Special Orders

We do our best to get materials for you quickly. Some publishers and materials take time, however, and we will do our best to give you a reasonable time frame for your order. Here are a few suggestions for placing a special order of books with us.

  1. Order early. Parishes usually need items quickly. In order to get your items on time and to ensure that we can provide you with the best possible deal, we recommend at least two weeks of lead time to process your order. We also recommend giving yourself a “need by” date. This will help us in our ordering process, as well.
  2. Add 10% to your order. We have found that typically speaking, groups tend to be larger than expected. For that reason, we encourage a 10% add to your definite order. For example, if 20 people have signed up for a group study, add 2 copies of your texts to your order. This will save you time and frustration.
  3. Have groups order through the parish. Do you have a book club at your parish? A study group with your ministry? Save time and energy, and money by ordering through De Sales. We can usually get your books in about a week. When billed through the parish, we continue to offer a discount.
  4. Pick it up on time. We want you to have your merchandise available when you need it. That’s why we ask you if you would like your items shipped or held. It’s also why we notify you (upon request) when your items arrive. If you decide it would be easier to have us ship, that’s okay! We’ll be happy to do so through Federal Express, our carrier. Just let us know.

Book Fairs

Book fairs are a great way to raise funds for your parish group and get Catholic materials into the hands of your parishioners. We can do these events almost any time of the year, allowing you a little flexibility. Although there are several ways of doing book fairs and fundraising efforts, we have a few tips for success.

  1. We’ll help you select the best materials. You tell us the specifics of the event (seasonal, type of materials you want, size and number of tables, duration of event, etc.), and we’ll help you choose merchandise.
  2. We’ll take stock. We inventory all items before they are picked up or shipped, and provide a list of everything you’re being sent. All you have to do is sell what you receive.
  3. Anything you don’t sell, return to us. We’ll check in the merchandise when it’s returned, then send you an invoice. You’ll know exactly what sold, which can help you plan future events. Plus, you get the standard discount (generally 20%, though some items are 10%).
  4. In or near Springfield? We can arrange times for pick-up and return. Because we are open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., we can usually fit your schedule.
  5. Not near Springfield? We can still make it work. We can ship merchandise to you at the parish. You are responsible for shipping costs back to us.

Call us for more information or to set up a book fair for your parish group.

Parish Gift Stores

Similar to a Book Fair, but without the hassle of returns. If you have a gift store already, contact us to help you in providing quality merchandise for your parishioners. If you need ideas, we’re happy to help. Because we offer a 20% discount on most merchandise, parishes often find it beneficial to order through De Sales Catholic Bookstore.