Barnes & Noble Reviews 

1,927
TrustScore 2 out of 5

2.0

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 76 reviews, most reviewers were unhappy with their experience overall. Many consumers faced frustrating issues with the online website, finding it extremely slow, glitchy, and difficult to navigate. People also experienced poor customer service and unhelpful responses when trying to resolve order problems. Furthermore, customers received incorrect items or damaged products, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. Some people were satisfied with the physical store locations, noting that the staff is patient and helpful. Customers also appreciated the pleasant browsing experience and great book selections in person. Visitors enjoyed exploring the cozy atmosphere and finding well-organized shelves during their visits.

What people talk about most

Product

Users describe ambiguous interactions with product, noting issues such as receiving incorrect items or... See more

Order

Customers consistently note ambiguous experiences with order processes, frequently citing difficulties and... See more

Customer service

Customers had negative experiences with customer service, often citing a lack of help, long wait times, and... See more

Website

Consumers find website to be ambiguous, with reviewers expressing intense frustration over login loops,... See more

Staff

Clients share ambiguous opinions on staff, with some consumers reporting pleasant, helpful, and respectful... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

The books take way too long to arrive in the mail. The paperback book quality is bad. Pages fall out, and some pages haven't been trimmed correctly and random pieces hang off the pages. We paid the an... See more

Company replied

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Tried checking inventory online at my local store and displayed everything I wanted was available. All 3 books I wanted were not at the location and even talked to an employee about availability. I... See more

Company replied

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

I switched to having my books printed to B&N Press and have ordered twice from them both times I've had issues. The first time the cover wasn't trimmed correctly on the majority of them and took fore... See more

Company replied

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

This review is only concerning the Barnes and Noble website, not the physical stores, which I love visiting. I logged into (or rather I attempted to log into) the B&N website to post a review on... See more


Company details

  1. Book Store
  2. Hobby Store

Written by the company

Barnes & Noble is the world’s largest retail bookseller and a leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products. The Company operates over 600 Barnes & Noble bookstores in 50 states, and one of the Web’s premier e-commerce sites, BN.com. Our Nook Digital business offers a lineup of NOOK® tablets and e-Readers and an expansive collection of digital reading content through the NOOK Store®. Barnes & Noble’s mission is to operate the best omni-channel specialty retail business in America, helping both our customers and booksellers reach their aspirations, while being a credit to the communities we serve.


Contact info

2.0

Poor

TrustScore 2 out of 5

2K reviews

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No recent history of asking for reviews

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Replied to 87% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 24 hours

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2.0

All reviews

(1,927)

77 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Barnes & Noble Deleted My Account

Barnes & Noble deleted all of the data in my vendor account. i signed in with my email address & everything is blank. Yet my 3 books are still available for sale on the site. I have tried contacting them about this matter and they will not respond.

March 17, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Barnes & Noble

We're sorry to hear this. Please double-check that you are signed in to the correct account/email address used when creating your projects. Barnes & Noble Press support is available Monday to Friday, and they respond to emails in the order they are received, typically within three business days(M-F). We apologize if you have not received a response. Please respond to the accompanying request for more information so that we can take a closer look.

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A Thoughtful Parenting Perspective

I read Chapter 5 from Parenting with Purpose by Cleo Dasent-Green.
The author explains how Positive discipline | Discipline vs punishment | Parenting strategies | Raising responsible children | Parenting boundaries influence the emotional growth of children.
One example from my life that relates to this idea is when my father would always tell me to read books but I would always get annoyed and mad because I was young at that moment but now as I’m older I realize that he was trying to make me smart and make sure that I'm a good student.
Moments like this show how children learn emotional responsibility through boundaries and guidance.
When parents demonstrate patience, consistency, and fairness, kids learn how to make better decisions.
Parents looking for thoughtful parenting guidance may appreciate this book.

