The logistics of order-fulfillment, with guest Matt Kurtis

Matt Kurtis, VP of Sales & Marketing for Ware-Pak LLC, explains how book-fulfillment services (pick, pack, ship) can help publishers manage new logistical challenges, save money, and become more efficient. Highlights include: How is a fulfillment service different from a distributor, from a wholesaler? What does the term “3PL” refer to? What kind of publisher benefits the most from a fulfillment service? At what stage of your company’s growth should you contact a fulfillment company? What kinds of benefits does a fulfillment company offer? How are publishers charged for services? The very important difference between activity-based and percentage-based chargebacks Transitioning from in-house to outsource fulfillment, and why it might make sense (key point: you transfer your fixed costs to variable costs) How do you know if you should choose fulfillment vs full-service distribution (i.e., a distributor that offers sales and marketing support) does digitalization threaten the future of physical shipments (not hardly) Listeners to this podcast with shipping needs are encouraged to contact Ware-Pak for a quote to see if Ware-Pak's services make sense. Ware-Pak, LLC: Warehousing, Distribution & Fulfillment Services for Publishers & Associations Located in University Park, Illinois https://www.ware-pak.com Participants Matthew Kurtis is Ware-Pak's Vice President of Sales and Marketing and oversees all new client relations, contract management, outreach, and move-in logistics for Ware-Pak clients. He has a B.S. in Business Administration with over 17 years experience in sales and project management, which has granted him the knowledge required to assist businesses to grow their revenue by analyzing each area of opportunity and developing an effective implementation plan. He realizes the value of grassroots relationship-building and aims to support businesses of all sizes in strategic decision-making. Matt is also a remarkable leader and provides guidance daily to the Ware-Pak team with his expertise in the areas of sales, marketing, and customer service. He can even be found working in the warehouse when there is need for additional labor! When he is not in the office or the warehouse, Matt enjoys traveling with his wife Emily and engaging in hands-on projects at home. Peter Goodman (host) is publisher of Stone Bridge Press in Berkeley, California. He began his publishing career in Tokyo, Japan, in 1976. A longtime member of IBPA, he has served on the IBPA board and as IBPA board chair.