Compendium ordering — one-time setup

Let's keep your Compendium orders flowing.

Compendium orders now go through Penguin Random House's ordering system, so there's a one-time account to set up before your next order. This quick guide gets you ready so the paperwork takes about five minutes instead of eating your afternoon.

⏱️ About 5 minutes · Your worksheet stays on your device

First things first

The surest way in is to just set up your account.

Even if you've ordered through Penguin Random House before, that account often isn't current — and there's no simple way to tell. Completing the one-time application is the sure way to be set up for Compendium. It only takes a few minutes, and I'll get you ready for it.

Before you start a new application

Let's make sure you're not doubling up.

If your PRH account is still active, you can just keep ordering — no new application needed. A quick call confirms it, and you don't need your account number.

Confirm your PRH account is active

Call PRH New Accounts — tell them you order Compendium and want to confirm your account.

1-866-761-6685

Would rather I check with you? Text or call me — I do this with retailers all the time.

Payment method

How do you want to pay for orders?

Your choice decides what you'll need for the application — so pick the one you'll actually want. Switching later means a whole new application.

Not sure which to choose? The PRH application lets you pick. Want to talk it through first? Text AmyFay: 865-217-6790.

Your prep worksheet

Let's get your details down.

Fill in what you have. It saves as you go and lands on a sheet you can print, copy, or email to yourself — so it's all in front of you when you start the real application.

🏷️ Business identity

Your Legal Business Name

Use it exactly the same way everywhere — and make sure it matches your tax documents (including LLC, Inc., Corp.).

Use consistently

ABC Gifts, LLC
ABC Gifts, LLC
ABC Gifts, LLC

Avoid variations

ABC Gifts
ABC Gifts LLC
ABC Gift Shop

💳 For prepay

Have a credit card ready to put on file.
Your state resale certificate goes in with the application — not after. More on that next.

🔒

This worksheet stays on your device. It's saved in this browser so you can print or copy it for the application — nothing here is sent anywhere. (The one exception is the resale-certificate step coming up, where you choose to send me your details.)

A few things worth knowing

Before you hit submit.

Quick heads-ups so nothing catches you off guard.

🧾 Your resale / tax-exemption certificate

Every new PRH account opens as taxable until your state resale certificate is on file — and the application doesn't ask for it. That's the single thing that holds accounts up, and it's why stores get charged sales tax on their first order.

So let's not make it homework. Give me a few details and I'll fill in the right form for your state and send it back to you — usually all that's left is your okay.

Business legal name

Business address

Which state are you registered in?

Different states use different forms — this tells me which one you need.

State sales tax / resale number

On your state registration letter. Don't have it handy? Send the rest and I'll find it.

Your name and title

Where should I send it back?

Phone (optional)

Sends your details straight to me — no email app needed. I'll come back to you with the completed form, and nothing gets filed until you tell me to go ahead.

Prefer to handle it yourself?

I have Tennessee and Kentucky ready to download, already filled in with PRH's information. Email yours to newaccount@penguinrandomhouse.com or fax 1-866-924-1396, at the same time as your application. In any other state, use the form above and I'll send you the right one.

Already have your state's certificate?

Send it to me and I'll check it before it goes in. States fill in their half and stop — so the part that gets a certificate rejected is almost always the bottom: authorized representative, the resale reason box, printed name, signature, and date.

Whatever state you're in, the form above works — I'll send in the right one. Rather talk it through? 865-217-6790

↩️ Returnable vs. non-returnable

The PRH application asks you to pick one, and they carry different discounts. Here's what each means and what you'd pay:

Returnable

46% off retail

on hardcover and trade paperback

Unsold copies can be returned to PRH for credit, within their return window.

Non-returnable

50% off retail

across the board

Unsold copies can't be returned — they stay with you.

PRH's published schedule: non-returnable is 50% off retail value. Returnable is 46% off hardcover and trade paperback, 44% off mass market, and 50% off audio. Some exceptions apply.

Worth knowing before you pick

Your choice holds for the whole calendar year. An account is set to either returnable or non-returnable terms — it isn't something you switch order to order, and changing it means going through your rep.

Not sure which to choose? I'm here to help — call or text AmyFay at 865-217-6790.

Submitting isn't instant approval. The PRH New Accounts team reviews first — usually 3–5 business days once they have everything.
Watch your email (including spam/junk). PRH emails if they need more info and when you're approved — reply quickly so nothing stalls.
Send your tax certificate with the application. If PRH doesn't have it, your account is set up as taxable and you'll be charged sales tax on your first order.
Answer the "prior or associated accounts" question with every name you've ever traded under. PRH searches by name — an old DBA, a parent company, a former address. Missing one is how an application goes missing for weeks.
Keep the attachments on your replies to PRH, and expect them to run 3–4 business days behind.
Some shops are also asked for a Residential Shipping Address form — no worries if so.

You're ready ✦ Readiness sheet

Everything you need, in one place.

Print it, copy it, or email it to yourself — then start your application with it right beside you.

Remember on the form

Use your Legal Business Name the same way everywhere, matching your tax docs.
New account approval typically takes 3–5 business days.
Send your state resale certificate with the application, or the account opens taxable.
Watch your email — including spam — after you apply.

What happens next

1

Complete your PRH account application

The button below takes you straight there.

2

Watch for updates from PRH New Accounts

By email — reply promptly if they need anything.

3

Send your state resale certificate — at the same time

To newaccount@penguinrandomhouse.com or fax 1-866-924-1396. Without it your account opens taxable. Easiest route: let me fill it in for you, one step back.

Start my PRH application ↗