Bertelsmann plans Website for book sales via Internet: challenge to Amazon and other pioneers

Article Abstract:

Bertelsmann AG announced that it would enter the electronic bookselling market with a global electronic bookstore. Books Online, the tentatively named venture, is scheduled to open sometime in 1998. The German media conglomerate's delayed venture could become the largest international books merchant. Books Online will feature books in major languages with discounts, plus access to Bertelsmann's unmatched resources. Bertelsmann boasts a data base that contains more than 35 million active book and music club member in North America and Europe, as well as a distribution network of more than 40 warehouses that serve the two regions. Current top electronic booksellers include Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble, while Borders Group plans to join the competition.

Specialized Telecom Services, Wired Telecommunications Carriers, Company Web site/Web page, Web sites (World Wide Web), Electronic commerce, E-commerce, Book publishing, Bertelsmann AG, Company service introduction, Service introduction

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Once upon a frenzy; book industry in big shift focused on product delivery

Article Abstract:

Booksellers Barnes and Noble Inc., Amazon.com Inc. and Borders Inc. are developing distribution channels to deliver books to customers directly. Barnes and Noble wants to buy no. 1 wholesaler Ingram Book Group and Borders, with its distribution network, just hired former Ingram Book Group head Philp M. Pfeffer. With Amazon.com said to be interested in no. 2 wholesaler Baker and Taylor, regional distributors acquiring small publishers and online book sales expected to reach $700 million by the end of 1998, independent bookstores and the American Booksellers Association are hoping federal regulators will investigate possible antitrust law violations.

Acquisitions & mergers, Marketing procedures, Video Retailing Service, All Other Information Services, Books Mail Order ex Book Clubs, Book, Periodical, and Newspaper Wholesalers, Books, periodicals, & newspapers, Books Wholesale, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Online shopping, Home shopping, Distribution, Mail order book trade, Barnes & Noble Inc., Borders Group Inc., BKS, Distributors (Commerce), Book distributors, Ingram Book Group Inc.

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Amazon.com site tells users of book promotion payments

Article Abstract:

Amazon.com set up its disclosure of 'co-op placements' whereby online shoppers can check out which publishers have paid Amazon money to promote which books. If the 'co-op' wording proves too unclear to be satisfactory, the company says it will 'tweak' the wording. The disclosure comes in the form of an icon button that, when clicked, yields an explanation of the concept and a list of books arranged in 30 book categories, such as non-fiction.

Comment:

Company now lists which books are being promoted with publisher money

On-Line Information Services, Videotex & Teletext, Services introduction, Mail Order Houses, Online services, Mail-order industry, Mail order business

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