March 6, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Terrible customer service

Terrible customer service. Why has it become a monopoly? Should be replaced by small businesses instead of "the place desperate women haunting dates are known for going "to the "place". Talbot was rude, inefficient and unprofessional. Go to small book stores near you like "The Moth" where you can find vintage and out of print books. Times have changed, B&N. GET A LIFE!

March 8, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Barnes & Noble

We apologize that you didn't have a good experience. We strive to maintain a high standard of excellence in everything we do, and your feedback will certainly enable us to review our service commitment. Please respond to the accompanying request for more information.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

The online store is so beyond broken

The online store is so beyond broken. BEYOND broken. I tried to give them my money. I bought a nook for ebooks. Sold it already. Terrible. I am trying to give you money!!! Why am I getting so many error messages????? Going to kindle and never coming back! I will by my physical books anywhere else. And the location in my town is limited anyways

February 26, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Barnes & Noble

We apologize for the issue you experienced on our website. We suggest clearing your browser cache or using another browser. If the problem continues, please respond to the accompanying request for more information so we can take a look.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Deceptive

I ordered a Blue Studded Tumbler w/straw. When it arrived it was white. Tried to get return info and got transferred around with repeated question to verify my info, which is a stall tactic. Told after the fact they would have to deduct $9.99 for return! Horrible customer service. Item listed is not the one received. Deceptive.

February 25, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Barnes & Noble

We apologize you received an incorrect item, and we're sorry for the experience you had when you contacted Customer Service. Please respond to the accompanying request for more information so we can take a further look.

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

It's just horrible

It's just horrible. I have an online collection of books from B&N Nook that I try to read on my computer browser. I have to sign in everytime, resort the books, then refind my page. Today, after reading 30 pages, Ihad to do the above steps again, but, alas, the book will not open!!!!! The html script indicates it's trying to open a sample. We've owned the book for 2 years and my wife has already read it. I'm halfway through, but cannot continue reading. Always, the web browser is so intermittent. How can a large book company in which I own several thousand dollar worth of ebooks by so dysfunctional!!!!!!

February 25, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Barnes & Noble

We're sorry for the frustration you’re experiencing, especially after investing so much in your NOOK library. If your book is opening as a sample instead of the full version, please sign out of NOOK for Web, clear your browser’s cache and cookies, close and reopen the browser, then sign back in using the exact email address that originally purchased the book; also confirm the title doesn’t show a “Sample” label and try a different browser to rule out browser-related issues. If you continue having trouble or your reading position isn’t saving, we recommend using the NOOK Reading App or a NOOK device. If the book still won’t open, please respond to the accompanying request for more information so we may take a further look at the order.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I am deeply frustrated and concerned by…

I am deeply frustrated and concerned by the way my vendor application was handled. My application was rejected with a vague statement claiming my information could not be verified, yet no specific explanation, evidence, or opportunity to clarify was provided. This lack of transparency raises serious concerns about the fairness and integrity of the vetting process.

Even more troubling was the statement that any future accounts would not be approved, effectively issuing a permanent ban without justification or due process. Making such a definitive decision without providing applicants the ability to correct potential errors, verify identity, or understand the concern is both unreasonable and unprofessional.

Independent authors and publishers deserve clear communication, transparency, and fair treatment. Denying access without explanation and refusing any possibility of future reconsideration demonstrates a rigid and dismissive process that does not support emerging creators.

I strongly urge the organization to reevaluate its verification and communication procedures to ensure they are fair, transparent, and respectful to applicants. No legitimate professional process should permanently exclude individuals without providing clear reasoning or a path for resolution.

February 24, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Unknown order location and bad website/customer service

Tried checking inventory online at my local store and displayed everything I wanted was available. All 3 books I wanted were not at the location and even talked to an employee about availability. I ended up just ordering them and the worker put my info in wrong so I had to manually do it my self at home. (I understand people make mistakes, so not the biggest issue)
My main concern and reason for this review is the website. It’s hard to navigate and I am not able to check my order status, never got a confirmation email with a link, and still don’t even know if my package is coming to the right place or even at all. PLEASE FIX THE WEBSITE! I won’t be ordering anything online from B&N until this is fixed.

