Frequently Asked Questions
Shopping with Precept
What does it mean to "Purchase with Purpose"?
100% of your purchases made through our website are reinvested back into God’s ministry here at Precept Ministries Canada.
- Purchasing your study materials from Amazon and other online retailers support the publisher of our materials, but not Precept Ministries. Precept receives pennies for every book purchased from places like Amazon.
- For every book purchased through Precept Ministries website the ministry receives dollars from that purchase. Purchasing from Precept directly allows the ministry to use those dollars to develop and publish new studies, invest in more translations, and support international ministry.
As we witness the increase of prices in every aspect of our lives, please continue to support Precept Ministries through our E-Store. Every purchase you make with us is an investment in furthering the Kingdom of God around the world.
Can I shop in person?
Yes you can! We are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Precept Ministries Canada
61 Sherwood Drive
Brantford, ON N3T 1N3
Why don’t Bible Study producing ministries give away all their materials for free?
There are several reasons:
They have to cover the material and labour costs to produce their products and services for the same reason a church has to pay for its own materials, building, utilities, pastoral and administrative staff. To not cover expenses is to go out of business, meaning to go out of ministry.
They have to safeguard author originality based on “honour to whom honour is due” (Romans 13:7) and more importantly biblical accuracy and integrity. Precept’s inductive studies are the product of a unique inductive study method and a long iterative development cycle that includes a dynamic piloting process with extensive leader and student feedback (peer review) prior to production. Courses are integrated to learn “the whole counsel of God.” Copyrights secure product integrity against (hopefully unintentional) misuse: fragmenting, misquoting and (worst case) tampering: deleting, adding to, and changing content.
All Ministries give away some of their materials and services and Precept is no exception. Precept charges for products and services but also raises donations not just to cover production costs but also to subsidize training and materials and their distribution to people in nearly 150 countries, most who can afford no more than bare living essentials. This is our ministry to Jesus’ most needy brethren and in fact your ministry if you’re associated with us.
Your Account & Purchases
How do I find or create my account?
In the top-right corner you need to log in or register for an account if you have not created one before. When you are signed in, it will say “Hello, [Your Name]” and when you click on it, this will take you to your account. Or you can go directly to: My Account
What can I access through my account?
Under My Account you can see your details, your orders and your payment methods as well as access your downloads, memberships, subscriptions and gift cards.
Where can I find my downloads?
Under My Account you go to Downloads. Here you can find all your free downloads and digital purchases. Please note that there are some restrictions on the number times you can download some purchases. All of our free downloads should have no limit and can be downloaded an unlimited number of times.
Where can I find and access my MP3s I purchased?
Under My Account you go to Downloads. Please note that MP3s are purchased to be downloaded and you are limited to downloading the file three times. Once you have downloaded your MP3, it will not be eligible for any returns or refunds.
Where can I stream the MP4 Video Lectures I purchased?
*Please note that your login is for single use only and should not be shared with others. You can watch the video as a group during your study.*
Under My Account you go to Memberships. Select the video series you purchased and click on “Contents.” Finally, click on the highlighted link to access your content.
For more help, you can refer to our guide or watch our tutorial on how to stream videos:
- PDF Download: How to Stream Videos Guide
- Watch Tutorial Video: How to Stream Videos Tutorial
If you require further assistance, please email us at [email protected] or call 1.877.234.2030 Monday to Friday between 9am-5pm ET.
Can I play MP4 Videos to my class?
Due to copyright licensing — Please note that your login is for single use only and should not be shared with others.
You can watch the video as a group during your study in person or over Zoom.
Shipping and Delivery
Do you offer curbside pickup?
Yes you can! Just select pickup when you are checking out. We are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
How do you calculate your shipping rates?
We will search out the most economical shipping option once we receive your order. We will issue refunds if we can find a cheaper rate than what is displayed in our checkout. We offer the best possible shipping rates through Canada Post. Rates are calculated based on the actual shipping cost from Brantford, Ontario to your Canadian address.
