How to Become a Book Supplier to an Online Bookstore
Sales at online bookstores were on the rise in 2010, with Amazon, Borders and Barnes & Noble reporting transactions of more than $14.3 billion, according to the Foner Books website. That was up from nearly $13.5 billion the previous year, and sales increased even as Borders went into bankruptcy. Despite these up and downs, a supplier to an online bookstore has the potential to reach a wide market.
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Instructions
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Call and look around for libraries and bookstores that are closing and want to purge their inventory, so you can get books at a bargain. Look for sales and buy books in bulk, as you will get them for less and get a discount on shipping fees. Share your contact information with book lovers, librarians, and bookstore owners and employees so they can alert you when there is a sale or a store closing.
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Make a budget for your book purchases and operating costs by estimating your total expenses and profits. Estimate the amount you will pay for utilities such as Internet, electricity and telephone bills for your office location. Your office could be a rental facility or a room in your house.
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Download and install inventory monitoring software such as Data Crow, Book Tracker or DV Book Manager 1.5. These help you price books based on ISBN and UBN codes. The software will also help you catalog and manage your books.
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Contact online bookstores such as Fishpond World, Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million to inform them of your book supplies and negotiate your prices and terms of business. Sign a written agreement before you send your books to them. Ask them to mail a contract, which both of you will sign. Persist in your search for clients, as not everyone will agree to buy from you on the first offer.
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Tips & Warnings
Make your name known. When people know you, they will seek you out for your services.
Be patient. Much like anything in the services industry, reputation is key.
Books fluctuate in value. What seems valuable might not stay that way.
References
Resources
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