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Ingram Orders

Ingram orders are special orders for books that you don't have in your inventory but can order from Ingram Content Group, the largest book wholesaler in the United States.

What Are Ingram Orders?​

When a customer places an order for a book you don't have in stock, BookWish can check if the book is available through Ingram. If available, you receive a special order that you fulfill by:

  1. Ordering the book from Ingram
  2. Receiving it at your store
  3. Fulfilling the customer's original order

This allows you to expand your effective inventory without stocking every book.

How Ingram Orders Work​

Order Flow​

  1. Customer Places Order: Customer orders a book through BookWish
  2. Routing Check: System checks if you have the book in inventory
  3. Ingram Availability: If not in stock, system checks Ingram availability
  4. Special Order Created: You receive a special order marked "Ingram Order"
  5. You Order from Ingram: Place order with Ingram through your account
  6. Receive Books: Ingram ships to your store
  7. Fulfill Customer Order: Ship or prepare for pickup per original order

Ingram Order Identification​

Special orders from Ingram are clearly marked with:

  • "Special Order" badge
  • "Ingram" supplier notation
  • Wholesale price information
  • Availability status from Ingram

When to Use Ingram​

Ingram orders are ideal when:

  • Customer requests a book you don't stock
  • Book is available from Ingram (shown in order details)
  • Wholesale price provides adequate margin
  • Delivery timeline works for customer expectations
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Ingram typically ships to bookstores within 1-3 business days for in-stock items.

Placing Ingram Orders​

To place an order with Ingram:

  1. Review the Order: Check the Ingram availability and pricing in order details
  2. Access Your Ingram Account: Log into your Ingram ipage account separately
  3. Place the Order: Order the book(s) using the ISBN provided
  4. Ship to Your Store: Use your store address as shipping destination
  5. Update BookWish Order: Mark the order as Processing in BookWish
Setting Up Ingram

To fulfill Ingram orders, you need an active Ingram Content Group account. Apply at ipage.ingramcontent.com using your bookstore information.

Required Information​

When ordering from Ingram, you'll need:

  • ISBN: Provided in the order details
  • Quantity: Matches the customer order quantity
  • Your Store Account: Active Ingram retailer account
  • Shipping Address: Your store's physical address

Tracking Ingram Shipments​

After placing your Ingram order:

  1. Get Tracking: Ingram provides tracking information via email
  2. Monitor Delivery: Track the shipment to your store
  3. Receive Books: Accept delivery and inspect books
  4. Update Status: Keep customer informed of progress

Estimated Timelines​

  • Ingram to Your Store: 1-3 business days (for in-stock items)
  • Your Store to Customer: Depends on fulfillment type
    • Pickup: Same day after receiving from Ingram
    • Shipping: 1-2 days to ship after receiving from Ingram

Total Timeline: Usually 2-7 business days from order placement to customer delivery

Pricing and Margins​

Understanding Ingram Pricing​

Ingram order details show:

  • Wholesale Price: What you pay Ingram
  • Retail Price: What the customer pays
  • Your Margin: Difference between wholesale and retail

Example:

Wholesale Price (Ingram): $12.00
Retail Price (Customer):  $18.00
Your Margin:              $6.00 (33%)
Check Margins

Always verify the margin is acceptable before accepting an Ingram order. You're responsible for the wholesale cost even if you cancel the customer order.

Discounts​

Ingram offers different discount tiers based on:

  • Your account standing
  • Order volume
  • Book category
  • Publisher agreements

Typical bookstore discounts range from 40-50% off retail price.

Fulfilling Ingram Orders​

Once you receive books from Ingram:

For Pickup Orders​

  1. Inspect books for quality
  2. Set aside in pickup area
  3. Update status to Ready for Pickup
  4. Customer receives notification

For Shipping Orders​

  1. Inspect books for quality
  2. Package per shipping guidelines
  3. Generate and print shipping label
  4. Ship to customer
  5. Update status to Shipped

See Fulfillment for detailed packaging and shipping instructions.

Best Practices​

Before Accepting​

  • Check Margins: Ensure wholesale price provides adequate profit
  • Verify Timeline: Confirm you can meet customer expectations
  • Check Availability: Ingram stock status is shown in order details

During Fulfillment​

  • Order Promptly: Place Ingram order within 24 hours of accepting
  • Communicate: Keep customer informed of special order status
  • Inspect: Check books immediately upon receipt from Ingram
  • Fast Turnaround: Fulfill customer order same day you receive from Ingram

Quality Control​

  • Inspect books for damage immediately
  • Verify ISBN matches order
  • Check for publisher defects
  • Report issues to Ingram within their return window

Common Issues​

Book Not Available​

If Ingram shows unavailable or out of stock:

  • Decline the order with explanation
  • Customer will be notified
  • Order may be re-routed or refunded

Damaged Books​

If books arrive damaged from Ingram:

  1. Document damage with photos
  2. Contact Ingram customer service for replacement
  3. Notify customer of delay
  4. Accept replacement shipment
  5. Fulfill original order

Wrong Books​

If Ingram ships incorrect ISBN:

  1. Contact Ingram immediately
  2. Request correct book shipment
  3. Notify customer of delay
  4. Return incorrect book per Ingram's process

Ingram Account Setup​

To use Ingram for special orders:

  1. Apply for Account: Visit ipage.ingramcontent.com
  2. Provide Business Info:
    • Store name and address
    • Tax ID / EIN
    • Business license
    • Bank references
  3. Await Approval: Usually 1-2 weeks
  4. Setup Billing: Credit terms or credit card
  5. Start Ordering: Begin fulfilling special orders
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BookWish does not directly integrate with your Ingram account. You place orders through Ingram's ipage system separately.

Financial Considerations​

Payment Terms​

  • New accounts: Usually prepay or credit card
  • Established accounts: Net 30 or similar terms
  • Minimum orders may apply

Returns​

  • Most books returnable within 6-12 months
  • Return shipping costs may apply
  • Damaged books: Full credit with prompt reporting

Accounting​

  • Track Ingram orders separately for bookkeeping
  • Wholesale costs are your expense
  • Retail revenue is your income
  • Monitor margin percentages

Alternatives to Ingram​

If an Ingram order isn't feasible:

  • Decline and let BookWish re-route to another store
  • BookWish Direct may fulfill from their warehouse
  • Suggest customer place order directly with larger retailer

Next Steps​