Shipping rates are only an estimate. We reserve the right to adjust the shipping rate. If the shipping rate will be increased by $5 or more we will contact you before shipping your product(s).
Why is shipping so expensive?
We understand that the cost of shipping materials across Canada continues to rise due to fees that are outside of our control. Due to rising fuel costs and the cost of inflation, Canada Post has increased our fees by almost 35% since the pandemic started. We continue to seek out lower-cost shipping methods to keep the costs down for you.
Some websites hide shipping costs in the price of items and offer “free” shipping, but praise God that Precept has not raised their prices in 20 years to make sure our materials remain accessible. Precept does not benefit from the shipping charges you see on our website.
How long will my order take to deliver?
The Estimated Delivery dates are calculated by Canada Post. However, during peak seasons and due to adverse weather conditions it is not unusual to see delays of 2–3 days for shipments to Western Canada.
Special shipping considerations for December
The last day for shipping for Canada Post to guarantee delivery by Christmas Day is 10 business days before Christmas.
Returns
What is your return policy?
You may return other products you purchased directly from Precept Ministries for a refund (excluding shipping and handling costs) provided that Precept receives them in new and unused condition within 90 days from the original delivery date.
Precept will issue a refund or ship a replacement for any defective, incorrect or damaged products. Returns must be made within 90 days from the original delivery date.
We are unable to refund:
- Merchandise damaged by or used by the customer (as determined by Precept).
- Merchandise returned more than 90 days after the original delivery date.
- Items obsoleted during the 90-day return period.
- CD or DVD products with broken or tampered-with seals (as determined by Precept).
- MP3 and downloadable products that have already been downloaded (as determined by Precept).
- MP4 Videos.
- Workbooks with removed shrink-wrapping (as determined by Precept).
- Merchandise damaged from inadequate return packing material (as determined by Precept).
I accidentally purchased the wrong MP3.
You may return MP3 products as long as they have not been downloaded (as determined by Precept).
My order was defective, incorrect or damaged.
Precept will issue a refund or ship a replacement for any defective, incorrect or damaged products. Returns must be made within 90 days from the original delivery date.
How do I make a return?
To Return
- Pack the materials to avoid damage during shipment.
- Include a copy of the original invoice with a note stating the reason for the return.
- Send the materials back using a trackable shipping method to the following address:
Precept Ministries Canada
c/o Returns Department
61 Sherwood Dr
Brantford, ON N3T 1N3
If you have questions, please contact Customer Service from Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm Eastern Time at 1-877-234-2030 or email anytime to: [email protected]
Do you charge a restocking fee?
All returns of 5 or more of the same title will be subject to a 20% restocking fee.
For Leaders
Do I need to attend leadership training before I can lead a small group?
Yes and No.
If you feel that God wants you to lead a Precept Upon Precept Bible study group, the answer is “Yes”. You will need to attend How to Lead Precept Upon Precept Workshop either in person or online.
If you are being led by God to teach any other of the inductive Bible study series that Precept publishes the answer is “No”. However, training is available to equip you to be a great Bible study discussion leader. Training Workshops are available online and in person across Canada.
How many students do I need to hold a class?
We refer to three or more people meeting together as a group. But there is nothing stopping you from doing an inductive Bible study one-on-one.
How many books should I order?
We recommend ordering about 20% more books than you have registrations. It can save you extra shipping costs for those last minute people. If you end up with too many books, our return policy allows you to send back extra books within 90 days as long as they have not been used or damaged.
I’m new at this and I’m not sure how to invite people.
Download our Leader Kit which includes examples of what to write in a group email or for a social media post. We have images that can be used and templates for social media, posters and flyers.
Find out more by visiting our Leader section — Discover leader tips and information on how to start a group.
Can I play MP4 Videos to my class?
Due to copyright licensing — Please note that your login is for single use only and should not be shared with others.
You can watch the video as a group during your study in person or over Zoom.