Books taking longer than usual?
I’ve ordered over 15 books with Blurb, and have always received my book at or before the “1 week” estimate that Blurb always gives. My last book, a 7×7, was uploaded and ordered Aug. 6th, and still shows as “processing”. It’s approaching 10 days and no word from Blurb. Anybody else having this issue? Peace.
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Maybe they are trying to improve the quality of printing and delivering, I ordered two 7×7 and both came with different deffects, I submited the technical order and haven’t heard from them in a week. I hope the delay means they are trying to do a better job . Blurb comunity and offered services are great, it’s a shame nothing else works. T.Trelles
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Reidrolls,
Have you tried to contact Blurb customer service about your concern through contact form provided by the Blurb site?
Have you take a look at FAQ about how long Blurb process and ship the book orders, no?
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thanks t.
brian, yes i’ve tried the contact form, and haven’t heard anything. i have a potential new client hanging on the line… hopefully the book comes before i lose them.
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I am waiting for a book that I paid for UPS Express Saver (the shipping costs more than the book!), and the tracking number Blurb has given me is NOT a UPS number. Nobody answers my requests at Blurb, and I am gonna be in a sticky situation if I don’t get this book soon as a client flying to deliver to LA tomorrow!
Any tips on getting some answers from Blurb?
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posted elsewhere in forums , but fits in here too. I placed my order sunday, the 5th (25 books) and was hoping to get my them for this friday (for an outdood art in the park saturday and sunday) but my order still says processing as well. This Friday will be 10 business days, but if it isn’t shipped (completed today, it’s very doubtful it will be shipped). I would’ve placed a 2day shipping order( which would impact the price greatly), but it looks like it wouldn’ve mattered anyway. i asked blurb if i could pay more for shipping if the book wasn’t ready, to do a 2 day, but it’salready to late, here’s what maggie wrote "Your estimated ship date is just an estimate, not a real time reflection of your order’s status, so it is possible that it may be finished with production a bit early. Your order will be coming from Seattle, so it’s going to be tight, but there is hope!
I’ll keep my fingers crossed,
Maggie" We’ll see how it goes, wish me luck.
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With much of my reluctance and consideration for quite some time regarding “turnaround time” involving processing order/printing book and shipping finished prints.
Let’s say, if we look at strategic planning by making plan ahead of time. When creating a project in Booksmart, it depends on how long it takes for each individual depending on the nature of project itself, photos working with and collaboration with different people, or some source of information to be incorporated part of book – that takes some time to make it work in developing book. I guess that is not important point or part of the issue here. But if it takes longer than one week or so, then strategic planning will make sense.
So once upload finished book project (.book) format, then it is up to Blurb to process. At that point, I would think it is fair for me to say – that it could take for up two weeks, or less. So let’s make it for up to two weeks to process and have it printed.
Once the book published, shipping issue is something else, and depending on where the book ordered in geographic locations, it might be of an issue for some people here. But when it comes to US shipping issue, it could be for up to five business days or less. Again, depending on geographic shipping it to from Blurb printing center.
If we go back and look at my idea of strategic planning to look at the big picture of involving your book project from beginning to end of the project: developing book, uploading, Blurb processing your book order (depending on volume of on demand), and finally, have your book shipped. Allow it some time to allocate of all one big goal into smaller objective or tasks as part of strategic plan for each book project.
I don’t meant to put someone or anyone down, but it seems to me that it is very unreasonable to expect that Blurb process the book order promptly and have it shipped very fast. In ideal world, it would be nice perhaps at a cost per se.
The idea of strategic plan allocates some time allows you to prepare your book project around Booksmart app, then upload finished books file (I suggest that you also backup your .book files at least two external hard drives or a flash drive), take some estimate time to process your book at Blurb, and allow some extra time for shipping. So I would think, anywhere between two to three weeks is my best guess.
All together, I would say it takes one month to prepare, have your book upload, having book published and book shipped—all takes some time, patience and extra effort. That is to say, it requires some planning in advance.
I thought it be of an interest and help, perhaps guideline or tip for some.
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As for “real time” processing time frame, and “real time” reflecting shipping status, it is something that Blurb needs to work on and improve on that area.
I strongly and insists that Blurb should take one step or two further. I had similar issue having trouble keeping trace down on whereabouts of shipping trace. It must be addressed promptly.
And that it must be NOT to ignored. Because it is very important aspect of shipping trace to keep track of whereabouts of all goods and services shipped either through Fed Ex or UPS.
It is NOT that difficult to hook up with UPS’s realtime tracking number from Blurb – once the package being picked up by UPS driver. That, it reflects the realtime transaction starts.
All in all, I cannot believe that it has not been addressed for quite some time. Shipping issue is very important to me, and I see that it is an issue for many.
Finally, I recommend that Blurb team should roll up their sheeves and work on it immediately.
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had i known that the 7×7 books take 2 weeks, i would have ordered a different size. blurb clearly knows about this issue, and should let us know that certain books take 2 weeks. it’s all over their website that you get your book “in about a week”. 2 weeks isn’t “about a week”.
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Reidrolls,
Can you show us a link that shows “about a week”? Is it in forum or somewhere at Blurb website for that matter?
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I’ve stopped using Blurb for this reason. It took almost a month to get an order once and then when I received it, it was ruined in shipping. The packaging was not protecting the book AT ALL. My customer was waiting for it. Normally with all my products, to keep the customer happy, I let them keep the flawed item for free while I’m waiting for the replacement. Well, Blurb made me send them the book back and wait for shipping again. At least they sent the second book a little faster, but by the time it came in, my customer had lost interest. Now I’m stuck with the book. Now I’m noticing that the quality of the book also doesn’t hold up. After two weeks, without even touching the book, the book cover started to curl away from the book itself. Now I’m glad I didn’t give it to my customer – I would be embarrased by it. With all this trouble, I would think that when I told this to Blurb, they would have done some sort of customer service recovery – maybe my next book free, or shipping free, or at least discount somewhere… but no.
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I don’t know where you got the "about a 1 week" estimate. I’ve looked at their shipping info link, and their faq on shipping, and they’re consistant in saying "should arrive in 7 to 10 BUSINESS days". Since that can span 2 weekends, 2 weeks is still within their 7 to 10 day estimate. If you were getting your books faster than that, you got yours early. We should also remember this isn’t a matter of pulling a book off the shelf and shipping, it has to be printed first.
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Brian,
While I understand the idea of strategic planning and time management, my book was uploaded on July 28th, shipped on August 9th, and if I hadn’t spent $50+ dollars just on shipping (to Vancouver Canada), with the guarantee that my shipping option would take 2 days, I wouldn’t have any problem.
However, my book is still “somewhere” out there, and the tracking number Blurb sent me is NOT a UPS tracking number, nor a USPS tracking number. And to not be able to contact a live person at Blurb to find out what kind of tracking number it is and where my book is, it is disconcerting to think that I can spend the money on shipping, with their guarantee that I will at the very least get the kind of shipping service I paid for.
I am not even talking about the processessing time.
