Quote:
Originally Posted by Elfwreck
Apple wanted its ibookstore; it coordinated the efforts and negotiations. The publishers didn't come to Apple and say, "so, give us this agency pricing deal;" Apple offered it, and helped them sort out how to force it on other retailers.
Apple, I expect, wanted the clickthrough accounting system more than anything else--they didn't want to have to sort out different books' wholesale-vs-retail pricing, didn't want to deal with bargains and how that changed the numbers. Wanted a simple percentage and no hassles--but knew that couldn't compete with other bookstores.
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Actually, as revealed in Judge Cote's decision, Hachette and Harper Collins went to Apple first to try and establish Agency model. Apple intended to use the wholesale model for ebooks (similar to their other media products) but was then told about Amazon's pricing method. Apple opposed selling ebooks below cost.
As an aside, Hachette and HC previously tried to get B&N to go Agency.