Support

Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What are your refund and return policies?

Please confirm all purchases before you complete them as we are unable to provide refunds for digital content. If you need assistance with your purchase please contact us using our Contact Us form.

FAQ: 
Purchasing and Checkout
Can I download my purchases?

Yes. After logging into our online eBook store, click on My Account at the top of the page, then click on My eLibrary. You may also access your My eLibrary here.

FAQ: 
eBooks
Can I read my eBooks offline?

PDF titles that are DRM protected are readable offline on a computer using the free software Adobe Digital Editions.

Offline content may also be read using any eReader compatible device, see our eReader Hardware Guide for more details.

 

FAQ: 
eBooks
What is Adobe Digital Editions? Is it safe to download?

eBooks that are copy-protected with DRM must be downloaded and read using Adobe Digital Editions or software that is compatible with Adobe DRM.  Adobe® Digital Editions software offers an engaging way to view and manage eBooks and other digital publications. Use it to download and purchase digital content, which can be read both online and offline.  You must register your Adobe Digital Editions account in order to read our DRM protected content.  To download or read more about Adobe Digital Editions click here.

FAQ: 
eBooks
How soon am I charged for my purchase?

A charge will immediately appear on your bank statement under the name "Direct From Publisher" for the purchase of your eBooks at https://rsmeans.directfrompublisher.com.

FAQ: 
Purchasing and Checkout
Do I have to pay sales tax on my purchase?

In accordance with applicable law, we collect tax in all states. Sales tax is applied to the total amount of the order and is based on the shipment's destination state and local sales tax rates. Applicable sales tax is charged for electronically delivered products where required by local law. These items are considered to be "shipped" to the address that your order was billed to.

FAQ: 
Purchasing and Checkout

Intro to eBooks

The term eBook refers to an electronic version of a printed book. eBooks can be read on a variety of devices in addition to eReader software on devices such as mobile phones and personal computers. The most important consideration when purchasing an eBook is what device you intend to purchase the eBook for. DRM protected eBooks in PDF format may be read on several eReader devices (Sony Reader, Apple iPad for example). The Amazon Kindle uses the MobiPocket file format.

eReader devices are hardware devices that function primarily to display eBooks.

eReader software is a program that allows the reading of eBooks (or non-native eBook formats) on additional hardware devices, such as personal computers or mobile phones. An example of eReader software is the free Bluefire app which is designed to read DRM protected ePUB format books on Apple devices.  For more information see our eReader Software Guide.

 

eReader Software Guide

Reader Apps Compatible with iPhone®, iPad®, and iPod®touch

Bluefire Reader App - Is a free app compatible with iPhone®, iPad®, and iPod®touch that supports Adobe eBook DRM PDF formats.

Adobe Digital Editions - Is a free app compatible with iPad® that supports Adobe eBook DRM PDF formats.

Reader Apps Compatible with Android

Aldiko - Is a free app compatible with the Android that supports Adobe eBook DRM protected PDF formats.

Some Computer and Handheld Based Readers By Format

Adobe eBook DRM PDF formats - Are readable on computers and handheld devices using Adobe Digital Editions (download for free).

Offline content may also be read using any eReader compatible device, see our eReader Hardware Guide.

eReader Hardware Guide

*This chart is not all inclusive. Additional formats may be supported and additional reading devices are available.

eBooks in ePub format may be read on several dedicated mobile reading devices (Sony Reader, B&N Nook for example).

Click here for a detailed list of ePub supported devices.

For more information on what software is required to view your purchased book on a computer, eReader, or handheld device see our eReader Software Guide.

eBooks with DRM

PDF eBooks that are copy-protected with DRM must be downloaded and read using Adobe Digital Editions or software that is compatible with Adobe DRM. These books have the following restrictions to prevent the content from being posted or shared:

  • The provided link may be used on 6 different devices at different times.
  • Access may be restricted to use by a single consumer with authentication through an Adobe ID.
  • The downloaded file may not be transferred to a different device.
  • The eBook may not be shared with another user.
  • The eBook file may not be copied.

For more information on Adobe Digital Editions and DRM compatibility, follow these links:

iPad and iPhone Users

To read a DRM protected PDF on an iOS device (e.g. iPhone, iPad) you must download the Bluefire Reader app. Adobe Digital Editions is also available for iPad.