Why We're No Longer Selling on Amazon

At Security Blend Books, we aim to provide our customers with the best possible service and a carefully curated selection of books. However, after much consideration, we have decided to stop selling directly on Amazon. This decision was not made lightly, but we believe it is in the best interest of our customers and our business, for a number of reasons:

Poor Seller Support

One of the primary reasons for our decision, selfishly, is the horrendous support Amazon provides to sellers. During a recent book launch, we encountered a fraudulent featured deal that persisted for six weeks - which was Amazon's own offer (they had no way to provide the product, and had not contacted us to order any). Despite our repeated requests, Amazon refused to take it down.

The first six weeks are well-known to be crucial for any book launch, and we still have no idea how many customers ended up ordering Amazon's fraudulent offer only to be disappointed when it was cancelled with no justification six months later. We do know that we received complaints from people who had ordered the Amazon offering, and didn't understand why their book hadn't arrived, or why their order was eventually cancelled.

High Fees with Little Value

Amazon charges exorbitant fees for sellers, which can significantly eat into our margins. These fees are not justified by the value provided. As a small business, every penny counts, and we believe these funds are better invested in improving our services and offerings directly to you than funding a private citizen's space race.

Antitrust and Predatory Practices

Amazon has regularly been under scrutiny for its antitrust and predatory practices. The European Union has investigated Amazon for using its market power to the detriment of small businesses and consumers, and the complaints have been upheld. These practices include manipulating search results to favour their own products and using data from third-party sellers to compete against them.

Tax Avoidance

Amazon has also been criticised for its tax practices within the EU. The company has been accused of avoiding taxes by taking advantage of special low tax conditions in certain member states. This not only gives Amazon an unfair advantage over small businesses but also deprives public services of much-needed revenue. Given we are both a small business, and make use of local services in our area, we'd much rather not help them with this.

Impact on Prices

While Amazon is often seen as a convenient and cost-effective option, the reality is that their practices can lead to higher prices in the long run. They are currently facing lawsuits for undercutting competitors and then raising prices once they dominate the market, Amazon's approach can ultimately harm consumers as well as sellers. We are under no illusions that we will make any difference as a small business, but we'd rather not be active supporters.

Encouraging Direct Purchases

We understand that Amazon offers convenience, but we believe that buying directly from us offers several benefits:

• Personalised Service: We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and a personal touch that you won't find on Amazon. Our customer service isn't outsourced, and guaranteed to be humans rather than chatbots.
• Supporting an Independent Publisher: By purchasing directly from us, you are supporting a small, boutique publisher that specialises in a particular subject, rather than mass-producing titles. This allows us to maintain high quality and a unique selection of books.
• Author Support: When you buy through us, a greater-than-average share of the book price goes to the authors, encouraging them to write more.
  

Availability Through Distributors

While we will no longer sell directly on Amazon, we will continue to work through distributors. This means you can still request our books at Waterstones or similar high street stores, and you may even see them on Amazon. We will not be working with Amazon directly.

Supporting Independent Bookstores

Although we are a small business without a physical store, we are committed to supporting the UK's high street. We will offer favourable terms to any independent bookstores that wish to order from us. This initiative aims to strengthen local communities and ensure that independent bookstores thrive.

We hope you understand our decision and continue to support us by shopping directly at Security Blend Books.