Program Basics | Promotional Package | Restocking & Payment | End of Consignment
Who can I contact about the Consignment Program?
- General Program Information: info@bookshopsantacruz.com or give our Information Desk a call at 831.423.0900 during business hours.
- For Consignment Authors who have already registered or submission-specific questions, please contact our store’s local author coordinator at: locals@bookshopsantacruz.com
Note: Emails are often processed by consignment program staff offsite and email inquiries often receive responses within 3 business days, but may take longer due to high numbers of inquiries.
Program Basics
How do I know if I’m eligible for the Consignment Program?
Please see our Consignment Program Submission Guidelines.
If you have specific questions not addressed, please send an email to our Local Author Coordinator.
How do I sign-up for the Consignment Program?
Online:
- Submit your Registration Form
- Submit your Registration Fee (“CONSIGN”)
- If Applicable: Submit your additional Promotional Package Fee (“CONSIGNPLUS”)
Online submissions will be processed by a member of our web team and will notify you with next steps for dropping-off books and/or contacting the Local Author Coordinator. Consignors will be required to sign Consignment Program Agreement at first drop-off.
In-store:
- Bring 5 copies of your title to our store’s Information Desk during business hours.
- Complete the paper Registration Form and sign Consignment Program Agreement.
- Purchase the Registration Fee (and additional Promotional Package fee, if desired)
Books will be processed and entered into inventory. Promotional authors will be contacted regarding additional information and next steps for their promotional packages.
What is a competitive price for a consignment title?
Books should be competitively priced at or below comparable non-consignment titles.
What is a 60/40 split?
Bookshop Santa Cruz follows the book industry standard of 60/40, where 60% of the retail sale price is payable to the author.
Am I financially responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items?
Bookshop Santa Cruz will only pay for items that were sold. On consignment, books remain the property and sole financial responsibility of the consignor until sold. Bookshop Santa Cruz is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged books.
How do I drop-off my consignment title to Bookshop Santa Cruz?
Books can be dropped off to the store’s information desk, which is located near the Front Street doors. We will initially take up to 5 copies on consignment. Please let our staff know if you have already submitted the registration form and fees online or will be registering the book in-person. Bookshop Santa Cruz is not responsible for authors who leave their drop-offs outside the store or at the Pacific Avenue register.
Can I mail my initial 5 books to Bookshop Santa Cruz?
Yes, authors can opt to mail their books to their store. For additional information on the address and process, please reach out to our Local Author Coordinator. Please do not mail copies without first reaching out to the Local Author Coordinator.
Promotional Package
If I’m paying the Promotional Package, do I also need to pay the $40 Registration Fee?
Yes, an author purchasing the Promotional Package will need to pay the Registration Fee (SKU: CONSIGN) and promotional package fees (SKU: CONSIGNPLUS). Books cannot be sold on consignment until registration fee(s) have been purchased and processed.
What is the general timeline for the Promotional Package?
Please note that due to the high volume of promotional package submissions, it can often take at least 4-6 weeks for books to be placed in the New & Recommended section after the initial drop-off. Each package element is staggered to maximize exposure for the title. Depending on the number of active promotional titles, Local Author displays may take a minimum of 6-8 weeks from package start date. Newsletter features occur in the order by which authors sign-up for promotional packages and often occur after in-store display periods have culminated.)
When my Promotional Package ends, can I sign-up for another Promotional Package on the same title?
This is handled on a case by case basis. We ask authors to wait about 12 months after the end of their initial Promotional Package to re-enroll. For questions on your specific title, please reach out to our Local Author Coordinator regarding adding another Promotional Package.
Restocking & Author Payment
How do I know when it’s time to restock my book?
During the consignment period, our Local Author Coordinator will contact the consignor to request additional quantities for sale. Authors will be requested to drop-off a specific number of restock copies to the Information Desk - just let our staff know and they can write you a receipt.
When do payment checks go out to consignment authors and payees?
Bookshop will pay the consignor quarterly for items sold. Checks are sent within 6-8 weeks of the end of the accounting period. If you have specific questions regarding invoicing, please reach out to locals@bookshopsantacruz.com.
How long is the consignment period?
Books are sold on consignment for a minimum of six months. After this period, program staff will either extend or close the consignment period. A strong and consistent sales history will increase the likelihood of an extended consignment period.
After Your Consignment Period Ends
Can I re-enroll my book when my consignment period ends?
Yes. To re-enroll your title, please resubmit the registration form and fees.
How will I be notified when the consignment period ends?
When your consignment period ends, you will be notified via email by our Local Author Coordinator. Please make sure that your contact information is current. If an active email is not recorded, authors may receive a phone call regarding the culmination of their consignment periods. In cases where we cannot contact authors, books will be donated on behalf of the author to a local community organization.
How will my books be returned to me when the consignment period ends?
Books will be set aside for pick-up at the store’s Information Desk. Authors can respond to the Return Notification email and request for their items to be sent (at no additional cost) via USPS Media Mail. If an author cannot be reached by phone (or shipped items are returned), books will be donated on behalf of the author to a local community organization.