Affinity Programs

FedEx and UPS are increasing envelope and small package shipping rates for 2011, according to PartnerShip, the provider of ABA’s Discount Shipping Program.

LIBRIS Business Insurance has announced the winners of its giveaway contest, held last month at BookExpo America in New York City.

 LIBRIS, the ABA insurance program, now provides member bookstore owners and their spouses with valuable Identity Fraud Expense protection from Travelers Insurance.

At the end of May, rebate checks were mailed to ABA member bookstores that participated in the Constant Contact affinity program between April 30, 2009, and April 30, 2010.

Internet sales are integral to many bookstores' operations, and LIBRIS (League of Independent Book Retailer Insurance Services) understands that. Following last month's Winter Institute, where much of the focus was on how to promote online and e-book sales, several booksellers asked LIBRIS to clarify the coverage provided by ABA's insurance program.  LIBRIS was developed to provide specialized coverage tailored to protect bookstores -- and that means insuring against Internet operations liability.

FedEx and UPS increased their rates for 2010, effective January 4. FedEx Corporation has increased the net average shipping rate for FedEx Express by 3.9 percent (a 5.9 percent increase in standard list rates, offset by a 2.0 percent reduction in the fuel surcharge). The new rates apply to U.S. and U.S. export express package and freight shipments. The standard list rates for FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery are now an average of 4.9 percent higher.

Booksellers who enroll with PartnerShip, ABA's Discount Shipping Program provider, between now and the Fifth Annual Winter Institute, this February, will be able to ship books and other packages from the host hotel, the Doubletree San Jose, at significant savings. An enrollment form for those not already taking advantage of this free ABA member benefit is available here and in the December Red Box mailing.

In a joining of like minds, NPR and ABA have partnered to provide thoughtful bestsellers and unique book coverage to readers, both on NPR.org and IndieBound.org. Starting November 13, NPR Books will publish four bestseller lists weekly, using the Indie Bestseller List feeds. The categories to appear on the site are the Hardcover Fiction, Hardcover Nonfiction, Paperback Fiction and Paperback Nonfiction lists.

ABA members participating in the Constant Contact affinity program between April 30, 2008, and April 30, 2009, will soon begin receiving rebate checks. ABA is providing this rebate as an exclusive member service to stores that have registered for Constant Contact via BookWeb.org.

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