Controlling Book Fulfillment Distribution Costs

A few years ago, making distribution decisions wasn’t such a big issue for book publishers. But all that changed as transportation became less regulated and retail models became more complex.

The freight business was plain vanilla with delivery being slow by today’s standards but rates being comparatively inexpensive. For the most part, everyone paid from the same price schedule. Now lots of factors enter the delivery-cost equation including:

High Tech Systems a Plus
Even the technology requirements associated with shipping have become more complex. Freight receivers such as large retail operations now require advance-shipping notices to help expedite the unloading of merchandise. They also have stringent requirements on how products must be shipped to their stores and aren’t the least bit hesitant to levy financial penalties for non-conformance.

In short, speed and efficiency are everything in freight transit today, and woe to the shipper who fails to meet specified requirements. Errors can be costly and often require sophisticated, automated systems that minimize human involvement.

Warehouse Management Systems Stressed
Adding to book publishers’ distribution challenges is the growing concept of rapid replenishment. Wholesalers and retailers are no longer willing to hold large inventories, and publishers who can best meet replenishment requirements tend to sell the most books and have the best customer relationships. The trick is to be able to replenish rapidly without having your profits diminished through high freight costs.

To better address rapid replenishment issues, industry-leading publishers seek more sophisticated and comprehensive warehouse management systems that can provide a number of vital services including:

Outsourcing Gains Popularity
The simple truth is that the cost of establishing a world-class book fulfillment and distribution solution is quite high and well beyond the means of many small- to mid-size publishers. The investment in facilities, technologies, systems and personnel is not only a financial drain, but also a business distraction from core activities. Outsourcing turns fixed costs into variable while providing greater economies of scale and instant access to the sophisticated support infrastructure required for efficient book fulfillment and distribution.

Transcontinental Offers Advanced Solutions
Transcontinental provides a full range of assembly, fulfillment and distribution services to North American publishers through its 84,000 square foot O’Keefe Montreal operation. We offer a single-vendor solution, “just-in-time” models, secured storage, quality-handling procedures and logistical expertise that combine with our substantial economies of scale. Most importantly, Transcontinental understands the book publishing business and can provide services and solutions at whatever level required.

Learn More Facts About Book Fulfillment and Distribution
To help you better understand both the issues and potential of today’s book fulfillment and distribution solutions, Transcontinental published an informative white paper, The Challenges of Book Fulfillment in a Dynamic Publishing Environment. Written from a publisher’s perspective, the white paper covers important topics including:

  1. Core elements of best in class fulfillment system
  2. Rapid Replenishment
  3. Backorder strategies
  4. Rising freight charges
  5. Compliance issues
  6. Capital requirements 
  7. And much more…

Download a complimentary copy of our latest white paper on the challenges of fulfillment in a dynamic book publishing environment. Contact your representative to get more information on fulfillment strategies or click here to have one of our representatives to contact you.