PubEasy^® Offers UK Batch Returns

Beyond Linking Batch Invoice Services, PubEasy Integrates
Batch Returns for Members in the UK Marketplace

New Providence, N.J. USA – October 6, 2004 - PubEasy, the 24/7 online customer self-service center built to further supply chain efficiency in the global book industry, is pleased to announce the integration of Batch Web Returns service.

This development further links the two services and offers booksellers greater speed and efficiency of use. From mid October, users of PubEasy will be able to link directly into the Batch Returns service.

Developed from the industry returns initiative, Batch Returns offers an online channel for retailers to electronically submit return requests and receive back authorisation of those requests within hours.

Integration of the PubEasy and Batch services started last year and PubEasy members can already connect to the Batch website for quick access to invoice information and invoice payment options via active links located on PubEasy navigational bars. The ongoing development of integration automates logins between the two services and directly links PubEasy and Batch members to related order and invoice information from either service.

Fraser Tanner, Managing Director of Batch explains, "Collaboration between two e-commerce services can only benefit everyone. The sum of the two systems will be greater than the individual parts."

Continuing the theme of the one-stop shop for retailers in the global book trade, PubEasy and Batch are now working on expanding the use of Batch into other international markets.

Liz McNaughton, PubEasy European Sales Manager, said, “The integration with Batch significantly enhances the overall offering to booksellers.. We are very excited about this collaborative development of the two services and the cost benefit opportunities it offers to all in the supply chain.”

For retailers who would like to become a PubEasy member, registration is available on-line at no charge by visiting www.pubeasy.com. Batch Invoice and Return services are also offered to retailers free of charge and registration information is available online at www.batch.co.uk.

About PubEasy
PubEasy is a division of R.R. Bowker, with over 16,000 booksellers in 110 countries representing thousands of imprints. PubEasy offers publishers, distributors and wholesalers exposure to a large universe of potential clients, while increasing the ease with which booksellers can conduct business with their suppliers. Visit the PubEasy website at www.pubeasy.com.

About Batch
The batch.co.uk service is wholly owned by The Booksellers Association of the UK and Ireland. The system has been designed to help the book trade reduce overheads in the supply chain by improving communication between suppliers and their customers and providing organisations of all sizes the opportunity of the advantages of trading electronically.

Batch provides a single payment solution. Booksellers make a single payment that covers payments to all their suppliers. Suppliers receive a single payment from all their customers. Visit the Batch website at www.batch.co.uk.