The purpose of this project is to engage a qualified book distribution vendor to assist WSU Press to provide comprehensive book distribution services for WSU PRESS’s print, electronic, and audiobook inventory. The successful bidder will provide comprehensive book distribution services for WSU Press, managing a catalog of approximately 500 active titles and 8–10 new titles annually. Services include warehousing, order fulfillment, metadata distribution, returns processing, accounts receivables management, marketing support, international distribution coordination with Mare Nostrum Group, and royalty calculations, leveraging robust technological systems to ensure efficiency and accuracy. Objectives: WSU Press seeks to establish a relationship with a highly qualified book distributor to accomplish the following activities: 1. Warehouse, monitor, and fulfill orders for print, electronic, and audio book inventory; 2. manage metadata distribution/ONIX feeds to bookseller industry; 3. accept and fulfill orders from customers; 4. process returned inventory and customer credit; 5. oversee accounts receivables; 6. provide marketing support; 7. coordinate with international distributor Mare Nostrum Group; 8. calculate royalties on a semi-annual and annual basis. Responsibilities: 1. Inventory Management: a. Receive inventory, perform quality inspections, and confirm quantities received for print, electronic, and audiobook formats. b. Store inventory in a secure, climate-controlled facility. c. Conduct annual inventory counts and monitor low-inventory levels. d. Perform title-specific activities (e.g., applying price stickers, inserting errata) with a specified hourly rate. e. Provide real-time inventory tracking and monthly reporting. 2. Order Fulfillment: a. Process orders from individuals, wholesalers/distributors, and international customers within a 48-hour turnaround from order placement to shipment. b. Support print, electronic, and audiobook formats, providing tracking information. c. Handle overnight shipping, rush orders, and backorders. d. Enable WSU Press to sell directly to customers in-person.
