IndieCommunication: A Low-Cost E-Commerce Alternative and More

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version

IndeCommunication logoThe March 10 edition of IndieCommunication, the newsletter for IndieCommerce stores, included information about IndieLite, one-on-one sessions at Children’s Institute, and more.

IndieLite

IndieLite, the new e-commerce platform being developed by the American Booksellers Association, is a web solution for stores without time or resources to maintain a full-featured IndieCommerce site.

IndieLite’s features will include a mobile-friendly design, an events calendar, and, based on bookseller input, in-store fulfillment and pick-up.

A list of IndieLite’s current features and a comparison with those of IndieCommerce can be found at IndieLite.org. Some IndieLite features may be added or removed as testing and development progresses.

The subscription cost will be $50 per month; there is no sign-up fee. Stores must be ABA members in good standing to subscribe.

To find out whether IndieLite or IndieCommerce is right for your store, call Scott Nafz at (914) 406-7554 or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Graphic depicting a one on one sessionOne-on-One Sessions at Children’s Institute

Booksellers can also learn more about IndieLite and IndieCommerce at one-on-one meetings with IndieCommerce staff at the upcoming ABC Children’s Institute in Portland, Oregon. All one-on-one sessions will be held in the Glisan Room at the Red Lion Hotel on the River – Jantzen Beach. Ci5 attendance is not required to meet with IndieCommerce staff. Appointments are currently being accepted for Wednesday, April 5; Thursday, April 6; and Friday, April 7. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Allow Customers to Browse Categories That You Select

An update to the IndieCommerce “browse by category” feature allows stores to select and highlight specific BISAC categories. Stores can also hide BISAC categories and they will not be displayed on the website. Customers can still find books from all categories on the store’s site by using the search function. More information on the change to “browse by category” feature is available here.

Sketch of a postmanMedia Mail/Economy Mail Orders Eligible for Ingram Fulfillment

Any shipping quote on an IndieCommerce site with an option of USPS Media Mail, Media Mail, or Economy Mail is eligible for Ingram fulfillment. Ingram refers to this as Economy Mail (3–9 Day). Delivery confirmation is included with the respective shipping option.

More information on shipping quotes is available here, or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Booksellers’ thoughts, questions, or suggestions are welcome at [email protected].


Past editions of IndieCommunication are available here.