may lead to immediate termination of the membership without a refund.

2.4. "Gentle Friend" Vouchers: Members on this tier receive two (2) BOGO vouchers for ‘Dinner with Books’ events annually. These vouchers are valid for 12 months from issuance and do not roll over. If a membership is cancelled within 3 months of using these vouchers, we reserve the right to charge the difference of the full ticket price.

3. ONLINE STORE & FULFILLMENT

As we deal primarily in unique, secondhand titles, the following terms apply to all online purchases.

3.1. Inventory Accuracy: Due to the nature of our business, our inventory may not always be 100% accurate. Most books are one-of-a-kind.

3.2. Unavailability: If a book is found to be unavailable after purchase, we will issue a refund for the item. If a significant portion of an order is unavailable, we may offer a store voucher as a gesture of goodwill.

3.3. Fulfillment Time: Our typical fulfillment and dispatch time is 7–10 days from the date of order.

3.4. Self-Pickup: If you choose to pick up at a pop-up location, we will contact you via email or WhatsApp to confirm the specific pickup window.

4. USER CONDUCT & WEBSITE USAGE

4.1. Prohibited Uses: You are prohibited from using the site or its content for any unlawful purpose, to infringe upon our intellectual property, or to harass, abuse, or discriminate against others.

4.2. User Comments: If you send us creative ideas or feedback, you agree that we may use them without restriction or compensation. We reserve the right to remove content we deem offensive or unlawful.

4.3. Third-Party Links: We may provide links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of these external sites.

5. ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

Occasionally there may be information on our site that contains typographical errors or inaccuracies relating to product descriptions, pricing, and availability. We reserve the right to correct any errors and to change or update information or cancel orders if any information is inaccurate at any time without prior notice.

6. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY & INDEMNIFICATION

6.1. "As Is" Basis: The Service and all products delivered to you are provided 'as is' and 'as available' for your use, without any representation or warranties of any kind, including implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

6.2. Liability Limit: In no case shall gentle, our directors, or employees be liable for any injury, loss, claim, or any direct/indirect damages of any kind arising from your use of the service or products procured.

6.3. Indemnification: You agree to indemnify and hold gentle harmless from any claim or demand made by any third-party due to your breach of these Terms of Service.

7. GENERAL PROVISIONS

7.1. Severability: If any part of these Terms is determined to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full effect.

7.2. Governing Law: These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong.

7.3. Changes to Terms: We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time by posting changes to our website.

8. CONTACT INFORMATION

Questions about the Terms of Service should be sent to us at:

Email: hello@gentlebooks.co

WhatsApp: +852 6799 0171

Address: Suite 2609, 9 Queen's Road, Central, Hong Kong