February 5, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Barnes & Noble

We apologize that you didn't have a good experience. We strive to maintain a high standard of excellence in everything we do, and your feedback will certainly enable us to review our service commitment. If you would like us to take a further look, please respond to the accompanying request for more information.

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Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Website Is SLOOOOOOWWWWW

This review is only concerning the Barnes and Noble website, not the physical stores, which I love visiting.

I logged into (or rather I attempted to log into) the B&N website to post a review on a book I purchased, but the website was so mind-numbingly slow that I eventually gave up. The website would load the home page, but whenever I would try to log in or navigate, it would bring up a scrolling wheel loading icon, and just get hung-up there. For reference, I was using the Android version of the Opera Mobile Browser app (a fork of Chrome with very wide compatibility).

As someone who works in the IT industry, B&N needs to take a look at their web servers, and likely needs to either roll out some updates, clear caches, or speak with their ISP about increasing their bandwidth, because the website is borderline unusable in its current state.

January 26, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Premium Membership gimmick

Have a Premium Membership for 39.99.
Thought would be useful as " free shipping " with Premium Membership.
Scam. Ordered 1 book online. Charge for shipping fee. Spoke to Customer service, apparently exclusions. Will not pay for further Membership.

January 15, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Barnes & Noble

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns. We're sorry to hear about your experience with your Premium Membership and the unexpected shipping charge. Please respond to the accompanying request for more information so that we can take a further look.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Scammers

Ordered 2 CDs through customer service in person at a store. One cd arrived and the other one by Camilo Sesto still hasn’t arrived.

Contacted Barnes & Noble through email who said my Camilo Sesto cd would arrive by January 12, 2026. Barnes & Noble also removed the cd listing from their website. Yesterday was the expected delivery date and I’ve never received any actual proof that it was shipped. I feel like Barnes & Noble stole my money without any explanation for something they don’t possibly have since the CD doesn’t legally exist anywhere else online. The supposed CD was also never announced on Camilo Sesto’s social media pages.

Avoid Barnes & Noble at all costs.

December 23, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Barnes & Noble

We sincerely apologize that you did not have a good experience with your order. Please respond to the accompanying request for more information so that we can take a closer look.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Absolutely horrible review submission process

Absolutely horrible customer service. I post a review and it was not submitted properly with the photos. I resubmit the review and it was not approved. Which was the same review that went live initially. When asked why was it not approved the manager was clueless. She felt I should just keep resubmitting: The review process of editing is a nightmare!

January 11, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Barnes & Noble

We apologize that you didn't have a good experience. Reviews may not post immediately once submitted, and if subsequent reviews are placed they may all be rejected as duplicates. An email was sent regarding this, if you did not receive it, please check your spam or social folders with your email provider. If you still need assistance, please respond to the accompanying request for more information.

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I ordered a paperback copy of "Of Love…

I ordered a paperback copy of "Of Love & Other Demons" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. When it arrived there was what looked like foxing or moisture damage.

September 16, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Barnes & Noble

We're sorry to hear this and sincerely apologize for any disappointment. If you still need assistance, please respond to the accompanying request for more information.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Barnes & Noble poor level of service all around

I ordered a book and they shipped the wrong book. I drove to the store and returned it. The person taking back the book was somewhat apathetic - no offer of a small credit for my time and miles as a courtesy. They processed the return and re-ordered the correct book. I noticed the amounts were off by a small amount so I emailed Customer Service - who asked for all my information which I gave. I was curious why they as the vendor couldn't look it up. I was also asked to transmit over copies of the receipts which I did. When I submitted them, I was advised they weren't clear enough. At that point, why bother as my time was worth more - and they lost a customer.

