Shortly after I left for vacation, a reader asked:
Is it safe to assume that if you print a POD book via LSI, you can set whatever discount you want between 55% to 20% off and Amazon will list it regardless of what you choose–and even if you don’t go through the Amazon Advantage program? Also, will B&N.com also list everything LSI offers, regardless of discount? Are all LSI printed titles, regardless of the discount one lists “eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25″ on Amazon?
First, yes, I believe it is safe to assume that Amazon will list anything available through Ingram. Therefore, if you take Ingram distribution from LSI, and set any discount that they allow, you are likely to be listed on Amazon.
I suspect that B&N.com does the same.
And last, if I understand Amazon’s terms on the SuperSaver option, your books will be included, as long as the customer purchases through Amazon itself and not a Marketplace reseller.
There is a kicker, though. If you don’t give LSI and Ingram enough of a discount so that they can give Amazon a good discount, then your books will not be discounted. Since most books on Amazon are discounted, this means that you will be competing at a disadvantage.
Truly, though, if you’re interested in selling via Amazon, you need to look at Aaron Shephard’s book Aiming at Amazon here.
You might also want to check in on Aaron’s blog, here. He continually conducts experiments to try to understand Amazon’s evolving discounting and pricing strategies.