Subscription & Ordering
What’s the difference between the membership tiers?
The Single Issue Membership ($25/issue) is billed every other month. The Annual Membership ($132/year) covers all six issues at a 12% discount, plus 10% off books and zines. The Collector’s Edition Membership ($252/year) includes hand-numbered issues, a signed archival print, and is limited to 100 memberships worldwide.
When does my membership begin?
All memberships begin with the next available issue. Each issue has a two-month pre-order window. If you subscribe while a pre-order is open, your issue will be delivered within the two-month delivery window that follows. If the pre-order window has closed, your membership begins with the next issue.
Can I give a membership as a gift?
Yes. Select “Gift Subscription” at checkout. Gift subscriptions begin with the next available issue.
Collector’s Edition
What’s included in the Collector’s Edition Membership?
Each Collector’s Edition includes a numbered LEDGER issue, a numbered archival print selected and signed by the photographer, and a Barbershop Gallery or Safety First t-shirt with your first issue.
How many Collector’s Editions are available?
Only 100 Collector’s Edition Memberships are available worldwide. Once sold, a waitlist will be created.
Can I buy a single Collector’s Edition issue?
Some issues may be available in person at The Barbershop or at book fairs — but the only way to guarantee one is to become a Member.
What if the Collector’s Edition is sold out?
Join the waitlist. We’ll notify you if a membership becomes available or if we expand the edition in a future issue.
Shipping & Delivery
What is Media Mail?
Media Mail is a cost-effective USPS shipping method for books and educational materials. Delivery typically takes 4–10 business days within the United States.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. International shipping is available for an additional charge, with details at checkout.
What if my issue arrives damaged?
Contact us within two weeks of delivery at justatrim@thebarbershop.ink with photos. We’ll send a replacement while supplies last.
Can I change my shipping address?
Yes — contact us at least two weeks before the next issue ships at justatrim@thebarbershop.ink.
Publication Schedule
How does the order and delivery cycle work?
Each issue follows a four-month cycle. Pre-orders are open for two months. Once the pre-order window closes, we go to press immediately. Your issue arrives within the following two months—typically 3–6 weeks after we ship.
A new pre-order opens around the 1st of the delivery window, so there’s always an issue available to order.
What does the repeating cycle look like?
Issue 01 example: Pre-order open May–June → Delivered July–August → Issue 02 pre-order opens July
What happens when a pre-order window closes?
Once the window closes, that issue is no longer available for purchase. We go to press the day after it closes. Past issues will not be restocked — the only way to guarantee your copy is to pre-order during the open window.
Cancellations & Refunds
Can I cancel my Membership?
Memberships are 12-month commitments. If you’re unsatisfied with your first issue, contact us within 30 days to cancel and receive a prorated refund.
What’s your return policy?
Due to the limited-run nature of LEDGER, we cannot accept returns. Damaged issues will be replaced while supplies last.
About the Publication
Who publishes LEDGER?
LEDGER is published by The Barbershop Art and Book Gallery in Hamtramck, Michigan.
How do you select photographers?
We invite photographers whose work demonstrates sustained attention to underexplored subjects. We also accept open submissions via our Submit page ($25 fee, returned as a $25 store credit).
Do photographers retain rights to their work?
Absolutely. LEDGER receives publication rights and the right to use images for promotion and Collector’s Edition prints. Photographers retain all copyrights.