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Sending Books and Magazines to PWCC: Approved Vendors, Size Limits, and Why Amazon Often Won't Work

• 2 min read • idoc.idaho.gov
Sending Books and Magazines to PWCC: Approved Vendors, Size Limits, and Why Amazon Often Won't Work

PWCC only accepts publications shipped directly from the publisher or an Idaho DOC–approved vendor. The package must also include a receipt or invoice. This "direct from the source + paperwork in the box" rule is the biggest reason books and magazines get rejected. Friends and family order something online with good intentions, but it arrives without an invoice - or it's clearly coming from an unapproved sender.

Heads up: If the shipment doesn’t include a receipt/invoice, or it’s sent from someone who isn’t the publisher or an approved vendor, it will likely be refused.

Here's a common snag: Amazon isn't an approved vendor for sending publications to PWCC. Even for something simple like a paperback or magazine subscription, ordering through Amazon means the package gets treated as coming from an unapproved retailer. High chance of rejection.

Tip: Even when a listing mentions a publisher, if the order is billed or fulfilled by a retailer that isn’t approved, the package may be handled as coming from that retailer and refused.

PWCC has physical limits on books too. They must be softcover and no larger than 11 inches long, 8 1/2 inches wide, and 3 inches thick. New or used - doesn't matter. Double-check the edition and dimensions before ordering, especially for textbooks, workbooks, or large-print versions that tend to run bigger.

Quick check: Hardcover books or oversized books are likely to be refused under the softcover and size requirements.

Sending Books and Magazines to PWCC: Approved Vendors, Size Limits, and Why Amazon Often Won't Work

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  • ✓ Order directly from the publisher or an Idaho DOC–approved vendor.
  • ✓ Confirm the seller is currently approved before you buy (approval status can change).
  • ✓ Choose softcover books only, and keep them within 11 inches (L) x 8 1/2 inches (W) x 3 inches (thick).
  • ✓ Make sure a receipt or invoice is included with the shipment.
  • ✓ Avoid Amazon for PWCC publications right now since it’s not an approved vendor at this time.

If something gets rejected, check the two most common causes first: the sender wasn't the publisher or an approved vendor, or the package didn't include a receipt/invoice. Your next step is practical - contact the publisher or vendor about a replacement or refund, then check with PWCC about what to change for the next attempt (like using a different approved source).

Best way to avoid delays: Confirm vendor approval and book dimensions before you place the order, and make sure the receipt/invoice will be included in the shipment.

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