HarperCollins Launches E-Commerce Support Program for Retailers

HarperCollins has created a program that encourages retailers to use e-commerce tools to sell Harper print and e-book titles. The program directly benefits ABA IndieCommerce stores. In consideration of the monthly fee that a store pays for its e-commerce site, Harper is offering a one-time, $200 stipend per bill-to.

“We are pleased to offer this stipend in support of our accounts’ ongoing efforts to provide a vibrant e-commerce platform for their patrons,” said Josh Marwell, president of sales for HarperCollins.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for ABA member stores using IndieCommerce,” said ABA COO Len Vlahos. “Not only will you get the $200 stipend, but you’ll also receive a weekly merchandising e-mail that will help you better market and promote Harper titles to your customers. We’re grateful for HarperCollins’ generosity.”

Here are the details:

• This offer is only available to retail customers with open accounts with HarperCollins and who are in good credit standing.
• The retailer must have already signed up or sign up with an e-commerce provider no later than March 30, 2011.
• Proof of an agreement must be supplied to HarperCollins no later than April 30, 2011.
• Retailers agree to carry and prominently promote HarperCollins product on their site.
• Retailers agree to receive a weekly e-mail with merchandising and promotional ideas from HarperCollins for their e-commerce site.
• The $200 stipend will be in the form of a credit to the retailer’s statement account.
• Credits will be issued no later than May 30, 2011.

In order to sign up for the program and claim the $200 credit, stores need to send a copy of their IndieCommerce contract as well as their HarperCollins account number to:

Megan Hodnett
HarperCollins Publishers
10 E. 53^rd St.
New York, NY  10022
Megan.Hodnett@HarperCollins.com

ABA is currently in the process of scanning and e-mailing signed IndieCommerce contracts back to stores. All stores that signed an IndieCommerce contract prior to December 31 will receive an e-mail with a PDF of the fully executed contract no later than Friday, January 28, 2011.

HarperCollins sells e-books according to the agency model of publishing. Under this model, Harper sells the product to the end user and enlists the aid of an agent – a retailer – to facilitate that sale. This means that Harper sets the consumer price, and that all retailers – indies, corporate retailers, online-only retailers – sell the book at the same price. ABA strongly supports the agency model publishing of e-books.

IndieCommerce stores with questions about HarperCollins E-commerce Support Program should contact their Harper rep or ABA’s Vlahos.