Quote:
Originally Posted by zerospinboson
I'm not really sure I agree, here. As I understand it, in the paper world, retailers get about 50% of the price. If hardcovers cost 25$, that leaves roughly 13$.
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Where did you get your numbers? As a former independent bookseller, 50% cover discount was rare. Only Distributors and large chains qualified for the above schedule rates.
For many publishers, there is no single discount rate.
There are multiple "Schedules", some based upon your business classification (Bookstore, Museum store, College book store...)
Some Schedules base the price tier upon Dollar amount, others by piece count of the same book
class. Ordering "Non-Returnable" may give a larger discount if you can sell all of the title
Most book stores pay the shipping (worked out to be 5-10% of order dollars for me).
So, unless you can order hundreds of copies, or getting the "Show Special" at a Booksellers Convention, the chances of an independent getting above 40% are slim.
40% - 10% - 30% gross margin
Out of that, comes the Rent-Utilities, Wages, Credit Card fees, Taxes (other than VAT/Sales).
Do enough volume and you might qualify for a Publishers Co-Op advertising program.
My numbers were for direct publisher purchases. Buying from distribution centers like Ingram result in different rates (and reduced selection)