Skip to main content

How to process orders

When a buyer places an order for a novel on PutForShare, you will receive an email notification immediately. From that moment, you have 2 days to prepare the book and keep it ready for pickup or dispatch.

This guide walks you through the complete process — from receiving the notification to handing over a neatly packed shipment.

Before you begin​

Make sure you have the following materials ready at hand:

  • Polly (poly) bags — appropriate size for the book
  • Printed shipping label
  • Condition or branding sticker (optional but recommended)
  • Tape or self-seal closure
  • A printer for labels

Step 1 — Receive the order notification​

When a buyer places an order, you will get an email notification from PutForShare.

What to do:

  1. Open the email and note the order details — buyer name, book title, and delivery address.
  2. Locate the physical book from your inventory.
  3. Confirm the book matches the listing (title, edition, condition).
Your 2-day window starts now

The clock starts from the moment the order notification arrives. You must have the book packed and ready within 48 hours.

Step 2 — Inspect and prepare the book​

Before packing, quickly verify the book's condition matches what was listed.

  1. Check the cover for any new damage that may have occurred in storage.
  2. Flip through pages to confirm no pages are missing or have become loose.
  3. If the book has highlights or annotations, ensure they were disclosed in the listing.

If the book's condition has changed significantly since listing, contact the buyer before packing.

Step 3 — Print the shipping label​

A clear, accurate shipping label is essential for error-free delivery.

Sample PutForShare shipping label showing buyer address, order ID, tracking number, and a scannable barcode

  1. Log in to your PutForShare seller dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Orders → Active orders and open the order.
  3. Click Generate shipping label and download the PDF.
  4. Print at 100% scale — do not scale to fit. Barcodes must scan correctly.
  5. Check that the following details are legible on the printout:
    • Buyer name and delivery address
    • Order ID / tracking number
    • Your return address
Print quality matters

Use a laser printer if available. Inkjet prints can smear if the label gets damp during transit. Always verify the barcode is crisp before attaching.

Step 4 — Pack the book in a poly bag​

Poly bags protect the book from moisture, dust, and handling damage during transit.

Example of a book packed in a sealed poly bag, ready for shipping

  1. Slide the book into the poly bag face-up.
  2. If the bag has a self-seal strip, press it firmly along the full width — no gaps.
  3. If using a tape-seal bag, fold the open end twice and seal with clear tape across the full fold.
  4. The bag should fit snugly — avoid excess air or a bag that is too tight and warps the cover.

For hardcover or thick books:

Use a bubble-lined poly bag or add a thin cardboard stiffener inside the bag before sealing to prevent corner damage.

Step 5 — Attach the shipping label and sticker​

A neatly attached label makes a strong first impression and avoids handling errors at the courier.

  1. Peel and place the printed shipping label on the front face of the packed poly bag.
  2. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles — the barcode must lie flat.
  3. Cover the label with a strip of clear tape to protect it from moisture (if your label is not pre-laminated).
  4. Add your PutForShare branding sticker or condition sticker on the back of the bag.
Why stickers matter

A branding or condition sticker signals professionalism to the buyer when the package arrives and reduces post-delivery queries about condition.

Step 6 — Keep the package ready for pickup​

Once packed and labelled, store the package safely until pickup or drop-off.

  • Place it in a dry, flat location — do not stack heavy items on top.
  • Keep it accessible so you can hand it over quickly when the courier arrives.
  • Do not leave packed orders near windows or in humid areas.
Mark it clearly

If you are managing multiple orders, write the Order ID in marker on a small sticky note attached to the inside of your storage area so you can identify the right package at a glance.

Timeline summary​

Time from notificationAction required
0 – 2 hoursLocate book, inspect condition
2 – 6 hoursPrint shipping label
6 – 24 hoursPack in poly bag, attach label and sticker
By 48 hoursPackage fully ready for pickup or drop-off

Checklist before handover​

Use this checklist before handing the package to the courier or marking it ready:

  • Book condition verified against listing
  • Shipping label printed at 100% scale and legible
  • Book packed in sealed poly bag
  • Label attached flat on front face, barcode unobstructed
  • Label protected with clear tape or pre-laminated
  • Branding/condition sticker affixed on back
  • Package stored flat in a dry location
  • Order marked as Packed in your seller dashboard