Affinity Programs

Both FedEx and UPS have recently announced an increase in their rates on ground and air shipments, effective January 3, 2005. According to PartnerShip, which offers a money-saving small-package shipping program exclusively for members of the American Booksellers Association, rates for FedEx Ground and UPS Ground shipments will increase an average of 2.9 percent, and a fuel surcharge, based on a fuel index that will vary from week to week, will be implemented.

LIBRIS (League of Independent Book Retailer Insurance Services), the insurance company created by ABA for the benefit of independent booksellers, has announced that it will soon be distributing dividends to participants in the program. Dividends to be distributed to ABA members are determined by a percentage of premiums paid on Business Owner Package and Workers' Compensation policies written from July 2002 through June 2003. Dividends distributed to non-ABA participants are equal to a smaller percentage of these premiums. Dividend checks will be mailed shortly.

Due to a recent rate change by the Visa and MasterCard associations, Bank of America Merchant Services has increased its rates for credit card transactions by 0.11 percent, effective April 1. The rate for ABA members participating in the ABA/Bank of America credit card program has risen to 2.07 percent from 1.96 percent. All bookstores participating in the program should have received notice of this increase from Bank of America.

Contrary to the adage about the old dog and new tricks, even seasoned, longtime booksellers can learn something that improves their businesses. Take Eric Wilska, owner of The Bookloft in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and president of the New England Booksellers Asscociation: After purchasing business insurance from a private carrier for the past 30 years, he recently switched to ABA's LIBRIS, because, Wilska explained, "I saved a third of the cost for comparable coverage."

By Richard Poling, Program Director of LIBRIS According to a June 23, 2003, New York Times article, "Nationwide, the average cost of workers' compensation insurance has risen 50 percent in the last three years." Depending on where you are located, that percentage could actually be far greater, or possibly less. For instance, California is now in a crisis where carriers have continually adopted at least 30 percent annual increases (cumulatively over 100 percent) since before 2000.

LIBRIS, ABA's insurance subsidiary, recently sent ABA bookstore members who are not currently LIBRIS policyholders an invitation to meet with a representative during BookExpo America (May 28 - June 1 in Los Angeles). Qualifying booksellers who meet with a LIBRIS representative at BEA to discuss a no-obligation quote will receive two tickets for one of the trade show's author breakfasts.

LIBRIS, ABA's insurance subsidiary, is inviting bookstore members who are not currently LIBRIS policyholders to meet with a representative during BookExpo America (May 28 - June 1 in Los Angeles). Qualifying booksellers will be sent an e-mail including a request form for an appointment at BEA to discuss a no-obligation quote. Every bookseller who meets with a LIBRIS representative at BEA will receive two tickets for one of the trade show's author breakfasts.

As a result of a change in underwriter, LIBRIS insurance policyholders are receiving a "Notice of Nonrenewal of Insurance" from Fireman's Fund Insurance regarding their business owners package and workers' compensation coverage. "There is no reason for concern," said Michael Hoynes, ABA marketing officer.

This past May, the American Bookseller Association's insurance program, LIBRIS, launched its new publisher's liability insurance program at BookExpo America in New York City. According to Publishers Program Manager Patrick Haller, LIBRIS offers a competitively priced and comprehensive policy that is underwritten by Philadelphia Insurance Companies. "Just as we did for independent booksellers, we have created a package of coverage based on the specific needs of independent publishers," said Haller.

By Richard Poling, LIBRIS Program Manager Many bookstores today are facing substantial increases in property and casualty business insurance costs. While costs remained steady throughout the 1990s, in early 2000 this situation began a dramatic change.