Some readers will already be familiar with
PubEasy.com. The site
nonetheless warrants review, however, and not only for the benefit of
those who have yet to discover it: it’s a prime example of what a
website should be: a clean, user-friendly interface, uncluttered by
excess graphics and fast loading even over a slow modem.
Anyone considering an overhaul of their own site would be well
advised to look here first; a little emulation on the front-end design
could go a long way.
PubEasy was set up to make ordering easier and
more efficient for bookseller and supplier alike.
From the bookseller’s end, it’s a free service, a massive
plus to start off with. Access
requires a PIN, User ID and a password, and it’s useful to know who
distributes for whom. Whilst
limited access to Whitakers Bookbank online is included, this can
disappoint where Whitakers either fail to provide links to the
relevant suppliers’ subsites or simply don’t list titles that can
in fact be found on the affiliate subsites if you know where to search.
PubEasy, however, are aware of this problem and
will be addressing it via their own Central Services section, which
promises order placement across multiple suppliers in one fell swoop.
This should also address the too-many-clicks effect that
sometimes spoils the browse.
Suppliers
already online with PubEasy include Bookpoint (Hodder), Gardners,
HarperCollins, ITPS (Routledge and Taylor & Francis), John Wiley
& Sons, Marston (Lion and SPCK) and Penguin – in short, most of
the major players in religious publishing, Orea (Continuum) and STI
have yet to make the connection.
A common interface across affiliate subsites adds
to the ease of use, making placing orders simplicity itself, click
Search, enter your search criteria (ISBN, author, title in any
combination). Matching
finds are displayed – with essential availability and pricing
information – in a straightforward table.
If you’re an account holder, you can enter line references
and quantities; otherwise, it’s information only.
Placing multi title orders has been made exceptionally easy by
a facility to paste in multiple ISBNs.
Items required are added to the now ubiquitous
‘shopping basket’ which can be confirmed immediately or used to
compile more orders; once confirmed, an email acknowledgement advises
order status. Backorders
and part supply can be specified; if an item wasn’t in stock, it’s
usually possible to return to check the order status, in many cases
even up to the point of delivery.
When your customer says “Where’s my book?” you, via a few
mouse clicks, can show them the exact status – “Stock was
allocated this morning, so it may well be here tomorrow.”
Friendly support is available by email or phone,
though it’s rarely needed. The
only thing PubEasy can’t do for you, it seems, is deliver the goods;
that’s down to the usual couriers.
Overall rating? 4.5 stars out of 5 –
excellent.