Dear Booksellers,

If you’ve got time for just six takeaways this week, here they are:

October is the new December: We’ve launched a new campaign to help stores encourage customers to buy early and buy local. Download the “October is the New December” designs from BookWeb.org. These come in a variety of options: posters, social media images, web banners, and more.

Nominate, Nominate, Nominate: We want every single bookseller out there to nominate a colleague or themselves to serve on the ABA Board of Directors. Nominations are due by October 30. All you have to do is answer two questions: In what capacity have you known and/or worked with this candidate? What talents or experiences do you believe this person would bring to the ABA Board?

The Fourth Quarter: Are you ready? Here are a few ways to prepare:

• Read ABA’s list of “What to Know and What to Do,” Part I and Part II.
• Check out the “Top 10 Things to Know About…” series. Attend a webinar, watch the recordings, or read the key takeaways. Remaining topics include leveraging customer and sales data, ABA’s fall marketing campaign, creating profitable virtual events, and successful bookselling in 2020.
• Attend an upcoming IndieCommerce webinar to get your site ready for a busy online shopping season.

Crowdcast and Eventbrite Discounts:

• Virtual event platform Crowdcast is offering ABA member booksellers 20 percent off for 12 months. New and existing Crowdcast customers are both eligible. Log into BookWeb to access the special discount link or the discount code.
• Eventbrite event management and ticketing service is offering ABA member booksellers special pricing on ticket sales. Log into BookWeb to learn more and fill out the form to get the discount.

IndieCommerce Credit Card Migration: Stores that have not switched over to their own credit card merchant account by October 22 will be charged a 4.5 percent service fee plus the new 1 percent commission. We really need you to make the change and we’re happy to help. See an FAQ about migrating here and instructions for setting up an account here.

Sales & Bestseller List Reporting: Today is the final day to sign up for ABA’s webinar on “Why Sales and Bestseller List Reporting Is Vital in 2020,” to be presented on September 29 and October 2. The first half of the event will look at what reporting means, how to report, and what to report when it comes to the Indie Bestseller and New York Times bestseller lists. Afterward, booksellers will join breakout groups based on their POS vendor to talk with fellow booksellers about how best to report through their system.

ABA is here for all of you. Please reach out if there is anything we can help with. Members can contact me directly, or email the Membership, Advocacy, or IndieCommerce teams.

Best,
Allison