Just in case you had been wondering, we thought we should let you know that another viaLibri Virtual Showcase will be happening again soon. Preparations have already begun.
When we first began back in December we weren’t at all certain how booksellers and collectors would respond to seeing yet another virtual event claiming space on their already crowded calendars. Now that much helpful feedback has been received we are ready to apply our lessons to showcase number 4.
After our third showcase, we heard a similar concern from several booksellers: “I love your website, but what if I don’t sell anything?” It’s a fair worry. Trying a new sales channel involves risk, especially when dealing with rare or specialized items that need patience and effort to sell. That feedback set us to thinking: What could we do to eliminate the risk?
To answer the question we decided to try something different. At our next showcase you will only have to pay $75 to be an exhibitor and will be able to display up to 60 books for sale.
The twist? If nothing sells, that’s all you will pay. Only when you actually sell something do we charge a small commission (4-10%), invoiced after the showcase has closed.
Additionally, if you are one of our Harvest Level Premium Subscribers your savings will extend even further and you will pay no registration fee at all. For everyone we say, “Try us out. See what happens. If it doesn’t work for you it costs you nothing.”
We have seen great books find eager buyers at every showcase so far. Serious bibliophiles are highly motivated in pursuit of their interests. Selling should not be hard. The only thing needed is for the right book to meet the right collector. We also understand that building a new marketplace takes time, and not every book finds an immediate buyer.
Our new marketing model reflects that reality. We are confident in our platform and our growing community of book lovers, but we also want our booksellers to feel secure in the possibilities we aim to offer on our site.
Whether you’re a showcase veteran or someone who has so far only been curious or cautious, now feels like the perfect time to give our showcase a try. After all, what’s the worst that could happen? You only need to showcase some of your choicest and freshest books to an engaged audience. If you sell nothing it costs you nothing. And who knows whom you may meet in the process.
In the meantime we recommend that you sign up for our mailing list so you don’t miss the chance to register for the upcoming showcase.