Dear Corporate Giants,
Many of us in the reading community have taken notice of your recent attempts to get us to open up our wallets(and credit cards)by the massive discounts being handed out like Halloween candy for certain upcoming books. This first started up between two of you and now others are eagerly stepping into the fray,with one place actually willing to give customers store credit if they bring in a receipt from one of the others proving that they got that new bestseller cheap as can be.
Guys,look,we completely understand the need to push sales,especially in tough economic times like these,but this whole thing is getting way out of hand.
For one thing,the books that you've deemed extra special discount worthy may not be the big bestsellers that you're counting on. They might seem that way,due to pre-orders,however when it comes to the arts,there is no sure thing or safe bet. You'd have much better odds at a roulette table in Vegas,seriously.
Also,the constant price slashing is making you look incredibly silly and the last thing a serious business wants is to be laughed at:
Of course,all of this price dropping is hurting independent bookstores,who can't afford to give huge discounts and have already placed orders with the publishers for many of these titles under the usual terms.
Perhaps that doesn't concern you in an "all's fair in love and war" way but it does leave a sour taste in the mouths of some of us book lovers,many of whom have seen their favorite local book sellers have to shut their doors for good due to the harsher retail marketplace in these modern times.
Competition is a vital element to keeping any kind of business alive,but holding on to a sense of decency and fairness is just as appealing to consumers as low prices are. I don't think it's too much to ask for a level playing field to be made for book sellers both big and small. Some of us prefer to get our books from people who actually care about them:
True,some folks will be easily lured in by the promise of low priced books,but all too soon,those discounts will dissolve into thin air,causing those thrifty folks to huff and grumble as they take their business elsewhere.
I don't blame them for trying to get a good bargain on books with things being the way they are,but it's a shame that such glaring price tag warfare is distracting those folks from giving fledgling book sellers a leg up just when they need it the most.
No doubt that these words are falling on some deaf ears,yet take heart,fellas-some people are listening and will let their dollars do the talking for them. As a rebel princess once said "If money is all that you love, then that's what you'll receive." Consumer loyalty is,however,worth it's weight in gold,no matter what the current exchange rate is.
Fight all you want over a few pennies but that won't guarantee you a place in the winner's circle when the franchise wars are said and done. Good luck,guys,you're gonna need it!
Sincerely,
Lady T and the rest of the book loving public
P.S. Here's some musical food for thought on the subject as well:
P.P.S Looks like some of your independent competitors aren't going to take this lying down,either. To quote The Devil Wears Prada,alright everyone,gird your loins!
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