Remote Fulfillment
Many book publishers utilize an outside fulfillment service to pick, pack and ship orders while retaining the responsibility of order processing. (fulfillment service directory)
There are two ways to transfer orders to a fulfillment service.
Option 1: The publisher can send the fulfillment service paper or electronic copies of their invoices or packing lists. The service keys this information into their system manually.
We do not recommend this method as it leads to 1) keyboard errors and 2) delays the shipment of orders. Furthermore, the fulfillment service may charge the publisher a higher rate for processing orders.
Option 2: Many book publishing software packages can generate an electronic file for the fulfillment service. The fulfillment service imports the electronic file into their system to automatically update related records without the need for human intervention.
This eliminates the potential for keyboard errors and allows the fulfillment service to ship the orders in a more timely manner.