December 28, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Barnes & Noble

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're truly sorry for the inconvenience you encountered. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention and the feedback you provided will help us improve our process. Please respond to the accompanying request for more information so we can take a look.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Went in to purchase a canning book…

Went in to purchase a canning book yesterday. There was non in the store. I talked to the gal at the desk, she looked it up and that they were out but getting more in a week. So I had her put my name in so they could hold one for me. Today I get an email thanking me for my order, and that they were unable to fulfill my order.

January 5, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Barnes & Noble

We’re very sorry that we were unable to fulfill your order, and we understand your disappointment. Please respond to the accompanying request for more information so we can look into it.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

A bit more transparency needed

Was glad for the 25% store discount today, but one of the books I wanted was not in stock. Customer service offered to have it shipped to me so that I could enjoy the 25% discount. What they didn't tell me is that I would pay for shipping. When I got home and reviewed my bill, I called to complain, and the same rep who helped me today said that's store policy. I let her know that not every customer will be aware of this, and a heads up would be appropriate. Had I known, I would have skipped ordering it... I paid more than I would have without the 25% off. I'm fed up.

December 28, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Barnes & Noble

We're sorry that you were not informed of the shipping fee and for any disappointment this has caused. Please respond to the accompanying request for more information so that we can further assist.

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Ridiculous ordering experience using a gift card

I have informed all my family and friends to never give me a Barnes & Noble gift card again as I will not ever attempt to place an order on their website. The absolute worst order processing site I’ve experienced. Is it there goal to create such a problem attic system that people may not redeem their gift cards? -100% profit. Small online bookstores and the public library will be the only sources for my avid reading from henceforth. No wonder Amazon has cornered the world. Since their media competition is just so absurdly inept, I can understand how consumers will opt to forgo this amount of frustration, even though it means continuing to feed the multi billion dollar earth crushing machinery.

December 27, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Barnes & Noble

We sincerely apologize for the difficulty you experienced with using your gift card when placing an order on our website and for any frustration this may have caused. Information on using gift cards for purchases online can be found here: https://help.barnesandnoble.com/hc/en-us/articles/5326603524379-Using-Gift-Cards-for-Purchases-on-bn-com Please respond to the accompanying request for more information so that we can take a further look.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Don't buy e-books from this vendor

When you purchase e-books from this vendor you don't receive them, you receive the " right" to try and read them on their very glitchy platform NOOK
Freezes, skips pages and resets by itself every few pages or so
I boufpght 3books last week, couldn't enjoy them, asked for a refund
Only 2books were refunded according to the automated email I got
Was unable to obtain refund confirmation for the third book, they claim they refunded all however the glaring difference between invoice and refund notice tells otherwise
I will have to dispute the charge with my credit card company which is a pain
Save yourself the trouble, don't buy e-books from Barnes & Noble

After posting this message I got a message from Barns& Noble to provide additional information allegedly on an " accompanying form", which they didn't attach to their request
Speaks volumes about the disorganization and poor customer service offered
To Barnes& Noble: I already provided all possible information to 3 of your employees,today

December 21, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Barnes & Noble

We're sorry for the issues you have had with your eBook orders and for any frustrations this has caused. Please respond to the accompanying request for more information so that we can take a further look.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I ordered 3 books for family members…

I ordered 3 books for family members Christmas presents however my address defaulted to an old address of a company I used to work at and they're being delivered there, and I don't live by or work there anymore so I can't get these books. Barnes and Nobles has informed me there is nothing they can do because I had the wrong shipping address, one book is being delivered Sunday, and no one is at the building. I'm upset because I spent a lot of money and now, I don't have presents. I used to love B and N but I'm so disappointed with them and their lack of customer service I may be cancelling my membership and no longer shopping with them. Yep, I didn't check the address before I submitted but they have no interest in working with me or trying to find any other means of reimbursement or replacement of these items.

December 15, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Barnes & Noble

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you experienced with your order. If you would like us to take a further look, please respond to the accompanying request for more information.

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