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eCommerce & eBooks: IndieCommerce and Kobo
Websites, social media, ebooks--bookselling is expanding thanks to evolving digital opportunities. Brick and mortar stores, the connective tissue of the community, now have unprecendented opportunities to serve their customers, and encourage discovery and the exchange of ideas.
As reading and shopping habits change, and indie customers increasingly embrace online shopping and digital reading, independent retailers are changing as well, and meeting their customers' needs where and how they read and buy. ABA developed two programs to assist its members in the digital realm: IndieCommerce websites, and a partnership with Canadian company, Kobo, for eReading.
Show IndieCommerce Summary
IndieCommerce is the American Booksellers Association’s
e-commerce platform for independent bookstores. It was designed to enable ABA member bookstores to replicate online the unique characteristics of their physical stores.
IndieCommerce provides the tools for indie bookstores to create unique, content-rich, and easy-to-operate, fully transactional ecommerce websites. IndieCommerce stores can sell print books, ebooks, and the store’s specialty items, all supported by ABA’s experienced development and customer service team.
IndieCommerce is available to any ABA member bookstore, whether brick and mortar or online-only. The cost is $175 per month, and includes:
- Hosting services
- A title database of more than 5 million print books
- Search integration with the Kobo database of 3.5 million eBooks
- Customizable look and feel
- Intuitive book search and shopping cart capabilities
- Search engine optimized URLs
- Synchronized in-store inventory
- An unlimited number of content pages
Please visit the FAQs, New Users Guide, Live Sites, and Help Desk for more information, or email staff@bookweb.org
Show Kobo eReading Summary
In 2012 ABA partnered with global company Kobo to bring its eReading platform to independent bookstores across the United States. All ABA member bookstores can participate in the Kobo program, and offer their customers a full line of eReaders, eReading accessories, and eBooks from Kobo’s catalog of nearly three million titles. ABA members share in the revenue on every sale. The program also includes training for booksellers, in-store merchandising materials and designs, plus marketing, sales, and logistics support.
Ingram Content Group is the exclusive distributor of Kobo eReaders and accessories for ABA members. For more information about Ingram distribution, bookstores should contact their Ingram sales representative or Ingram Customer Care at 1-800-937-8000 or customerservice@ingramcontent.com. Stores that are not currently Ingram customers should contact Ingram at newaccounts@ingramcontent.com or at 1-800-937-0152.
For a list of ABA members participating in the Kobo eReading program click here.
Getting started with Kobo eReading is a three-step process:
1.Download the Kobo Participation Agreement and return a signed copy via fax to 914-417-4013 or scan and email it to kobosupport@bookweb.org.
2.Read the Kobo Brand Guidelines, Retail MAPP Policy, and Content Guidelines.
3.Email a web-ready logo, following these guidelines, to kobosupport@bookweb.org.
Please note: the Kobo eReading Program and resources are available to ABA bookstore members only. Join now to get started.
Kobo Sales Tools and Product Information
Download sales tools and product information.
Kobo eReading DIY Materials
Download Kobo eReading DIY for in-store and online.