Leave Amazon in the Past: It’s Time to Start Supporting Local Bookshops and Buying Through Bookshop.org
We may be biased, but it feels like independently owned bookstores are the hearts of their communities! Between children picking out their first chapter books to book club members meeting to discuss their thoughts on the latest rom-com title, these local bookshops are more than a place to shop—they’re home.
If you’re someone who prefers online shopping but wants to put your money where your community is and support these local havens, you’re in luck: Bookshop.org offers the perfect solution! Discover why over 2,400 local bookshops work with this newer online alternative today.
What is an Indie Bookstore?
First things first—when we say a shop is an “indie” bookstore, what do we mean? Indie, short for independent bookstores, is basically the exact opposite of a corporate chain store.
These local bookshops are run by literary-loving individuals or families and often operate out of a single location rather than multiple. Many, like Novel, focus on a more community-forward approach, whether that be by hosting author events, game nights, or just offering a cozy third space for customers to gather.
Why Should You Support Your Local Bookshop?
We understand that buying your new releases and old classics through a big bookstore chain is tempting, we do! With locations seemingly on every corner and speedy delivery times, the convenience is incredibly appealing. But, if you want to support the area you live in, it’s time to change your shopping habits—starting with local bookshops.
Did you know that when you spend money at small businesses in your community, that cash is more likely to return right back to the local economy? Small business owners are far more likely to use their profits for good by creating jobs, supporting other niche stores in the area, and utilizing local services during operation. When you shop through Bookshop.org, proceeds from each purchase trickle back down to your community and help keep local bookshops alive.
Find Well-Curated Selections of Books at Indie Bookshops
If you’re looking for a more personalized book-buying experience, local bookshops are the only way to go. Did you know mega-corporation stores are required (and sometimes paid) to have certain titles on display?
Indie shops can curate their selection to reflect their customers' actual interests and personal favorites! On Bookshop.org, independent bookstores can create online lists of recommendations, from favorite YA romance titles to the best graphic novels for ages 8-12 and beyond!
Now Introducing: Bookshop.org
When Andy Hunter founded Bookshop.org in January of 2020, he had one goal in mind: to help save the dying indie bookstore. In the last few decades, massive retailers like Barnes & Noble and Amazon have dominated book sales around the world—especially when it comes to online shopping. While local bookshops have worked hard to remain in business, Hunter saw the missing link and decided to take matters into his own hands!
Launched right before the COVID pandemic devastated the United States, Bookshop.org was a brilliant way to give independent bookstores online sales while everyone was stuck in their homes. The company is dedicated to putting its mission above any financial interests, giving over 80% of its profit margin to local bookshops. Within a few years of business, Bookshop.org has managed to put $40,000,000 into the hands of local bookshop owners around the country.
What is the Mission of Bookshop.org?
Bookshop.org’s main mission is simple: to help local bookshops thrive in the e-commerce era. The company believes indie bookstores are essential community hubs that help foster culture and encourage a love of reading. By capturing even a minuscule portion of Amazon’s percentage of book sales, Bookshop.org helps connect customers and bookshop owners and keep small businesses alive and thriving.
How Does Bookshop.org Support Local Bookshops?
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores online in two different ways. With multiple opportunities to make money, there’s always some sort of cash flow returned to your favorite local bookshops, should they choose to participate. All you have to do, as a customer, is decide which store you’d like to support!
Shops directly affiliated with Bookshop.org earn a full 30% of the cover price on any sale made through their special link. The company takes care of everything, from checking inventory to packing and shipping to any possible customer complaints and beyond, while the chosen store just reaps the benefits.
If a purchase isn’t tied to a specific local bookshop, 10% of that sale is placed into a general profit-sharing pool. That fund is then evenly split among every participating store every six months. That way, every independent bookstore online gets a bit of passive income, even if they don’t make sales through their direct links.
Is Bookshop.org a B Corp?
Bookshop.org is a certified B Corp and public benefit corporation, reflecting its commitment to supporting independent bookstores online with a clear conscience. As a company, Bookshop.org takes pride in integrity, transparency, inclusion, and excellence in everything it does. It was even named a “Best for the World” B Corp in 2022 for its impact on social and environmental performance.
How Do I Shop at Bookshop.org?
When it comes down to it, actually using Bookshop.org as a customer is simple! All you do is:
- Select a bookstore: it can be your local mom-and-pop shop, a hometown favorite, or your friend’s store from across the country—as long as it has an affiliate link, you can choose it.
- Buy a book: the title will be filled by the company’s distributor, and the profit from your purchase is sent to the selected bookstore.
- Check the mail: you’ll receive a confirmation and tracking number upon placing an order, and access to our in-house customer service team should any issues arise.
What Can You Buy on Bookshop.org?
When you shop through independent bookstores online, variety is key. Luckily, Bookshop.org offers books in different formats, including:
- Physical books: find best-selling titles, new releases, and old favorites in a wide variety of genres
- E-books: discover e-books and read them through your web browser or the Bookshop.org app (and finally leave Amazon’s Kindle behind!)
