GEN: Jobbers vs. Publishers

[Linda Wolfgram Kramer <lkramer@MINNEOTA-ISD414.ORG>]

Hello!  I know there was recently a discussion of preferred book order
sources.  I have, however, just noticed something that may change my
ordering habits.

In my limited experience as a media specialist (3 years), I have tended to
order from jobbers.  In both Iowa and Minnesota, I found that either Baker
& Taylor or Follett or both had my school on a discount plan.  These
discounts are great for trade books and mass market paperbacks (sometimes
40% or more), usually in the 15% range for library editions, and some
titles have no discount at all.

This spring, I've been using Follett's TitleWave disc to prepare my
consideration list, and it's been very convenient to use.  I noticed,
however, that the prices on Follett's disc sometimes differed from the
published price in the review sources, so I did some checking...

The example I have handy is that of a title from Salem Press.  The list
price (confirmed in Salem's online catalog) for the Great Scientific
Achievements set is $265.  Follett's list price on Titlewave is $286.20.
Why is this?

If I order 1 or 2 titles directly from Salem, there is a 5% discount; s&h
is $2.50/volume.  This would bring the price to $259.25.  Follett offers
free s&h but no discount for my school.

Why the difference in list price?  I have noticed this on other titles in
TitleWave.  Are they hoping we don't notice?  That the convenience of
one-stop shopping will be worth the extra cost?  Other ideas?

I'd be interested in seeing what others have to say about this!

Linda

Linda Kramer
K-12 Media Specialist
Minneota Public School
Minneota, MN
lkramer@minneota-isd414.org

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=
    All postings to LM_NET are protected under copyright law.
To quit LM_NET (or set-reset NOMAIL or DIGEST), send email to:
 listserv@listserv.syr.edu         In the message write EITHER:
 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL or 3) SET LM_NET DIGEST
 3) SET LM_NET MAIL  * Please allow for confirmation from Listserv
 For LM_NET Help & Archives see:  http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=