FAQs

Hello there! It's always a pleasure to help fellow bowlers. Here you’ll find quick answers to some of the most common questions I get asked about ordering from Bowlsworld. If you can’t find what you need, please don’t hesitate to get in touch through my Contact Us page or check out Customer Services.

Delivery & Shipping

Q: How much will postage cost in the UK?
A: Great news! Most items include FREE standard postage within England, Wales, and the Scottish Lowlands. If an item does have a postage cost, it will show a postage-inclusive price, so there are absolutely no nasty surprises added at checkout.

Q: Do you ship outside the UK and how much is it?
A: Yes, I do! We send bowls all over the world. Shipping costs will be automatically calculated and added to your order once you have entered your delivery address. You’ll be able to see the exact total cost before you submit your order.

Q: How long will my goods take to be delivered?
A: I try to despatch all in-stock goods by the next day! Bowls are sent by couriers, while other items are sent by second class or parcel post. You can usually expect delivery in the UK within 3 to 5 days. Overseas orders are sent by air, reaching most countries within about 7 days, and often within 48 hours for mainland Europe! If something isn't in stock, I'll email you straight away to let you know and ask if you'd like me to backorder it.

Q: Can I track my order?
A: When your order is sent by a courier, tracking information will be provided so you can follow its journey. For items sent via Royal Mail, tracking availability depends on the specific service used.

Ordering & Payment

Q: Do I have to pay VAT?
A: If you live in the UK or another EC country, you will have to pay VAT. However, if your items are being delivered to a non-EU address, you can exempt yourself from paying VAT during the online ordering process simply by ticking the box.

Q: How much will my order cost in my own currency?
A: We have a handy currency converter on the site! You can use this tool to get a good idea of how much your order will cost in your own currency. Please remember the final charge will be processed in GBP (£).

Q: What happens if I make a mistake with my purchase?
A: Don't worry, it happens to us all! Please contact me as soon as you can. If your order hasn't been despatched yet, I can help fix it. If it's already on its way, you can follow the returns process.

Returns & Exchanges

Q: What is your returns policy?
A: You may return any goods that aren’t suitable within 7 days of receiving them, as long as they haven't been used. I can then offer you a refund or an exchange. All refunds will be made within 30 days. This does not affect your statutory rights as a customer.

Q: Are my bowls guaranteed if I'm an overseas customer?
A: Any extended guarantees offered by manufacturers on items like bowls will not be valid on items taken or shipped outside of the UK. This does not affect your statutory rights or your Distance Selling Rights as a customer.

Customer Support

Q: When are you available to talk on the phone?
A: The customer service phone lines are open from Tuesday to Friday, 10:00am – 3:00pm (GMT). The number is (01473) 217787, and there is an answerphone, so please do leave a message if I can't get to the phone!

Q: How often do you check your e-mail?
A: I read e-mails daily and always do my best to answer them within 24 hours.

Products & Sizing

Q: Can you help me find the right size bowl?
A: Absolutely! This is one of the most important things to get right. I'm always happy to offer expert advice on size, grip, and fit. You can also have a look at my online Lawn Bowls Size Guide and Bowls Size & Grip Guide for some simple tests you can do yourself.

Q: Do coloured bowls perform differently to black bowls?
A: Not at all! The colour is purely for style and visibility. The performance comes from the model, size, weight, and bias of the bowl, which is identical whether it's black, blue, pink, or green!

Q: I’m not sure which bias or weight to choose. Can you help?
A: Of course! As a general rule, many indoor players find a narrower bias easier to control on fast carpets, while outdoor players often prefer a mid-to-wide bias. Heavyweight bowls can also be a real help outdoors for stability in the wind. The best thing to do is get in touch for some personal advice!