International sales are an important part of online bookselling. The declension of geographical boundaries and the exponentially expanding global market can only increase the amount of these sales in the future. That said, are all listings services equal in this regard? Obviously not. One of the most egregious hindrances to international sales is imposed by Alibris. Alibris asks that nearly all international orders be shipped to their warehouse in Sparks, NV to be then sent to the international customer. In addition, Alibris implores its sellers not to send books immediately, but to collect all books being sent to Sparks, say for a few days, and then release them in one shipment. Certainly, this policy saves the online bookseller some time by avoiding the extra work shipping internationally. You can determine yourself how this policy effects your sales, but take a look at one international customers experience … it may typify the problem with Alibris.

Book Haven has long provided Yale students with an independent alternative to their school’s bookstore. Now its owners are turning over the store… but not to the type of corporate entity one would assume in today’s industry climate. No, the Schwabs’ have sold their store to Labyrinth Books, an independent alternative for Columbia University books. Labyrinth will expand on their current Book Haven store and remain committed to scholarly texts. Maintaining a Book Haven’s lower price commitment will keep the students coming, but if not expect a whole lot more orders from New Haven, CT come late August.

Library Journal recently wrote an article discussing the best business books in 2004. Books are given in a variety of categories including: Biography, Communication, Economy, Ethics, Globalization, Investing, Leadership, Marketing, Organizational Change, and Entrepreneurship. This is a great resource for the small business owner and/or the online bookseller hoping to stay on top of hot/popular business titles.