Bookshop.org is an online bookstore that supports local independent bookstores. By purchasing books through Bookshop.org, customers help sustain local bookshops and contribute to their communities. The platform offers a wide selection of books and curated lists, providing an ethical alternative to large online retailers.
Why We Like It
Bookshop.org has a unique business model that supports independent bookstores while providing a convenient online shopping experience rivaling Amazon. The marketplace allows you to buy books directly, with a portion of sales benefiting local bookstores, fostering a sense of community and supporting independent bookstores. But this isn’t some non-profit hokes where they donate a penny per $100 you spend. No, Bookshop.org lets you choose the local indie bookshop you want to support and then every time you purchase from their Bookshop.org page, the bookstore will get the full profit from your purchase (30% of the book’s list price). If you don’t choose a store, then don’t fret. The profits are contributed to a profit pool that is divided among all of the participating indie bookstores.
Favorite Features
- Support for Independent Bookstores: We commend Bookshop.org on their heroic approach to supporting independent bookstores. A percentage of every sale goes to a network of independent bookstores, helping to support local businesses.
- Curated Book Lists: Features curated book lists and recommendations from independent bookstores and authors, offering personalized book discovery.
- Easy Online Shopping: Provides a seamless online shopping experience with a wide selection of books and straightforward purchasing options that rivals Amazon.
- Community Engagement: You can engage with the marketplace through virtual bookshops and fundraisers that support local bookstores.
- Affiliate Program: Allows you to create your own bookshop pages and earn commissions on sales, promoting books and supporting independent stores.
How Users Can Maximize Their Experience with It
Support Local Bookstores: When you’re about to make a book purchase on Amazon, don’t hit that buy button. Instead make your purchases through Bookshop.org to ensure a portion of the proceeds supports independent bookstores in your area and not those big tech companies trying to take over the world.
Explore Curated Lists: Check out curated book lists and recommendations to discover new and popular reads that you might not find elsewhere.
Create a Bookshop Page: Use the affiliate program to create a personalized bookshop page, share your favorite books, and earn commissions while supporting indie bookstores.
Participate in Fundraisers: Engage in virtual bookshop fundraisers and community events to further support and connect with independent bookstores.
User Testimonials
“Bookshop.org is a fantastic way to support independent bookstores while shopping online. I love knowing that my purchases help local businesses.”
“The curated book lists and recommendations are always spot-on. I’ve discovered so many great books thanks to Bookshop.org.”
“Creating my own bookshop page was a great way to share my favorite reads and support indie bookstores. The affiliate program is a wonderful feature.”
Apps Similar To It
Amazon Books: Provides a vast selection of books with online shopping, though it doesn’t offer support to independent bookstores and typically uses user information to promote the sale of their own content and not that of indie authors.
Barnes & Noble: Offers a large selection of books and an online shopping experience, but is a large retail chain rather than a network of indie bookstores. Although, B&N has recently shown a propensity to support struggling independent bookstores.
IndieBound: Focuses on supporting independent bookstores with a similar mission to Bookshop.org, though its online shopping interface is less integrated.
Books-A-Million: Offers a broad selection of books online, but as a large chain, it doesn’t provide the same level of support for independent bookstores.