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If you’re getting ready to launch a new book or product, setting up your shopping cart and shipping methods correctly are an essential part of the process. We’ve gathered up some tips here to help you make sure you – and your customer – get the best results.
 
Q: How do I know which shipping method to use?
A: We automatically ship all books and products using the least expensive shipping method based on the weight and zip/postal code used. However, you can always select a different shipping method that best fits your needs.

NOTE: We do not default automatically to Media Mail even if this is the least expensive option. If you’d like your orders shipped via Media Mail you need to select this as your default. (For more details about Media Mail, and why we don’t use this as our default, please refer to “The Pros and Cons of Using Media Mail” on our blog.

To designate a default shipping method for any of your products, click on the link for “Select Specific Shipping Methods” under the My Profile section on your Author Dashboard. There you will see a list of your products and a place to designate what shipping method you would like to use. If you make any changes, be sure to click on the "Update" button at the bottom of the page. 

Q: How do I calculate shipping costs?
A: We provide a postage calculator to help determine shipping costs. From your author dashboard click on the “Calculate Postage” link under the Support section. Your items and their weights are listed there for easy referral. All you need to do is use the official USPS calculator on that page to determine shipping costs.

Q: How do I know what my product weighs?
A: When we first set up a new item, we estimate the weight. That’s the number you’ll see in the “Est Ship Weight” column on the shipping methods page we referenced in the previous question. Once the item is in production, the final shipping weight can be viewed on the “Calculate Postage” page found on your Author Dashboard.

Q: How do I make sure I’m using the best shipping method?
A: Using the shipping calculator to find the best rates is usually the best way to do. However, for some of our customers who ship internationally, it’s good to review your accounts from time to time to verify the costs.

Q: Do I need to worry about shipping delays due to the COVID pandemic?
A: It's always a good idea to factor extended shipping times into your launch plans – especially this year with the disruption the pandemic is causing. Many shipping companies are struggling to maintain normal schedules during these uncertain times, so it’s a good idea to factor in the possibility of extended shipping times for product launches.

Q: How much time will it take for my products to print then ship when they are ordered?
A: Different products take different amounts of time for printing and production. Here are some examples of standard lead times for a variety of products we produce – and why it’s important to factor lead times into your holiday sales plans:

• Paperback books: 5 days
• Softcover spiral bound or saddle-stitched books: 5 days
• Card decks: 5-10 days
• Custom printed tuck boxes for card decks: 10-12 days
• Hardcover books, planners, journals:  4-6 weeks
• Custom printed corrugated boxes for VIP, membership and mailing: 10-15 days

For example, if you're thinking of a Black Friday launch for a hardcover planner, you would need to begin printing October 19 in order to ship orders on November 30.

Q: Does Vervante charge “handling” fees?
A: For print on demand products, we do not charge handling fees. Here’s how we calculate charges: “Cost of printing book + Cost of shipping/postage = what we charge.” There are no other hidden costs. For products printed or produced in bulk, there is an order fee plus a pick fee to pull the item from inventory, plus postage. Order and pick fees only apply to individual drop ship orders pulled from inventory and shipped on demand.
 
Q: Can packing slips be customized?
A: Every package we send includes a packing slip inside and you have the option of customizing it however you’d like. Think of this as valuable real estate perfect for sharing information like:

• A greeting or message that makes a personal connection
• Your logo for brand awareness
• Return policies that eliminate confusion about timeframes or refunds
• Business address and contact information
• Special holiday messages

To add personalized content for your packing slip, click on “Customize My Packing Slip” on your Author Dashboard.  (If you’d like more information about using packing slips, handling returns, and suggested content you can adapt and use for your packing slip, click HERE to read more on our blog.)

Amazon is often the first place you may think of for buying books. Etsy is the place people go to for creative products like notepads, card decks, and daily planners. But that doesn’t mean they are the ONLY places you can sell your books and products.

In fact, the best place to sell online is your own website!

The power of Amazon and Etsy are real, but selling online does not have to be an all-or-nothing choice. It’s not just your website, or just Amazon or Etsy. You can have it all by selling on all three!
 

First: Sell from your own website

Your primary sales option for customers should be your own website. Selling your book or products online through your own website/shopping cart (or Vervante’s Online Bookstore if you don't have or want to process credit cards), means more profit, control and connection with your readers.

Even if people don’t buy right away, by directing them to your website you’ve got a chance to create a connection, offer a free download, or opt into your newsletter. Anything that will put them on the path to staying connected, becoming more involved, and eventually become loyal fans that support your long-term success.
 

