Several years ago we (as SRM Publisher) spoke to the state of Maine's largest independent book and magazine distributor (which is closely related to one of the state's largest independent bookstores chains) about carrying our books and chapbooks. They were fine with the idea, as long as we cut them an extra break over wholesale and gave them a case or two of each to start. Right -- I had to just *give them* $2500 worth of books or so to prime the pump. Well, no, I didn't. I have an audience thanks, and if need be they can find us at the true independents.
"We are a bookshop. But we won't be selling books any more unless *you pay us to do it*".
Actually what they're really saying is "We won't be selling your books if we don't get them at the same price as the big discount store next does". And they do have something of a point there, even though the big stores will still be cheaper at the register since their overheads are lower and they don't depend on books for profit.
To keep track of this: At the bottom of each version of Google News is links to the other versions. (Forty of them, I think. Including a Spanish-language US edition; I'm waiting for the English-only militants to notice this....)
The story doesn't currently show up on the Australian edition. But if you go to advanced search, you can find what various news sources have said about it. And, if you like, you can set up a Google Alert for the topic.
I'm sure the other Australian chains are cheering them on (:
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(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-08 05:43 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-08 05:58 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-08 06:04 pm (UTC)Several years ago we (as SRM Publisher) spoke to the state of Maine's largest independent book and magazine distributor (which is closely related to one of the state's largest independent bookstores chains) about carrying our books and chapbooks. They were fine with the idea, as long as we cut them an extra break over wholesale and gave them a case or two of each to start. Right -- I had to just *give them* $2500 worth of books or so to prime the pump. Well, no, I didn't. I have an audience thanks, and if need be they can find us at the true independents.
So, sorry this is going on, but it has been.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-08 06:37 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-08 08:23 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-08 09:09 pm (UTC)Actually what they're really saying is "We won't be selling your books if we don't get them at the same price as the big discount store next does". And they do have something of a point there, even though the big stores will still be cheaper at the register since their overheads are lower and they don't depend on books for profit.
It will be interesting to see what happens here.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-08 09:22 pm (UTC)The story doesn't currently show up on the Australian edition. But if you go to advanced search, you can find what various news sources have said about it. And, if you like, you can set up a Google Alert for the topic.
I'm sure the other Australian chains are cheering them on (: