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Amazon.co.uk has refused to back-down on its new terms for publishers participating in its Advantage scheme saying that the new deal is part of a "global programme". The internet giant met with representatives of the Independent Publishers Guild on Friday (27th March), but said that it "would not be able to alter the terms especially for books".
As first revealed on theBookseller.com, Amazon has offered Advantage members an "early payment" option of 15 days for an extra 2% discount. This could see those who take up the option paid a full 45 days earlier than those publishers who do not. Publishers have claimed that the 2% option is close to what Amazon's current payment schedule already is, while the new standard terms mean Amazon is "pinching" an extra month. Some publishers spoken to by The Bookseller were sanguine, but others questioned the move. "In these tough times, it’s absolutely outrageous picking on small guys," said one.
In a bulletin sent to IPG members, executive director Bridget Shine, said the guild had expressed "concern" over the move and stressed that "these changes will have an impact on the most cash flow-vulnerable publishers". The trade body also voiced its "disappointment about the way in which this news was conveyed to publishers", noting in particular the short period of notice. Publishers were told by email that they had until 1st April to pick one of the options available to them.
But Amazon’s director of books, Gordon Willoughby, told the IPG that the move was "a global programme covering other products, and that they would not be able to alter the terms especially for books". Shine added: "Gordon assures me that he will reply to IPG member who contact him directly. I would encourage all members affected by these changes to share your concerns with Gordon."