Have you been wondering how to support bookstores online? And why? These questions are especially important after experiencing the Coronavirus pandemic, when independent bookstores, like so many other businesses, were struggling to stay afloat.
This post explains exactly why independent bookstores matter so much and provides the easiest way to support them online—no matter where you live or whether you can leave the house.
Why Independent Bookstores Matter
Independent bookstores matter because they:
- Stimulate the local economy
- Provide local jobs
- Pay local taxes
- Contribute to the local community
- Provide personal service
- Offer local events
- Give us somewhere to go
- Foster unique specialties
- Publicize lesser-known and/or local books
How to Support Independent Bookstores Online
To support independent bookstores online, simply visit the Bookshop.org website!
Bookshop.org is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. Their robust website makes a vast online presence accessible to small stores.
By the way, audiobooks can be purchased on Bookshop.org through a partnership with Libro.fm, a monthly audiobook subscription that is basically the same as competitors (a monthly fee for one audiobook credit per month; 30% off additional purchases; cancel anytime). It’s one of my favorite places to buy books online!
When you shop at Bookshop.org, 10% of regular website sales are added to an earnings pool that is evenly divided and distributed to independent bookstores. You can also find a bookstore on Bookshop.org’s map and that specific bookstore will receive the profit from your order.
Additionally, bookstores affiliated with Bookshop.org earn 30% of the cover price on any sales they generate through their links, without having to do the leg work of managing inventory and customer service.
(Of note, 30% of the cover price is the entire profit margin. Bookshop.org does not earn any money off of bookstore sales.)
At checkout, Bookshop.org will tell you exactly how much your order is earning for independent bookstores.
Of note, books tend to cost more through independent bookstores, as do most local services. However, you can often find comparable prices on books, and you can look at the extra money as a donation to a valuable service.
Conclusion
Now that you know why independent bookstores matter and how to support independent bookstores online, start shopping at Bookshop.org today.
Your independent bookstores appreciate you!
