Rare Book Monthly
Articles - September - 2005 Issue
The International Bookseller's Directory: An important free dealer tool
An enhanced presentation with live links
Next we provide an opportunity for you to specify ways that book buyers can interact with you. Do you issue catalogues? List those that you have produced over the past two years. Do you exhibit at shows? List the upcoming shows. Include library fairs and other events. Book buyers love to travel to see books. Give them a chance to know where they can meet you. For those who have taken the giant step of issuing online catalogues there's a place here to list them too.
Now you get the chance to list the online sites where you sell your books. If you have your own web site and adequate search software you may want to list your own site as the first option. If you are listed on various sites you can then list the sites in a declining order of preference. Most sellers will list their less expensive options first. You can list up to 4 selling sites.
If you offer material on eBay there is a place for you to enter the link to your eBay home page. Selling by auction is an increasingly common bookseller option.
Next there is an ABOUT US section. Who are you, what is your expertise and background. What are your specialties? The net is very anonymous but doesn't have to be. People are much more likely to deal with you if they know you. Here is an opportunity to introduce yourself.
Next there is a section about what you are looking to buy. Many sellers only want to sell but lifers are also buying. If there is material you are looking to acquire this is the place to mention it.
Next you can select PREVIEW your free page. You can then click back to continue adding information or correct a typo. Next PREVIEW the enhanced version. Now you can see the difference between the two presentations. For database and matchmaker members this is your standard version. You can also click back to edit or add to your listing. If you signed-up as a free member and want your search page to be enhanced, when you move to the next screen by clicking SELECT you'll have the option to post your information free or enhanced. If enhanced, you'll have the option to sign up for a subscription service or simply to pay $10 for the enhanced page for the next year.
Keep your account ID and password handy because you can come back anytime you want to revise your page. If you select some shows to participate in, come back to list them. If you issue a catalogue, list it too. Keep this listing up to date. We'll take care of the bookkeeping by automatically eliminating any event in your listing that has passed.