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The pace of shipping is beyond the control of Blurb. The issuance of tracking numbers, trackable that is, is a responsibility of Blurb to its customers. To be aligned with the original topic of longer processing times, I too noticed that after 3 orders of 1 copy/order. The website info "estimates" 5-6 business days to print the book. My orders ranged from processing/printing times up to 10 business days. In the end, synonymous to the use of the word "estimate", is uncertainty. Some questions: 1. Is there a possibility to estimate in "real-time" current processing times before an order is placed? Currently, a processing estimate is given after you pay however, you cannot cancel after you paid. This gives us freedom to move around and decide whether to go for the estimated processing time or not. It is catchy to read an estimated 5-6 business days to print as opposed to orders being sent beyond that frame. Of course, the word used is "estimate" so why won’t you just change the website info to "estimated 14 business days" or however way you like, or completely delete the phrase and deal with each query as they are received. I don’t subscribe to the concept that since this service is cheaper that we have to hold on waiting because for that reason, this business exists. Otherwise, shipping out after being processed is beyond Blurb’s control. 2. If question 1 is not possible, can there be an exemption applied to cancel orders for the reason that the processing time is too long and that my customer is not interested to wait that long? Therefore, there should be a consensus of what is a "fair waiting period" however by how it stands now, I will always go back to the website statement of an estimated 5-6 business days. Another POD publisher allows cancellation for as long as the order status is in the "PROCESSING" stage. 3. Related to question 1, is there a possibility that a USPS option be included in the shipping choices? Say for example, it is estimated that my order ships outs on a Wednesday. If I go for the 2nd day air, I am definite that I will receive it by Friday. If the estimated ship out day is a Thursday or Friday, why would I pay a 2nd day air when I am aware that it is as close to ground option because my order will be at my door the week after? With USPS, Saturday delivery is possible. It’s just a basic tool but we are given an honest option. 4. Is it possible that when orders do not ship out within the estimate as you see in your dashboard (after paying, as of current) that an exception email be sent to the waiting customer? Or probably like in the model used by shipping companies, "rescheduled delivery due to exception met" but in this application, "We’re sorry, due to whatever reasons encountered, your order will be delayed. Please allow an additional x days.We appreciate your patience and thank you for your business." This is an easy process that is the same as your canned responses when a client submits a support ticket. Trust me, that will make the world turn a bit smoother. I temporarily redirected my clients to another publisher while I constantly scour the forums for answers. I must have a better estimation formula. Lastly, hoping that Blurb review their FAQ particularly what relates to this issue because not all people have the same faculty to interpret and understand or even to remain patient at the point of view of Blurb. Unless the FAQ is revised or unless the process is improved, questions will continue to sprout. And while this exists, it scares people with incoming interest or disappoints clients with existing business with Blurb. On the other hand, the quality of work that Blurb does is better than the other POD publishers particularly on this area of photobooks. Kudos!
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This is my first time using Blurb and it is frustrating not having the opportunity to call them direct and talk with a live person regarding making the book or shipping. I ordered the first book and then, of course, as luck would have it, I wanted to retrieve it and have them do the revised one only a day later in which I added 20 pages. Something came up that I wanted to add. However, I wasn’t able to do that as they clearly made known ahead of time, but I still wrote and asked. They were quick in responding to my email, I must say. So I now have two books ordered within days that are the same except the 2nd version does have 20 more pages… and like many of you, I paid for two-day delivery….. the first book was to be shipped on the 14th and the revised one on the 16th…. I then rec’d a notice from them telling me their production schedules were behind and it should be shipped w/in a few days…. I am disappointed of course, but realize things do happen and pray that the quality is worth waiting for. Mine is to be a gift and so I’m not sure I’ll have it in time….I probably next time will allow myself more time in advance to get it, allowing for circumstances beyond our control. Eager to see the book!
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I probbly should add too that the size of the books I ordered are the largest hardcover ones, 11×13….for the record… so those of you who thought the smaller ones are being held up longer then the larger ones, don’t think so….guess size doesn’t matter.
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I think you’ve been very lucky. IEvery order I placed has taken the full 10-14 days to arrive (business days).
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I knew it was going to take 5-6 business days to make the book and then 2 business days to get it. I ordered on Monday, the 6th, and received the books on the 16th (today). Nothing unexpected there.
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Holly,
I am only just making a suggestion or thought about time estimation of the whole project, once submitted online with Blurb.
I strongly encourage other participants to participate in this forum and have something to say. The more, the better-being recognized by Blurb team that there is ongoing discussion for that matter.
That is to say, I am pretty sure that Blurb team are aware of shipping issues and estimated processing time.
I, very much, like to see “real time” status on processing time AND shipping time PLUS REALTIME tracking code with USPS and UPS (here in the states).
Remember, Blurb is relatively a new company still. We need to be patient. And I would think it is fair for me to say that giving feedback, suggestion and tips to Blurb is the best way to go. For those who have problems about “x” or “y”, or “z”, nothing more I can say. I am only participant of this forum offering some ideas or suggestion.
Perhaps the idea of my choice using two terms “strategic planning” doesn’t seem to make any sense for some of you. But what I am saying is that expecting to have book published ASAP RIGHT AWAY or have it shipped RIGHT AWAY-it is not possible.
