Tag Archives: fulfillment for short run printing

Cracking Up!

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As an independent publisher, do you ever feel the tasks are overwhelming? There are printing matters to be dealt with, cover design decisions to be made, making sure the editiorial/revision process has been effectively handled, layout, pagination concerns, and the list just goes on and on. Isn’t it enough to just focus on publishing matters without having to handle the administrative tasks and shipping side of publishing too?

Before you reach beyond your limit, there is no reason to “crack up” from the stress of it all. There are companies out there that can assist you with processing and fulfilling your orders. They know the fastest and most economical ways of getting your book, film or other publication to the buyer and can even keep track of your sales and inventory matters.

It is easy to find a company to assist you. Go ahead, google “affordable order fulfillment for independent publishers.” It is that easy! Don’t wait until it is too late!

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How Could I Forget?

“When patterns are broken, new worlds emerge” ~ Tuli Kupferberg

Here it is July 28th and I have failed to mention it is National Ice Cream Month! Ice cream is a bit of a joke in our family, and I happen to be the brunt of the joke when the subject of ice cream comes up.

You can take me to a table with a smorgasbord of desserts, and what do I want? Vanilla ice cream! Yes, every single time. So of course, my family has to roll their eyes and answer for me when the waitress asks me if I would like some dessert. There is no question about that – “She will have vanilla ice cream, please!”

I mentioned in a recent blog the importance of making changes in our daily lives. Stepping out of our comfort zone leads to growth and enlightenment. We all need to broaden our horizons from time to time because the deeper the rut gets, the harder it is to climb out!

I think I am going to heed my own advice! Next time they ask me what I want for dessert – I am going to say “Vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles, please.”

On second thought, I will have a piece of pie. That way, if I do not finish it, I know someone that will!

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Planes, Trains and Automobiles

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“The world has arrived at an age of cheap complex devices of great reliability and something is bound to come of it.”                     – Unknown

There! Maybe that quote explains what I have been pondering on all morning long! My morning meaderings have led me to the thought of the number of packages that are shipped across the country and all over the world on a daily basis. What set my mind on this course this morning, was the order we received from Germany. The customer is half way around the globe, yet his order arrived via the internet within seconds of placing it. Furthermore, the book he ordered will arrive at his doorstep in Germany in approximately 5 – 7 days.

Some companies prefer one shipping method or carrier over another, and that is fine. Everyone has their preferences. Usually the choice is strictly about economics, which carrier can get it there faster and cheaper! After all, as a fulfillment company, we must be guardians for our clients to make sure they retain the highest profit margin on their sale.

But when it comes to reliability, I think all major carriers are about as reliable as they can possibly be. It is amazing how few shipments are “lost” on a yearly basis. The percentage is infinitesimal compared to the number of parcels, packages and letters that criss-cross the world every year.

Global shipping is a complex chain. The logistics of getting the job done is something that I can not even wrap my mind around!

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What is Under Your Umbrella?

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“What is  your name?” and “What do you do for a living?” I am routinely asked being an unknown face in a new community. When I answer question #2 with “I own an order fulfillment company specializing in e-Commerce for independent publishers,” I am looked at like I am a space alien. To redeem myself, I usually go on to mention some of the services our company provides for independent publishers:

  • Order Processing
  • Order Fulfillment (pick and pack)
  • World wide shipping
  • Warehousing
  • Providing sales and inventory reports
  • Social Media Marketing for our clients (the alien look sets in again)!

Our company is definitely a niche market kind of business. But, anyone seeking our services knows what they are looking for.  They know to google “order fulfillment for independent publishers” to find us on the internet.

Sometimes when asked question #2 “What do you do for a living? ” I just put everything under one big umbrella and answer -“We assist independent publishers with the business and shipping aspect so they can focus what they do best – writing and publishing!”

Does that clear things up? I will keep my umbrella handy incase things get cloudy again.

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To Market,To Market, To Buy A…….

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A few years ago, my husband and I saw a show on the Travel Channel about teardrop travel trailers. They are the cutest little june bugs! These camper trailers came on the market after World War II and were made out of surplus materials. The exteriors were made from the wings of World War II Bombers. They are making a come back and every so often, you will see one being towed behind a car, if you are alert.

