Reprints and Ephemera - Survey Results

To help us effectively update our policies regarding reprints and ephemera, we asked our Bookseller Advisory Group to provide feedback. Here's a summary of the survey results.

Reprints:

Earlier in the summer, we asked for feedback on our Bookseller Policies regarding Print on Demand, multiple listings, and reprints. The Print on Demand and multiple listings changes were made in July, and we went to the Customer Advisory Board for their feedback on reprints.

The Customer Advisory Board is our focus group for buyers. So far, there are almost 1,000 members, with a broad range of used and new buyers, specialists, collectors and a few textbook buyers. Here are some of the interesting statistics from our reprints survey:

• Only 13% of buyers would not buy a book because it is a reprint, versus 34% who wouldn't buy a book of the month club edition.
• Buyers displayed some confusion between the difference between a reprint and a new edition.

There is clearly some confusion among buyers and booksellers concerning reprints, especially with differentiating between a reprint and a new edition. Buyers told us that a reprint is not usually a key factor in making a purchase decision, so we've decided not to add a reprints section to the Bookseller Policies at this time. However, under our general policy, reprinted books must be described accurately and truthfully. If a bookseller does not label a reprint, buyers can return these items for the reason "Item not as described."

In order to educate buyers and promote consistency with booksellers, we've added the following definition to the Abebooks Glossary: "Reprint - A subsequent press run of an edition of a book. The text usually remains unchanged for each re-print, but may be updated for a new edition." Please apply this definition to your listings.

Ephemera:

One more interesting statistic: 46% of Advisory Group respondents said they list at least some ephemera in their inventory. We've added the following definition of ephemera to our Glossary: "Printed or written items produced with a short intended lifetime that are now collectible. Examples may include posters, postcards, tickets, maps or pamphlets." We'll be better able to track non-book listings on the site with this concise definition.

You can reveiw the Policy Updates in Bookseller Central.