He doesn’t like to be questioned I’ve found, even if it’s an honest one. He responds to people bluntly and suggests not to waste his time unless you intend to buy. Always far too expensive anyway.
I asked a question about first editions once and non UK titles. His reply was all non UK Tolkien books after the first print are considered reprints, no matter what country they’re from.

Guy sounds like he needs to wrestle with Tulkas.

I feel very sorry for you rings-1991.
It's really a disgusting approach. We also know that there are some HarperCollins sales from time to time, so that's easy to purchase at 50% off, then resell, but claiming there are first printings?...sigh

Hi fellow collectors,

I wanted to provide an update on my experience with Mark Faith at Festival Art and Books, as well as Zip (Zip-Pay, Zip-Money) and VISA.

I have been informed that my chargeback claim was rejected by the merchant’s financial institution. Zip stated that they are not responsible for product or service defects unless required by law and that disputes must be handled directly with the merchant. While Zip attempted to reverse the payment on my behalf, both the merchant’s bank and VISA ultimately ruled in the merchant’s favour.

It’s clear that the fees I pay to Zip offer little to no protection or security. As a result, I will be cancelling my account with them.

Regarding Mark Faith of Festival Art and Books:

Zip attached the merchant’s correspondence with Mark, revealing that he pressured the merchant by threatening to close his account if a chargeback was issued. He also dismissed my complaint as “frivolous and false.”

Mark’s justification—accepted by both the merchant and VISA—was that opening the books voided any buyer protection. However, in the same correspondence, he admitted the books were “first editions but not necessarily first prints,” contradicting both his advertising and his previous email arguments when I raised the dispute. Despite this, the merchant and VISA still ruled in his favour.

I have never submitted so much evidence only to have it completely ignored. This was a terrible buying experience that ultimately rewards Mark’s deceptive business practices. Avoid this seller at all costs!

A rotten despicable thief to be sure. I’m so sorry you weren’t able to come out on top. And there’s no appeals to be had anywhere? No way to challenge this?

A sad and cautionary tale. I also have good reason to avoid dealings with Mark Faith Dogfark Festival Art and Books

I think if you were direct with a card provider, you might have had more luck. They are literally arguing that if someone sells you a box with an item in it and you open the box to see if the item is inside, you have lost your rights to the item. It is absolutely absurd. Shrink-wrap is disposable packaging, nothing more.

Thank you all for your support.

This entire situation is a mess, and I fail to understand the logic behind the merchant’s and VISA’s decision. They have seemingly aligned with Mark Faith’s personal view that these books only hold value if they remain sealed. However, I believe most would agree that keeping a book sealed is not advisable due to the risk of mould growth, and that a thin plastic covering holds no real significance in determining a book’s value when the buyer has purchased the books with the intent of obtaining first prints, as they were advertised.

Notably, Mark Faith himself acknowledged that The Fall of Gondolin arrived with damage to the spine and even offered a partial refund as a gesture of "good faith." Despite this, both the merchant and VISA have dismissed this fact, failing to recognise it as relevant or as supporting evidence for my case.

I will be exploring other possible solutions with the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Importantly, this was a $520AUD purchase, yet the exact same books were available on Amazon for approximately $290 during sales, with significantly better buyer protection.

Mark Faith is not the Tolkien expert he claims to be. He ignores evidence that The Fall of Gondolin was printed in China and was made using different materials during its Chinese print run. Moreover, his email responses constantly shift the discussion, which undermines the consistency of his arguments. You will not achieve anything by corresponding with him.

I hope this review helps others. Thanks again.

Edit - I want to note that the The Fall of Gondolin is still sealed, and has damage to the spine. Therefore, under Mark Faith's, the merchants, and VISA's logic and terms, this item should be eligible for a refund, but they have still rejected my claim.