Direct Book Sales are Trending for Good Reasons
Sell Your Book Directly to Increase Profit Margins
Today, there are several ways to sell your self-published book, but only one is trending: direct book sales. Selling books directly to consumers can quickly increase your profit margin and improve customer service, especially when you choose the right printer and book fulfillment partner to pack and ship your orders.
Direct-to-consumer book sales are a hit because they cut out print-on-demand companies that can slow things down or distributors (aka “the middlemen”), who cut into your profits. Self-published authors deserve better compensation and happier customers; direct sales help achieve it.
Boost Your Book’s Profitability and Sell Smarter
One of the best ways to understand why direct book sales may be the key to success is to consider the numbers. For example, reliable publishing industry data indicates a ten-fold increase in books published annually between 2005 and 2024. However, sales have remained relatively stable.
- Many self-publishers are questioning whether it’s worth trying to distribute their books in traditional bookselling channels.
If you have a way to achieve visibility for your book, such as a significant social media following, active email list, or highly visited website or blog, you may already have what it takes to sell your book directly. You can take online orders from your own website or use Amazon Marketplace or a similar service.
When you sell books directly, you control all parts of the process, including book printing and fulfillment service. Nothing replaces directly connecting with your consumers, enjoying upselling opportunities, and retaining their contact information for future marketing programs.
The “Extras” of Directly Selling Books
- Make your brand image more distinct. Your brand is tied to the seller when you sell through online, brick-and-mortar, and print-on-demand retailers. It’s easy to be overshadowed and become more of a content producer than a branded author.
- Build relationships with book buyers. Your website or online marketplace listings put you in direct contact with customers—things you control. This is a gateway to brand loyalty.
- Give customers options—customers love options. Find a book fulfillment company with the logistics expertise to provide options such as autographed copies and gift wrapping. It’s also smart to find full-service book printing so you have trim size, binding, and cover stock choices.
- Broaden your sales reach. Direct sales with online ordering allows people to buy books when in-person shopping isn’t possible. You can also sell books internationally to grow your bottom line.
- Upsell and remarket to loyal customers. If someone buys your product from a retailer, you don’t necessarily get their data for marketing. You can add their information to your database when they buy books directly.
The Customer Satisfaction Benefits Also Matter
It’s well understood that customers enjoy interacting with authors and brands. Social selling is on the rise, and customers feel valued (and excited) when you interact with them on social media — adding a personal touch makes direct sales more welcoming to prospects.
Direct bookselling also means you have copies in stock and ready to ship. When your book fulfillment house runs low, they can advise you to order a print run to replenish supplies. Retailers and distributors may provide similar functions but rarely react as quickly as you will directly.
Lastly, consumers frequently enjoy the best customer experience and support directly from you. They aren’t beholden to a retailer; you can better assist them with questions or issues.
Direct-to-Consumer Book Sales: Ready to Start?
If you’re ready to try direct-to-consumer book sales to boost your profits and customer satisfaction scores, our Acutrack team is ready to help. Call by phone or contact us online for more information about our book printing and fulfillment services. You can quickly connect our service to any eCommerce platform.
- Nothing compares to the ability to control your sales and customer relationships directly. You can set your price and profit from the sales.
We’ll help you offer low-cost shipping with expedited options and provide real-time tracking information for every book order – all for a surprisingly low price. You’ll see your sales and profits grow as you win new customers and build relationships with them. It’s no wonder why “going direct” is trending.
