Partner Spotlight: PartnerShip

Partner Spotlight is a new series designed to highlight the vendors that partner with ABA to offer discounted products, services, and business opportunities to ABA members. Each installment, we interview a different partner to learn more about their organization and why indie bookstores matter to them. 

PartnerShip helps small businesses save time and money on all their shipping needs. With a vast network of carrier partnerships and industry knowledge, PartnerShip can help you find all the best shipping options for your store.

This week, Bookselling This Week spoke with Jen Deming, PartnerShip's Marketing Program Manager, to learn more about the company and how it can help our booksellers. 

Bookselling This Week: Why don’t you tell me a little bit about PartnerShip and its origin?

Jen Deming: PartnerShip started in 1989 as a subsidiary of the National Association of College Stores. The company was founded to serve the unique shipping needs of college bookstores but over time, we’ve expanded and are working alongside over 130 associations, specializing in FedEx savings and LTL shipping solutions for small to mid-sized businesses. 

BTW: Could you tell me a little about the team? How big is the company? (I noticed the data/staff breakdown on PartnerShip’s Our Team page, and I absolutely love it.)

JD: (Thanks so much it was really fun to put together!) PartnerShip has a dedicated team with a staff size of around 50 employees. The team is composed of industry experts and professionals who are committed to providing top-notch shipping solutions to our customers. While now fully remote, we go out of our way to stay connected and try hard to maintain the “family” atmosphere we’ve cultivated over the years. We have staff across the country, but also have a strong sense of community and Cleveland pride (a large sector of our business is local).

BTW: What do you think sets you apart from your competitors?

JD: PartnerShip distinguishes itself from competitors through its personalized service, industry expertise, and commitment to helping businesses find the best shipping solution for their specific needs.

BTW: Are there any success stories or anecdotes you’d like to share?

JD: I love helping businesses find cost-savings opportunities where it’s least expected! For example, helping bookstores reduce inbound shipping costs by taking control of their vendor shipments. It’s easy to identify ways to lower costs on outbound orders, but finding a strategy to save on received shipments is often overlooked.

BTW: PartnerShip has been partnering with ABA for several years now. Is there anything unique you've noticed about working with our booksellers? Or anything in particular that prompted PartnerShip to partner with us?

JD: So many booksellers are operating within smaller businesses that have limited time and resources. The need and want to optimize operations is there, but often many members need guidance and expert advice. It’s been awesome helping many bookstores develop e-commerce shipping solutions as they’ve moved from brick and mortar stores to include the online retail space. 

BTW: How long have you been with PartnerShip? What's something you like about working for them? 

JD: I’m approaching 10 years with PartnerShip! I started out my career on the front lines as a sales representative and over time, developed my skill expertise enough to take on bigger roles like that of a Marketing Program Manager. I find this role in particular both challenging and rewarding because I get to use my two strongest skill sets: the creative and analytical side of my marketing mind while also focusing on my interpersonal relationships with our association contacts.

BTW: Are you a big reader? If so, do you have any book recommendations for us? Anything you’ve loved lately?

JD: I love reading. There’s nothing better than a rainy day, cozy blanket, cup of tea, and a book. In honor of spooky season, I’m currently reading The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones. While I typically don’t do a lot of horror novels, he injects such humor into his writing — especially from the perspective of his reluctant/anti-heroes. You really get to know and root for the characters. (Which I suppose is necessary in a horror story!)

Visit the PartnerShip page on BookWeb to learn more about PartnerShip and enroll in the program!