Easy As 1, 2, 3: Reporting to the Book Sense Bestseller List

In 2002, reporting to the Book Sense Bestseller List will be easier and less time-consuming, thanks to two new electronic procedures and an improved online Bestseller data entry form. Booksellers who report their sales to the Bestseller List can now choose which method works best for them.

ABA UPLOAD

Starting January 20, it will be possible to create a weekly sales data file within a bookseller's own computerized Point of Sale (POS) system and to upload it directly into the Book Sense Bestseller Reporting system. Once reporters have created and saved the weekly sales data file, they can transfer the file from their own computers directly to the Book Sense Bestseller database. Within seconds, a bookseller's weekly sales data file will be in the Book Sense system.

Simple instructions in a special section of the ABA Web site guide booksellers through the process. Anyone wishing to report bestsellers by uploading a file can go to http://upload.bookweb.org.

Questions about the ABA Upload should be directed to Bill Cunningham at (800) 637-0037, ext. 1211 and at [email protected] or to Jeff Wexler at ext. 1274 and at [email protected].

A STREAMLINED BESTSELLER LIST ENTRY FORM

If booksellers who report to the Book Sense Bestseller List prefer to use the existing system, as of January 20, the familiar process will be simplified and time spent reporting weekly sales data will be significantly reduced. Reporters no longer have to enter several lists by category, or to enter each title, publisher, price, or any extra data. Reporters will now be able to just enter ISBN numbers and quantities sold--the ABA system handles the rest. To enter weekly sales data through the newly designed data entry form, please go to http://upload.bookweb.org.

Questions about the ABA Web Data form should be directed to Bill Cunningham at (800) 637-0037, ext. 1211 and at [email protected] or to Jeff Wexler at ext. 1274 and at [email protected].

Current reporters who prefer the original procedure can continue to report by category through the usual data entry form at http://bestsellers.BookWeb.org.

BOOKSCAN

The most advanced and efficient way to report weekly sales data is BookScan, which will soon be available to reporters. With BookScan, reporting will be fully automatic. The integrated POS module generates the weekly sales data file and orchestrates the transmission of the file. The weekly sales data file is generated with virtually no staff time. Booksellers will receive a confidential report on their store's sales performance from the previous week and also a report of book sales within their local market area.
For general questions about the Book Sense Bestseller List, contact Sascha Alper at (800) 637-0037, ext. 1202 or at sascha@book sense.com.

ABA is producing a promotional flyer about reporting to the Book Sense Bestseller List that will be available at www.BookWeb.org by Friday, January 11, and included in the February white box.