This weekend at Arts and the Parks, we saw this little turquoise teardrop travel trailer being used as part of a booth display. The exhibitors were selling a line of cosmetics, soaps, hand lotions designed and packaged for the “rodeo girl.”  The products being sold were not exactly art, but what was art was the entire brand identity this company had built. The packaging of the products had an outstanding southwestern “rodeo” theme,  all highest quality of packaging, the company owner was dressed in her rodeo wear(complete with cowboy hat) and even the teardrop trailer was decked out inside with towels appliqued with western motif  and the galley table in the trailer had tableware settings of western design. The entire booth “worked” to sell their unique line of products. I remarked to the company owners that I liked their booth very much. They told me they had won best booth awards about 6 or 7 times from various arts and crafts events they have participated in. I can see why!

How does this relate to independent publishing you may ask? Well- products don’t sell themselves. People sell products. With independent publishing, critical to selling products is the author’s involvement in the process. You will need to sell yourself  as an author and that, in turn, will sell your publication. Polish up your “shoes” and know what you are passionate about as a writer. Visit bookstores, libraries, and other venues. Convey that passion about your publication to your potential readers. If you can find something “gimmicky” that will set you or your genre of writing apart, great!

Independent publishing is not just about the writing process!

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Let’s be Frank

Owning a business that serves independent publishers, I am often asked my opinion about the Kindle reader and e-books.  I can see the convenience of both. But,  after sitting in front of a computer all day writing business prospecting letters, business proposals and now blogging, I can tell you the last thing I want to do is read a book on an electronic device.  When the day is done, I want to be as far away from an electronic screen as possible!

I like to curl up in a comfy chair, wrap myself up in a blanket, sit in front of a fire, enjoy a cup of tea  and hold an honest to goodness real book. I like feeling the weight of the book, the smell of the paper and seeing the print on the pages.

Curl up with an electronic reading device? I don’t think so!  But, that is only my point of view.

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Partners

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If you plan on hiring an outside company to handle order fulfillment of your independently published books and DVDs, it is always a good idea to begin your search for a fulfillment company well in advance.

Advanced research (and obtaining quotations) will help you in setting your price points for your products. You will want to make sure the shipping and handling fees you charge your customers will pay for a good part of having your publication shipped from the warehouse to your customer’s door.

A qualified fulfillment company knows and can discuss the mail order industry standards for shipping and handling fees. Make this a part of your discussion when searching for fulfillment companies. Sometimes, two heads are better than one when it comes to establishing appropriate shipping and handling fees.

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Comin’ Down the Track

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Traditionally published writers are jumping the track and heading down the road toward independent publishing. It is not that their manuscripts aren’t good and can not be accepted by traditional publishing houses. Quite the contrary!  They have established themselves as creditable writers and already have  a following. They just want to try the independent publishing route this time around.

My advice to this group of writers is not to jump the track completely. Continue having an outside source assist you with marketing, order fulfillment  and distribution of your publication. There are lots freelance professionals that can help you with those aspects of the process.

The “to do” list is long enough for writers. Don’t think you can engineer the entire publishing process on your own. Surely, you do not want a train wreck!

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Printing and Binding Matters

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For the independent publisher or self-publishing author, there is alot to be learned. The path to success includes not only writing a great publication but making good choices along the way regarding the entire publishing process.

One decision to be faced will be a choice between digital or offset printing. Typically,  offset printing is most economical if you wish to have more than 1000 copies of your book printed. Other advantages include a greater range of paper choices, the image quality (pictures) is better and the page sizes are not as limited.

Digital printing is great for a short run of books (under 1,000), the turn around time tends to be much shorter and the complete process can be accomplished via the internet.

There are considerations for choices in book binding as well.  But,  most importantly, remember that if you have any intentions of seeing your book on the shelves of book stores and libraries, a perfect bound book is key.  Perfect bound books are prefered because they will stand up on shelves by themselves. The spines have the title and author’s name printed on it and is easily readable. Not the case with saddle stitched books, plastic  and wire comb bindings or plastic coil binding.

There is alot to be considered in the world of book printing and binding. Any quality book printing company can lead you down the path to making good choices,  however!

Move Forward In Confidence

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Do your research and be informed. Many order fulfillment and distribution companies charge a hefty monthly minimum fee if your monthly sales volume does not meet their requirements.  Keep this in mind when  you are choosing an order fulfillment company.

Stop! Ask! And move forward when guided by knowledge.

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