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BookWish Direct

BookWish Direct is BookWish's fulfillment service that delivers books directly to your door when you don't have a home store set or when your home store can't fulfill an order.

What is BookWish Direct?​

BookWish Direct is a fulfillment option that:

  • Ships books directly from distributors to you
  • Uses Ingram distribution network
  • Bypasses local bookstore involvement
  • Delivers anywhere in the service area

Key Characteristics:

  • Direct shipping - Warehouse to your door
  • Wide selection - Full Ingram catalog
  • No store dependency - Works without home store
  • Standard delivery - 5-7 business days typical

When BookWish Direct is Used​

Scenario 1: No Home Store Set​

If you haven't set a home store:

What You See:

  • "Order Now" button on available books
  • No store name mentioned
  • Standard shipping options only

What Happens:

  • Order placed through BookWish
  • Fulfilled by BookWish Direct
  • Shipped from Ingram warehouse
  • Delivered to your address

Order Flags:

  • isBookwishDirect: true
  • storeId: null

This is the default experience for users who prefer not to choose a local store.

Scenario 2: Book Available via Ingram Only​

Even with a home store, some books may only be available through BookWish Direct:

When This Happens:

  • Book not in home store inventory
  • Book not orderable by home store
  • Only available through direct fulfillment

What You See:

  • May still show as special order through store if Ingram stock available
  • Or direct order if store can't access it
info

The system prioritizes your home store when possible. BookWish Direct is used only when store fulfillment isn't available.

Scenario 3: User Preference​

You might choose BookWish Direct even with a home store:

  • Faster delivery options (future feature)
  • Different pricing (if applicable)
  • Convenience over local support

Currently, the system automatically determines fulfillment method based on availability and home store setting.

How BookWish Direct Works​

The Fulfillment Process​

  1. Order Placement

    • You place order on BookWish
    • Payment processed via Stripe
    • Order created with isBookwishDirect: true

  2. Order Routing

    • System identifies as direct fulfillment
    • Routes to Ingram distribution
    • Creates fulfillment request

  3. Processing

    • Ingram receives order
    • Books pulled from inventory
    • Package prepared for shipping
    • Typically 1-2 business days

  4. Shipping

    • Package shipped via carrier (USPS, UPS, FedEx)
    • Tracking number generated
    • EasyPost manages shipping logistics
    • BookWish notified of shipment

  5. Delivery

    • Standard delivery: 5-7 business days
    • Tracking updates throughout transit
    • Delivered to your shipping address
    • Confirmation sent

Ingram Distribution​

What is Ingram?

  • Major book distributor in North America
  • Supplies bookstores and online retailers
  • Massive inventory of titles
  • Fast and reliable fulfillment

Ingram's Role:

  • Warehousing books
  • Processing orders
  • Packing shipments
  • Managing inventory

Benefits:

  • Huge catalog access
  • Fast processing
  • Reliable shipping
  • Industry standard

Pricing​

How Pricing Works​

Book Prices:

  • Based on publisher's suggested retail
  • May include BookWish margin
  • Competitive with major retailers
  • Consistent with store pricing

Shipping Costs:

  • Standard shipping rates apply
  • Calculated based on weight and destination
  • Shown in cart and checkout
  • No hidden fees

Taxes:

  • Sales tax calculated at checkout
  • Based on shipping address
  • Varies by state/locality
  • Collected and remitted by BookWish

Cost Comparison​

BookWish Direct vs. Home Store:

  • Book prices: Generally similar
  • Shipping: Charged for direct, may be free/discounted at store pickup
  • Convenience: Direct ships to you, store requires pickup
  • Support: Direct supports BookWish, store orders support local business

Shipping and Delivery​

Shipping Options​

Standard Shipping:

  • 5-7 business days
  • Most economical
  • Tracking included

Expedited Shipping:

  • May be available in future
  • Faster delivery for higher cost
  • Same tracking and reliability

Carriers​

BookWish Direct uses multiple carriers:

  • USPS - US Postal Service
  • UPS - United Parcel Service
  • FedEx - Federal Express

Carrier selection based on:

  • Destination
  • Package size/weight
  • Cost optimization
  • Delivery speed

Managed through EasyPost integration.

Tracking​

All BookWish Direct shipments include:

  • Tracking number
  • Carrier information
  • Real-time updates
  • Delivery confirmation

Access tracking:

  • In your order details
  • Via email notifications
  • On carrier website

See Order Tracking for details.