- Gift cards: purchase digital gift cards from $10 to $1,000 for your family and friends to add to their account as a credit
7 Reasons We Recommend Buying Through Bookshop.org
As a local bookshop in Rochester, Michigan, we can attest firsthand just how helpful Bookshop.org has been to our business! If you’re a bookseller interested in making money through independent bookstore online sales or a customer wondering why your favorite store has an affiliate link, we’ve got you covered. Here are the seven reasons we recommend Bookshop.org over any other online option:
1. Bookshop.org Creates Curated Book Lists
One of the best parts of shopping at local bookshops is getting personal recommendations from the staff—Bookshop.org brings that magic to the screen! Its entire business model is a direct rebuttal to the algorithms used by massive chain stores. Rather than having a bot recommend your next title based on past purchases and paid advertisements, the independent bookstore online format allows you to search for your own novels and check out which titles the authors and booksellers you trust love.
The website holds countless curated book lists created not by the company but by various bookstores, authors, and publishers. These can range from a collection of every title by a specific author and books “like” a different book to popular genres and beyond.
When you’re browsing Bookshop.org, finding these themed lists is easy. You can either look up specific terms in the search bar or visit affiliated storefronts to find all of their lists in one place. Some of our favorites include:
2. Bookshop.org Allows You to Vote with Your Wallet
Consumerism is an unavoidable hurdle in today’s world, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to remain ethical with your shopping! The next time you feel the urge to buy a book, remain steadfast against supporting mega-chains and browse on Bookshop.org. Having the ability to easily buy from independent bookstores online gives you the freedom to put your money where your values are and continue to invest in the shops that align with your morals.
3. Bookshop.org Focuses on the Human Aspect of Bookselling
Bookstores have been, and, in our opinion, should always remain, a personal, human experience. Bookshop.org’s mission makes that possible.
Every single decision made is designed to help local bookshops survive and thrive. When your favorite indie store receives passive online revenue, it’s able to keep its doors open and continue supporting the real people in your community.
4. Preordering with Bookshop.org is Easy
If you’ve ever waited in anticipation for the next book in a series, you know just how vital preordering can be. Just like its competitors, Bookshop.org offers an easy-to-use and accessible preorder option for the hottest new titles. It doesn’t matter if it’s a special signed edition, the next installment in a popular series, or includes bonus chapters— preordered books are a big deal in the literary world!
Note: When you confirm the purchase, your card will be charged, even though the book does not ship until the official release date.
When Should You Preorder a Book Through an Independent Bookstore Online?
We recommend preordering a book as soon as you hear about it. Most of the time, when an author or publisher announces a new release, you can find a pre-order option when browsing independent bookstores online. The official release day could be anywhere from a few months to a year away—but as soon as publication day comes around, your purchase will be on the way!
5. Bookshop.org Offers E-Books
E-readers and e-books have taken the literary world by storm in the past couple of decades. If a book-related company is going to succeed, it needs to be able to keep up!
Bookshop.org threw its hat in the ring by allowing users to purchase and read digital titles through their browser or phone app. Just create an account, find a title that piques your interest, and start reading from the comfort of your own devices.
6. Bookshop.org Offers an Extensive Selection
When it comes to what kinds of books are listed on Bookshop.org’s independent bookstore online selection, the sky’s the limit! It doesn’t matter if it’s a new title or a timeless classic—if you can find it at a big chain, you can likely find it on Bookshop.org. Explore every age range, spice level, and book genre, and build your TBR list just how you like it.
Popular Genres Bought at Independent Bookstores Online:
- Science fiction
- Fantasy
- Romance
- Dystopian
- Thriller
- Magical realism
- Memoir
7. Bookshop.org is Just Plain Convenient
Listen, ideally, we’d all have the time to leisurely browse local bookshops whenever we want, but that’s just not always reality! In our modern age, ordering through an independent bookstore online is a convenience that most of us aren’t willing to give up.
Bookshop.org allows you to give in to those spontaneous late-night shopping sprees while still directing your money to small businesses you care about. With a user-friendly interface and a diverse inventory available at your fingertips, Bookshop.org is one of the best bookish resources around.
Other Ways to Support Indie Bookstores
There’s no doubt about it: shopping at your local bookshop can make a world of difference. If you’re passionate about avoiding name-brand bookstores, there are plenty of ways outside of buying through Bookshop.org to show your support:
- Attend a book club and meet like-minded readers
- Listen to audiobooks through a Libro.fm membership (instead of Audible)
- Attend monthly local bookshop events with friends and family
- Buy books in bulk for donations to prison libraries, nearby schools, shelters, and children’s hospitals
- Leave a detailed review or comment on the store’s socials
We’d be Thrilled for You to Choose Novel as Your Store on Bookshop.org
It doesn’t matter whether you’re from Rochester or a supporter from the other side of the States; anyone can choose to support our bookstore, Novel, on Bookshop.org. Just visit the “choose a bookstore” page and search our shop’s name or zip code.
If it works, our logo will appear in the top-left corner of your screen as you browse. Unfortunately, there’s no way to try one of our delicious artisanal sandwiches when browsing independent bookstores online—you’ll have to shop in person for that!
The next time you’re adding books to your cart, make the conscious decision to close the Amazon window and open Bookshop.org instead! From YA novels to psychological thrillers and beyond, there’s something for everyone on this independent bookstore's online alternative. It’s never too late to make a difference in your own community—browse today!