Maybe this has been discussed before but what is the difference between a book wholesaler and distributor? How does a book get from Random House to the local Barnes and Noble?
Explain to me...
- Thread starter abemorgantis
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Trucks.
(OK, I seriously tried to find an answer for you, but my Google-Fu is lacking today. I'm sure someone will be by soon who won't be a smartass.)
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It's confusing, because the terms "wholesaler" and "distributor" are often used interchangeably. However, there's a definite difference. A book wholesaler (such as Ingram or Baker & Taylor) provides warehousing and fulfillment services for bookstores. A book distributor (such as Independent Publishers' Group) does that, plus maintains a staff of sales reps who sell the distributor's list into bookstores. Wholesalers are oriented to providing services to bookstores; distributors are oriented to providing services to publishers.
If you're a publisher that's serious about getting stocked in stores, you need both a wholesaler and a distributor, or else to maintain your own sales staff. The big publishing houses have their own sales reps and distribution arrangements.
- Victoria
If you're a publisher that's serious about getting stocked in stores, you need both a wholesaler and a distributor, or else to maintain your own sales staff. The big publishing houses have their own sales reps and distribution arrangements.
- Victoria
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