Hive.co.uk - an online bookshop Reviews 

I want to start off by saying that I love the concept of Hive and the fact that it’s a more ethical alternative to Amazon. Hive will donate a portion of each sale to a local bookshop, which helps to keep out High streets alive. Also, their prices are very competitive and often cheaper than Amazon. What’s not to love?

Well...turns out they aren’t completely consistent with their service. I’ve had a few deliveries from them and some have turned up much later than expected. I can understand this due to Covid, but they really need to include any delays on their website. My daughter ordered a manga from Hive and it didn’t turn up at all. She managed to get a refund in the end but the whole experience stressed her out, as she’s new to online book buying.

One time I waited weeks for a book only to be told that they would have to cancel my order and refund me.

Despite this I keep returning to Hive because I like to believe that they will get better and I’d still rather use them over Amazon.

But I have to admit, one more mistake from them and I won’t be using again. It’s just not worth the hassle.

Great prices, fast delivery. A great alternative to Amazon.

I am sorry that this company has received some negative reviews - I have just started using them and found their customer service helpful and also used the site to identify an independent bookshop near me and bought direct from them. If you choose, you can buy directly from Hive.co.uk and nominate a high street shop to receive a share of the profit.

I ordered 3 books from Hive because although I could probably buy them ‘slightly’ cheaper elsewhere online, I really like the concept of supporting a local business, without having to leave the house due to COVID. All 3 books (2 paperback, 1 hardcover) arrived promptly, in excellent condition and plastic free! Will definitely be using Hive again.

Ordered three times so far, no issues. Books came in plastic-free packaging and I also got to support local bookshops. Good concept, keep it up!

Decided to order from them instead of a certain mega-corporation or one of the big chain bookshops. They have a great selection, with prices as good or better than those other places. The fact that they give a percentage of the profit to a local bookshop (or in my case the closest one at 30 miles away, hence the online order) of your choice is a great idea too. My order came within 3 days too, and the free shipping is a great bonus.

If I could award zero stars, I would. I ordered a book in May as a pre-publication offer and the book was published last Tuesday but four days later I still haven't received the book. My Hive account is still showing the book as 'on order'. Hive customer service say they are still waiting for stock to be delivered but this title is widely available elsewhere. Sorry, but I won't be using Hive again!

I've bought from Hive a couple of times and had a mostly positive experience. Books came well packaged and the price was good.

I ordered Queenie which was, understandably, out of stock but I was happy to wait. I got an email straight away telling me this. The transaction sat as Pending on my credit card until I got an email a couple of days later saying it was on its way. It arrived. I will definitely use Hive again as I love supporting local book shops and not giving my money to the Evil Amazon. I will use them again.

I must admit, after reading the reviews...i was reluctant to order from hive.

But, as the book I required has been removed from other retail sites...and the price was lower, I proceeded with my purchase from hive.

I did not experience any delay with my order, and it arrived in adequate time.

Excellent price, service and free delivery. A good alternative if you don't want to support Amazon. Highly recommended.

I would give zero stars if possible.
I placed an order at 08:47 and as soon as the invoice came through I realised that two books I had looked at many years ago were also on the order when I had only wanted to buy a children’s book.

Customer Services did not open until 09:00 and I finally got through at 09:06 to be told it was too late to amend the order (placed 15mins previously) and that I would have to return the books at my own expense for a refund! I advised that I had no idea that books I had looked at many years previously were still in my basket to be advised that they do not automatically empty online baskets and that I should have checked before buying and it is not Hive’s problem. I acknowledged that I should have checked prior but as there was no reason to think that books from years ago would still be in my basket and trying to look after two small children (lockdown) I had missed it and I was calling in good faith to cancel. Again I was advised it is not Hive’s problem.

There was no acknowledgement that it would be good Customer Service to rectify this situation and by being so inflexible they have now lost a customer. I have been wanting to move away from large suppliers of books and also supporting the local community but Hive is not the way to do this unfortunately.

Please avoid at all costs. There will be other ways of purchasing books whilst also supporting the local community.

Update: order no. T639307836

Hi Julie, The book I want to keep is David Attenborough, the other two I have owned since 2018.
I realise purchases don’t always go as planned but customer service makes a big difference between keeping custom and further recommendations and losing it entirely. I look forward to your response. Kind regards.

Found Hive randomly during lockdown trying to find a local bookseller, was hooked by the idea of donating some commission to my local bookshop which isnt currently open. Great service! Easy and fairly quick delivery from ordering on tuesday they arrived saturday morning, free delivery option. And student discount if 10%! Would recommend.

eBook file corrupt!
Followed all instructions to the letter. The book is downloaded on Adobe digital editions but file is corrupt and doesn't play on any other eBook reader. Adobe digital doesn't want to authorise the book on my phone for some reason! I'm now stuck with having to read it only on my laptop and only on the annoying Adobe reader app which isn't ideal! And you can't get a refund for eBooks once you download them.
Total waste of money!

My partner was looking for the 30th edition batman asylum, we'd looked everywhere and it was quite pricey apart from used on ebay, where they couldn't confirm the quality. Looking on Google I found hive, who were only £5 more expensive than the used ones. Honestly thought it was too good to be true, checked the reviews online which seemed good, so thought I'd take the chance, paying by PayPal so I had the extra piece of mind if it was a scam.
So glad I took the chance!! It's arrived this morning, 5 days after order, even tho were in a pandemic where royal mail are struggling with demand, and we've had a bank holiday too. Honestly did not expect it to arrive so quickly. It was very well packaged in a specific book box to protect the corners. And the actual book was brand new, even in the original cellophane wrapping. We are so impressed.

I bought an Ebook, and I got the download link. When I clicked on it, my browser downloaded a junk file, named urlink.acsm, which I can't open. The website is crap. Don't waste your time on it.

I've ordered several books from Hive over the 12 months and without exception each order has been processed swiftly, the items dispatched ASAP, and the packaging perfect. Cannot recommend enough.

I ordered a book on the 18th, it came in the 21st, very good service, best price i could find (including pre owned). I also like that they give a donation to a local bookshop in your area!

They couldn’t do more to help me. Amazing service! Special shout out to Debbie!

I only found out about this site by accident after searching for a CD which was much cheaper on here. Order arrived within 48hrs and brand new. Was always a bit dubious about trying new sites but this really is great and have used again since and will continue to use. Excellent.