ABACUS Help Available at BEA

ABA member booksellers who have questions about participating in the 2007 ABACUS survey, and those who would like help completing the online form, can still set up appointments to meet with David Walker at this year's BookExpo America. Walker will be available from Friday, June 1, through Sunday, June 3, in ABA's Book Sense Lounge, Room 1E07 - 1E08 of the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Booksellers who would like to review their store's financial performance with Walker are encouraged to submit financial data now. Walker will also help booksellers who need assistance completing the ABACUS survey.

Each ABA member bookstore participating in the study will receive a customized report with detailed analysis of their store's financial results; comparisons with other stores based on more than 20 different criteria; an executive summary of the study's key findings; key insights into the drivers of independent bookstore profitability; year-to-year trends data; and opportunities to participate in ancillary studies -- all tools that can be used to evaluate and improve a store's financial performance.

The closing date for booksellers to submit data for this year's survey is August 15, 2007. Booksellers who submit completed surveys by that date will receive a $50 rebate off their ABA dues.

To make it easier for booksellers to participate this year, the ABACUS survey also allows participants to download an Excel spreadsheet that they can use to organize the information from their financial statements so that it matches the categories on the ABACUS form. For most booksellers, completing the survey takes no more than an hour or so, and all information provided is kept strictly confidential.

A number of the key findings from last year's study are available to all ABA bookstore members in the 2006 ABACUS Review, which ABA CEO Avin Mark Domnitz presented at the ABACUS Lunch at this year's Winter Institute.

Questions about the ABACUS study should be directed to Walker at [email protected] or (800) 637-0037, ext. 6612.