question about this whole Amazon thing

[rm]

Book just went on sale on Amazon for 20% off.

Is this good, bad or indifferent for me?
Does it say anything about what they think the book's prospects are?
etc.

Comments

[beemerbike.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing. Hell, some publisher is doing the same thing to 'I Heard It On Oprah'.

[sev1970.livejournal.com]

It has nothing to do with you -- as far as I know most books are discounted as soon as they go on sale -- it's just the way it works.

[roy-batty.livejournal.com]

You _can_ find books on Amazon which aren't "marked down" in some way, but it's rare . . . very rare. The whole "markdown" thing has been part of the Amazon marketing/operating model from day 1.

[kathrynrose.livejournal.com]

As I recall, they had quite the markdown on the last HP book when it came out too. And that book did quite well. :P

[melebeth]

My impression is that it's pretty much automatic when the books come out. Unless the publisher's price they're paying is so high they can't do it. For example with my ridiculously priced book (which has a cover! I'm so excited!) :)

[magicwoman.livejournal.com]

Congratulations! I'd say it's Amazon policy at work.

Susan

[trifles.livejournal.com]

Speaking from the Production end of things (and eavesdropping on everyone else), it's something the publisher works out ahead of time with various retailers. Amazon, from what I understand, expects a fairly substantial discount, but regardless, it's something the publisher plans for and figures into their budgets, unit costs, and future profit.

[theotoky.livejournal.com]

that's just amazon. i think books go on sale as soon as they are listed!

congratulations!!!!!

[delchi.livejournal.com]

They might mean 20% off the cover price, due to it being bought over the interwebs. Also : smoky room deals between publishers and retailers are not unheard of.

Want my copy NOW :)

[mobobocita.livejournal.com]

I think it's just how Amazon markets books. Good for you for making the 'marketing'!