New Software Program Manages Co-op for Booksellers
by Kevin Howell -- Publishers Weekly, 10/7/2008
A collaboration between Booklog and Paz & Associates has produced, Co-Op Manager Pro, a new software for claiming and tracking marketing dollars publishers offer to bookstores doing direct buying. Co-op Manager Pro’s program fully integrates into existing Booklog systems, but also works as a stand-alone program for bookstores using other inventory management systems.
In an effort to help booksellers use 2008 co-op before the end of the year, Booklog is offering special terms for the purchase of Co-op Manager Pro: Booksellers can install and use the software now and defer payment until 2009.
The software generates claim forms, tracks claims, generates reports and is easily modified to suit each store’s specific needs. There is also a downloadable, indie-focused list of titles currently eligible for co-op and quick access to publisher co-op policies. The store’s data will remain private since its on the bookstore’s own computer system.
“The holidays are a critical time for generating profits for the year, and marketing during this period – especially now, when the economy is so bad – is more crucial than ever,” said Ann Christophersen, owner of Chicago’s Women & Children First and a Booklog consultant. “Since many co-op funds expire at the end of the year, we are pleased to have the software ready to help booksellers get financial support for their marketing plans and claim co-op before those funds are lost for 2008.”
Paz & Associates originally developed the software for use with their customer newsletter marketing program, which claimed just under $10,000 in newsletter co-op alone for its bookstores in 2008. “After managing co-op for dozens of stores in our newsletter program for years, we were able to find a partner who could understand the nuances of publisher co-op and help us develop software to manage claims and reports,” explained Mark Kaufman of Paz & Associates.
For further information, contact Christophersen at ann@booklog.com.
