~ by Ralph Hamm, US West Coast Book Sales Representative
At Friesens, every book has a story…and not just the one inside! Whether it’s a bestselling novel, a stunning collection of art, or a reprint of a classic masterpiece, we treat each project with the care that it deserves. Our customers trust us with their work, and we take that seriously from the first page to the final shipment.
Packing and shipping might not sound exciting, but it’s an important part of what makes a project successful. Most of our books head to warehouses and storage facilities around the world. But sometimes we’re asked to ship directly to brick-and-mortar stores or online retailers. That’s when the details really count.
In a recent project, we had to follow special finishing instructions, use custom packaging, and meet very specific shipping requirements. The result? The books arrived on time, looking great, and exactly how the customer expected. We’re always happy to go the extra mile to help our customers succeed.
Planning a special project? Here’s what to keep in mind:
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Some books need extra components added before they are packed…things like inserts or customer-supplied materials. It’s important to know when those items will arrive and where they go in the book. We document everything and make sure our team is ready to handle it. The more we know up front, the smoother things go.
SPECIAL PACKAGING: Big retailers like Indigo, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and others often have strict labeling rules. That might mean adding a purchase order number, SKU, or barcode to each carton. We can create custom labels and send you proofs to approve before we start packing. Even where the label goes on the box can matter.
SPECIAL SHIPPING: Most of our shipments go out with trusted carriers we work with regularly. But if your customer wants a specific carrier or delivery schedule, we can handle that too. Just give us the details…who to contact, how the freight is billed, and when it needs to arrive, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Our team is here to help you hit your goals and meet your deadlines. Clear communication and early planning make all the difference, especially for projects with extra steps. Every Friesens Customer Service Representative has experience with these kinds of jobs, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re planning something special!