Next: Sell via Amazon or Etsy

The online reach of Amazon and Etsy is impressive, and using them as secondary sales options is a great way to help people discover you and your products. That first sale on Amazon or Etsy is like an introduction that you can follow up with strategic communications that invite them to become a part of your tribe.

But wait, how do I compete on Amazon / Etsy?

Selling from your website is obviously the best option for bigger profits and business-building results. Just remember this - It’s not about competing – it’s about standing out!

Give people a reason to shop with you vs. Amazon by creating an experience that makes you stand out. Exclusive offers, unique bonuses, VIP perks, and exceptional service are just a few ways to attract customers and create loyal, long-term fans.

If you use your own sales pages and shopping carts in addition to Amazon or Etsy, and you’d like to attract more buyers to your own cart vs. Amazon, here are a few ideas:

Exclusive Offers / Extras That Add Value
Attract potential readers by offering exclusive extras they can’t get from Amazon such as limited access to programs, complementary products such as stickers, notepads, and bookmarks, or free downloads such as worksheet, templates, checklists or sneak-peeks with each purchase.

Unique Bonuses
How about creating a special box of goodies to include with the book order? You can create a custom-designed box/package and add a few products that elevate the reader experience. Top it all off by having it wrapped with colored tissue, stickers, and extras for a fun, hand-crafted “Etsy” type experience. You might even end up seeing your product as the star in a social media “unboxing” episode!

VIP Perks
People love a VIP experience. Another idea to help your sales page stand out from Amazon is to offer a special ‘VIP’ print run that will be sent to special customers, connections and influencers to help spread the word. You can autograph your books, include handwritten cards, bookmarks or stickers, and give your readers an early, exclusive peek.

Exceptional Service
When you run the show from the moment they arrive at your website to the moment they receive their book in hand, you’re able to control the content and amount of customer service they receive, so make sure it counts. Be personal, be positive, and shower them with the kind of service you wish you could get. Share helpful information in fun ways such as by including colorful branded postcards with content that shares everything they need. Personalize your packing slips, follow up with emails after the fact to make sure they are enjoying their purchase, and share more info to entice customers to continue to follow you.  
 
Creating unique and satisfying experiences is the best way to get the right kind of attention for your book sales and keep customers coming back for more. If you have ideas for creating products or experiences to help boost your sales, let us know, we’re here to help!

Vervante makes it super easy to sell on Amazon and Etsy! We've got the Amazon process automated and other than the 15% Amazon commission, our service is free. For Etsy orders, all we need is a copy of the order confirmation email - super simple and easy.
 
Sincerely,

Your Team at Vervante

p.s. If you’d like to learn more about your options for selling on Amazon AND selling via your own website, check out the following linked article on our blog where we lay it all out. (hint: You can do both – and you should do both! Read here to learn why: “Retail Book Sales Success.”)

We’re excited to share with you several new videos we’ve posted to the Vervante Video Vault showcasing new features that add both fun and functionality to these popular products.

"Casebound Hardcover" Video
In this video we highlight three case bound hardcover products good for planners, journals and books with several options that make them stand out:

• Linen-finish cover with gold foil embossed images
• Colorful elastic straps and ribbon markers
• Off-white paper with grid patterns
• Faux leather cover with gold foil stamped title
• Printed hardbound cover with white printed title

"Poly, Laminated and Disc-Punch" Video
This video shows multiple versions of a sample planner and a new binding option we're very excited about - Metal Disc Binding.

• Poly or laminated covers are a great option for a high-quality feel without the extra cost of a hardcover.
• Metal Disc Binding: If you haven't seen this yet, be sure to check it out. Disc punch binding is the hottest new feature in daily planners, allowing greater ease for customizing each planner as interior pages can be easily added or removed. We're proud to be one of the first print-on-demand publishers to offer this unique option.
• Laminated covers are also great for planners or workbooks, adding durability without incurring extra costs like hardcovers would.

"Hardcover Concealed Wire-O" Video
We love the options showcased in this video because you can create a high-quality case bound hardcover book, planner or journal with a traditional-look spine, but with Wire-O binding, so the pages lay flat for ease of use. Check out the video to see our newest release of an undated planner with extras that really stand out such as endsheets and dividers in full color, lay-flat inner pages, and stickers that can be used on both tabs or monthly spread pages.

Did one of these journals or planners catch your eye?  You can order samples of various products here.  Please check back often as we add new products to our samples collection. Please contact [email protected] if you need a quote or have questions about planners, journals or any of our other products.

If you love these ideas and want to learn more about incorporating them into your next products, email our publishing specialists at [email protected] for questions, quotes and anything else you need.