IPR Announces the Launch of its Retailer Outreach Program!

[Ed Cha]

Indie Press Revolution (IPR) is now offering direct sales to RETAILERS!

Any brick-n-mortar retailer can order from us. You get 42% off and don't forget FREE shipping on all orders of $200 or more!

You can choose from any of our 18 members who have collectively published dozens of products, including:

Sorcerer
The Burning Wheel
Code of Unaris
The Shadow of Yesterday
The Mountain Witch
Capes
Polaris
Cursed Empire
Grim Tales
Slavelords of Cydonia
Dawning Star: Operation Quick Launch
Denizens of Avadnu
Fastlane!
Conspiracy of Shadows
Bulldogs!
World of Whitethorn
... and other great stuff!

To find out more, just click on the Retailers page at the IPR site.

I'm very excited about the growth of this partnership between IPR and Retailers!

 

[Ghostwind]

That's great Ed. But what about retailers who prefer to order only from a distributor such as Alliance? When can we expect you to get set up with them?

 

[HinterWelt]

Is that $200 retail or net?

 

[Justin D. Jacobson]

There's an old joke about the guy drowning in the middle of the ocean. He asks God to save him. A helicopter comes along, and the guy says: "No thanks; I believe God will save me." A little while later a boat comes along, and the guy says: "No thanks, I believe God will save me." After a little while longer, the guy tires out and drowns. When he gets up to heaven, he asks God: "I've always had faith in you; why didn't you save me?" And God replies: "Who do you think sent the helicopter and the boat?"

Not the best analogy in the world, and I'm certainly not comparing IPR to God (not even a little ), but... We've been hearing for quite some time about the difficulties of the brick-and-mortar game stores. Yet, so many of them seem so unwilling to try new methods to stop the bleeding. Stocking indie games is one way of doing that. A retailer can get products through IPR that simply can't be gotten anywhere else. That can be a powerful advantage in the marketplace. Oh heck, I'll beg every retailer try it for even a few months--enough time to get the word spread around--and see what happens. As propositions go, it's far less risky than plunging a gazillion dollars into Hecatomb.

In answer to your question, Steve, I'm not an IPR owner/manager--just a member. But my understanding is that the entire idea behind it was that the existing distribution model simply didn't work for the small-press publisher. On the one hand, we can't afford to sell to distributors at distributor discounts. On the other hand, we don't need to sell the sheer number of units that can only be accomplished through standard distribution to be successful. I think IPR (and certainly myself) have no illusions of doing the numbers that products in the standard distribution pipeline can do. However, if I can sell even a fraction of that to a number of forward-thinking stores, I'll call the program a success.

 

[Ghostwind]

In answer to your question, Steve, I'm not an IPR owner/manager--just a member. But my understanding is that the entire idea behind it was that the existing distribution model simply didn't work for the small-press publisher. On the one hand, we can't afford to sell to distributors at distributor discounts. On the other hand, we don't need to sell the sheer number of units that can only be accomplished through standard distribution to be successful. I think IPR (and certainly myself) have no illusions of doing the numbers that products in the standard distribution pipeline can do. However, if I can sell even a fraction of that to a number of forward-thinking stores, I'll call the program a success.

I understand what you are saying, Justin. And I agree to a certain extent.

But there are a lot of retail stores (including the one I work at) that will not order a product unless they can get it from a distributor (in our case, Alliance). If their distributor don't stock it, then the customer must look elsewhere because the store will have to pay for shipping on top of the cost of the product. If the store charges full retail cost of the product, they still eat the shipping because the customer is not about to pay full price for the book and shipping. Therefore, the amount of profit the store makes on that one book is not enough to hassle with. Retailers would rather pick up the phone and tell their distributor that they need the book added to their next order.

Additionally, the 42% discount IPR offers is less than what most stores get through distribution (which is now 45-47% depending on the store and manufacturer). It's one heck of an uphill battle to convince retailers to alter the way they do business.

 

[Justin D. Jacobson]

There' no denying that, Steve. But, keep in mind just how incremental the results need to be for it to be successful for the member companies (and the retailers for that part). March of the Penguins was a smash by its own standards and made a lot of money for its studio even though its total gate was paltry by summer blockbuster standards. If even 5% of the b&m retailers started using IPR, I think it would equate to dramatic results for the member companies. And I know we're on our way, as several retailers are already using IPR.

Uphill battle? Yes. But I'll take an uphill battle over a hopeless ground conflict in Southeast Asia any day.

 

[jmucchiello]

The IPR website should have a retailer locator page to make this even more worthwhile to potential retailers and customers. And it should be easier to read than the menu at the top of the page that is dark grey on black. (What's up with that?)

 

[HinterWelt]

Additionally, the 42% discount IPR offers is less than what most stores get through distribution (which is now 45-47% depending on the store and manufacturer). It's one heck of an uphill battle to convince retailers to alter the way they do business.

I have to stress this point. Retailers who are willing to take on indies may not balk at ordering direct (although some might) but they will not be pleased and order far less with a discount of 42%. That is well below what stores pay now at the worst (around 47-8% and most stores can get 50% if they order well and often). Couple that with an outrageous $200 (even if it is $100 net) and you are talking a lot of product that will not get a lot of turns.

Not saying that the program will not work but without changes I will not be advising the companies I work with to order. Sorry.

Bill

 

[Justin D. Jacobson]

I have to stress this point. Retailers who are willing to take on indies may not balk at ordering direct (although some might) but they will not be pleased and order far less with a discount of 42%. That is well below what stores pay now at the worst (around 47-8% and most stores can get 50% if they order well and often). Couple that with an outrageous $200 (even if it is $100 net) and you are talking a lot of product that will not get a lot of turns.

Not saying that the program will not work but without changes I will not be advising the companies I work with to order. Sorry.

Bill

No need to apologize, Bill. We all understand the economics involved--on both sides. I have no doubt that there are many retailers that feel exactly as you do. However, I also know first-hand that there are some who do not. Of course, the answer will lie in just how many of the latter there are.

 

[HinterWelt]

No need to apologize, Bill. We all understand the economics involved--on both sides. I have no doubt that there are many retailers that feel exactly as you do. However, I also know first-hand that there are some who do not. Of course, the answer will lie in just how many of the latter there are.

Justin,
No problem, just trying to understand the situation and terms. I honestly think you might get away with a lower discount if the minimum order was not so high.

As always, I wish you guys the best of luck.

Bill