I managed two bookstores for B&N, one a smaller trade store, and the next one of the superstores. I just wanted to add something, if I may. Another advantage that the big stores have that many independents don't, which is the automatic re-ordering system. If a book is 'modeled' in my B&N, and it sells, my computer talks to the main B&N computer at night when it downloads all sales info, that computer informs the warehouse, and my replacement copy is automatically on my way, either from a B&N warehouse or (rarely) somebody like Ingram or Baker & Taylor.
I imagine some independent bookstores automatically track sales and spit out what books need to be re-ordered but I doubt that their computer automatically informs Ingram that said book should be re-ordered. And that means more hours spent by employees at the independent making sure that they restock the books that sell well.
no subject
Date: 11 Jan 2009 02:21 am (UTC)I managed two bookstores for B&N, one a smaller trade store, and the next one of the superstores. I just wanted to add something, if I may. Another advantage that the big stores have that many independents don't, which is the automatic re-ordering system. If a book is 'modeled' in my B&N, and it sells, my computer talks to the main B&N computer at night when it downloads all sales info, that computer informs the warehouse, and my replacement copy is automatically on my way, either from a B&N warehouse or (rarely) somebody like Ingram or Baker & Taylor.
I imagine some independent bookstores automatically track sales and spit out what books need to be re-ordered but I doubt that their computer automatically informs Ingram that said book should be re-ordered. And that means more hours spent by employees at the independent making sure that they restock the books that sell well.