Retailer FAQ
Why don’t you sell on commission?
As much as I appreciate the generous offers from various shops to carry my books on a commission basis, I am unable to accommodate that process at this time. I simply do not have the resources stock multiple stores and manage the inventory and sales reporting that would go along with tracking this method of income.
Presently, I am seeking partnerships with locations that feel as confident as I do about the saleability (is that a word?) of my product, who have the resources to purchase inventory.
To make that partnership as successful as possible I go the extra mile to offer the lowest possible prices to support your profit with no order minimums, while providing post-sales support to make sure the books are flying off the shelves.
Which Titles are Most Popular?
Adventure New Brunswick and Acadian Coastal Drive are the top sellers across the province.
How long does it take to receive my order?
Large volume prints (technically anything over 3 books) takes about 2 weeks for processing and shipping - so it’s important to plan in advance and stock up for tourist season!
How many should I order?
While it all depends on your target market, store traffic, and seasonal fluctuations, there are some pieces of insight I can offer you to help you decide.
At a standard farmer’s market event I typically sell 25+ copies per day.
Most people buy 2 books.
During tourism and Christmas seasons it would be reasonable to assume a minimum volume of 10-25 books per week if the books are clearly displayed in a space that invites browsing.
Who is the target market?
Designed with adults in mind, a variety of people have been swiping these books off the shelves!
The main buyers are:
Women ages 30-70
Girls ages 5-16
Male and female artists/crafters
Teachers
How much do I charge?
Retail pricing is at the discretion of the store owner. Keep in mind that these books are sold on Amazon.ca for $15, with no opportunity for promotions or bundles.
You have a unique opportunity to bundle books with pencil crayon sets, tote bags, markers, etc. that isn’t available through Amazon, and you can price your sets at market demand. You know your customers best - price your books to sell!
I have found success at local farmers markets with a price point of $15 or 2 for $25. Most customers buy 2, and about one third of my sales are gift sets.
Why is there no sales tax?
Right now, I am an illustrator in the beginning phase of launching a business. While I am under the threshold the government requires for charging sales tax I have the luxury of being able to offer you my services and products for just a little bit less by forgoing tax collection.
As a retailer, you are required to charge sales tax as per your income requirements.
What if the books just aren’t selling?
Your success is my success. As a former sales coach for a large, national retail corporation I know how important it is to move product. If the books aren’t selling you have options.
I offer a 30 day return policy where the books may be returned for a full refund, minus the cost of return shipping.
You can swap out titles that aren’t performing well and replace them with your stronger sellers.
You can access free signage and promotional materials on my website, to assist in promoting your inventory.
You can host a book signing event where I attend to help you sell books!
You can access my list of suppliers for wholesale pencil crayons, totes, markers, and literature displays to create more intriguing packages and displays.
Can you put my store branding on the cover?
Yes. Yes I can. If you would like to redesign the cover to reflect your store’s branding and logo I can do that! Cover design starts at $50 - and can be a great way to turn inventory into marketing material!
Do you draw custom colouring books?
I LOVE to take on custom colouring book commissions. Prices start at $3500 for 25-30 illustrations formatted into a printable PDF book. You can use your own printing company, or order prints directly from me.
Do you draw custom illustrations?
Don’t need a whole book? Single illustrations start around $150 and are delivered in a printable PDF and/or vector file. (Vector files can be resized without losing image quality, allowing you to print multiple sizes from magnets to posters). I can do full colour, or black-and-white line art, depending on your needs.
Do you offer book signings?
You bet I do! During a book signing, I bring along copies of the books to sign and sell and you will receive 25% of the sales. Leading up to the event, you will be provided with social media templates and signage templates that you may use to promote the event.
This kind of event can also be combined with a colouring contest!