Delivery Areas​

BookWish Direct currently ships to:

  • United States addresses
  • PO Boxes accepted (carrier dependent)
  • Standard shipping addresses

Not Currently Available:

  • International shipping
  • APO/FPO addresses (check with support)
  • Territories (may vary)

Returns and Refunds​

Return Policy​

BookWish Direct orders may be eligible for returns:

Returnable:

  • Unopened books in original condition
  • Within return window (check policy)
  • Proof of purchase required

Non-Returnable:

  • Opened or used books
  • Damaged due to customer handling
  • Outside return window

Return Process​

  1. Contact BookWish support
  2. Provide order number
  3. Explain reason for return
  4. Receive return authorization
  5. Ship book back (may require label)
  6. Refund processed upon receipt

Refund Method:

  • Original payment method
  • Processing time: 5-10 business days
  • Shipping costs may not be refunded

Damaged or Wrong Items​

If you receive damaged or incorrect books:

  1. Document issue - Take photos
  2. Contact support immediately - Within 48 hours preferred
  3. Don't discard packaging - May be needed for claim
  4. Await instructions - Support will guide resolution

Resolution Options:

  • Replacement shipment
  • Full refund
  • Partial refund for damage
  • Return shipping covered

Benefits of BookWish Direct​

Advantages​

Wide Selection:

  • Full Ingram catalog
  • Millions of titles
  • In-print books available
  • New releases

Convenience:

  • Ships to your door
  • No store visits required
  • Tracking included
  • Reliable delivery

No Store Required:

  • Works anywhere
  • No local bookstore needed
  • Consistent experience

Reliable Fulfillment:

  • Professional distribution
  • Established processes
  • Quality packaging
  • Proven delivery

Considerations​

Local Support:

  • Doesn't support local bookstores
  • No community connection
  • Purely transactional

Shipping Costs:

  • Standard shipping fees apply
  • Can add to total cost
  • Free pickup not available

Delivery Time:

  • Slower than store pickup
  • Standard 5-7 day window
  • No same-day options

BookWish Direct vs. Home Store​

Understanding the differences helps you choose:

AspectBookWish DirectHome Store
FulfillmentIngram warehouseLocal bookstore
DeliveryShips to addressPickup or ship from store
Speed5-7 daysPickup same day if in stock
CostShipping feesMay save on shipping for pickup
SelectionFull Ingram catalogStore inventory + special orders
SupportBookWish platformLocal independent bookstore
AvailabilityNationwideRequires local participating store

Choose BookWish Direct if:

  • No home store in your area
  • Prefer delivery convenience
  • Want widest selection
  • Don't mind shipping costs

Choose Home Store if:

  • Want to support local business
  • Prefer pickup options
  • Enjoy store community
  • Can save on shipping

Order Management​

Viewing BookWish Direct Orders​

BookWish Direct orders are flagged:

  • isBookwishDirect: true in order data
  • May show "BookWish Direct" label
  • Listed in your order history

Tracking Direct Orders​

Same process as store orders:

  1. Open order details
  2. View status
  3. Check tracking (when shipped)
  4. Monitor delivery

No difference in tracking experience.

Support for Direct Orders​

Contact BookWish:

  • Use in-app support
  • Email customer service
  • Reference order number
  • Describe issue

Don't Contact Stores:

  • They're not involved in direct orders
  • Can't help with fulfillment
  • BookWish manages entirely

Analytics​

BookWish Direct orders are tracked:

  • Flagged in purchase analytics
  • Used to improve service
  • Helps understand customer preferences
  • Informs inventory decisions

Your purchase data helps optimize the platform.

Future Enhancements​

Potential BookWish Direct improvements:

  • Expedited shipping - Faster delivery options
  • International shipping - Expanded service area
  • Subscription benefits - Premium member perks
  • Bundling - Multi-book discounts
  • Gift options - Send directly to recipients

Check release notes for new features.

Common Questions​

Q: Is BookWish Direct more expensive? A: Book prices are similar to store orders. Shipping costs apply but are standard rates.

Q: Can I choose BookWish Direct if I have a home store? A: Currently, the system determines fulfillment automatically. This may become a user choice in the future.

Q: How is BookWish Direct different from Amazon? A: BookWish is focused on the literary community with social features, while using professional distribution for fulfillment.

Q: Can I return BookWish Direct orders? A: Yes, within the return policy guidelines. Contact support to initiate returns.

Q: Do BookWish Direct orders support authors the same way? A: Yes, authors/publishers receive the same royalties regardless of fulfillment method.

Q: Is BookWish Direct available everywhere? A: Currently ships within the United States. International shipping may be added.