Blurb already make some advanced notice about this issue through FAQ, and for those who have use Constumer Service or Technical Support contact form-that is the way to go to address these issues. Speaking of which, it is wise idea to PLAN ahead of time to accommodate the estimated time as per Blurb FAQ and such.
Participation is strongly encouraged. Feedback and inputs to Blurb is also strongly encouraged, I believe.
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Darn: typo error “constumer” = customer
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I tell clients 2 to 3 weeks. However dut to binding issues my last book is going on 5 weeks. I am patiently awaiting a reprint Regards to all Pat T
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Sitting here reading these posts feeling completely ripped off and nearly in tears….I made a book for my wedding and from the sounds of these posts – I’ll never get it in time….I gave myself 3 weeks – that was a full week extra based on the time line they give you when you order….. .......even made sure to pay the extra for overnight shipping….......I should have known
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If it only takes 5-6 business days plus one business day for shipping, why won’t you get your book on time? That certainly is well under 3 weeks. You should have a ship date too – what does that say?
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Mellygirl,
Try not to be overly concerned, or discouraged by the sound of forum discussion or about the situation you are dealing with shipping issue.
Have you try this alternative approach by talking to customer service at Blurb team through contact form? It is beyond what forum discussion can do for you. I can assure you that someone at Blurb team could help you with the situation you are dealing with.
Hope that helps.
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Hi Mellygirl – Just looked at your order, and everything’s fine. You should be getting it sometime next week, one week earlier than the time you’ve allotted.
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my ship date still says the 15th and I read thru this forum and got worried – I ordered it on the 8/7….so 10 days and its still processing Thanks for checking on it JackLyon!! I feel a little better now
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Hi Mellygirl, You are reading the glitches. There are tons of successes out there. Have faith you will be a blurb success!!!! Regards Pat T PS my book said processing until yesterday Aug 16. I now have a tracking # that says the book is on a truck and out for delivery today. I can’t wait.
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when I was asking support if I would have my books forthe 17th I wasn’t asking for them to print them faster to ship right away (i was willing to see if i could upgrade my shipping payment), just simply hoping (but not planning on having them for mt art show). When I created the book, and saw the 5-6 days and then 3-5 days for shipping, it got me excited that i "might" get them in time for this show (and not the next one) and not the one i have in september (as planned for). The whole "estimate time" of 5 – 6 days is what threw me off. If in the FAQ it said "book processing normaly takes 5 - 10 days before being shipping" I would’ve been just as happy. that’s all. I had another other order was placed on july I3th (late on a friday night, so it wasn’t even counted until monday july 17th) and it was printed and shipped by the 18th( the next day). So i was just expecting the same turn around, ( I knew my second order would take longer, becausee of more books so add a 1 – 3 days). I hope you don’t think i’m truely upset or complaining, just a real time figure of each order (how long it will take to process) could help blurb and all of us. James
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Wow – Just wanted to relay two completely different shipping experiences. I ordered my first book on the 6th and it was shipping on the 13th (arriving yesterday) and THEN I ordered two more books yesterday and they shipped… today! Is this because of the content of the shipment? My first order contained both soft & hardcover and this last order was only hardcover. I’ll say it again – wow!
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I’ve created a monster. I didn’t mean to stir such a big pot by my original post. I’ll say again, BLURB HAS BEEN AMAZING ON MY PAST 15 ORDERS. This last one just took longer, so I was hoping for some feedback on similar or different situaitons, specifically with my 7×7 book. My ordere shipped today and I’ll have it Monday, so I’m not worried anymore. Blurb even gave me a discount on my next order. Thanks blurb!
And Brian, I hear blurb is accepting applications :)
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got an email saying there was a problem printing my book, and it is going to be shipped 1 – 2 bis days, that exp[lains it and that’s all i needed to know. thanks :)
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still waiting on the first order of books, in the mean time, i order another 25 books (with a few changes) order it last saturday and had them on thursday (this time i paid for 2 day shipping). The books look amazing am i am very pleased. just wish i had the other books im waiting for last week, because i know i would have sold out of them.
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I’m not doing anything very sophisticated or demanding, but I just uploaded a little 7X7 on Aug. 19th and received the book yesterday Aug. 24th. No quality problems with the book. I’m very pleased with my experience.
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