Day One of the annual ComicsPRO assembly was a brilliant duper jam packed day of stories and schmooze, a few of which you’ll learn right here on the website. While publishing information made essentially the most headlines (because it ought to) right here on the present essentially the most buzz was for behind the scenes bulletins that can have an effect on how comics outlets do enterprise…and many issues that had retailers standing up and cheering.
The greatest applause got here when DC broke the information that they may return to a Wednesday launch schedule for brand spanking new periodicals, starting in July.
Responding to suggestions from retailers and readers, DC is returning to the standard Wednesday on sale timing, with new collected editions and graphic novels persevering with to launch on Tuesdays. As a results of provide chain disruption in 2020, the writer pivoted to a Tuesday launch schedule for brand spanking new periodicals. This summer time, DC will realign with the trade customary of Wednesday releases, and the New Comic Book Day that followers look ahead to every week.
DC shifted to Tuesday releases once they went with new distributors Lunar and UCB, back in 2021, and caught with it once they caught with Lunar. The transfer was all the time unpopular with retailers, and the response amongst retailers right here was finest described as uproarious applause.
One of the explanations for the enjoyment: the 2 launch days meant two days for FOC (closing order minimize off) which meant that even when retailers offered DC comics on Wednesdays (not unusual) they nonetheless had to dedicate a few of their Sunday to ordering. The announcement means some retailers will “get their Sunday back,” as one advised me.
Diamond additionally obtained applause earlier within the day once they introduced a shift to flat pricing for shipping. You can learn your entire announcement beneath, however this was additionally met with numerous approval from retailers as shipping costs could possibly be more than the price of items relying on numerous components.
Over the course of the pandemic, Diamond had been more open about shipping costs being a revenue heart for them, to a lot retailer discontent. With Lunar providing shipping at typically lower than 2% and PRH having free shipping, slicing shipping costs was a approach for Damond to stay aggressive – and reduce costs for retailers in a time of razor thingmargins.
PR beneath:
At Diamond, we’re devoted to strengthening our partnership and contributing to your success and the success of our trade. Central to this mission is our dedication to offering the widest vary of merchandise, together with methods particularly designed for the Direct Market that streamline your operations and considerably cut back the time you spend monitoring costs and managing logistics.
In line with this dedication, we’re excited to introduce Flat Rate Standard Shipping on most merchandise for Continental US clients presently served by UPS. Set to launch in April, this variation goals to simplify your shipping course of and cut back your costs, making your bills more predictable and manageable.
Reflecting on our promise from final February, we’ve already carried out two important freight reductions for our U.S. retailers serviced by UPS. The introduction of Flat Rate Shipping marks the most recent evolution of this journey, aiming to enhance your profitability and streamline your operations additional.
“Our expansion in fulfillment operations for comic and game publishers, along with various cost-saving measures we’ve undertaken, has enabled us to offer Flat Rate Standard Shipping without compromising the quality service you’ve come to expect,” says Steve Geppi, Chairman, President & CEO of Geppi Family Enterprises and Diamond Comic Distributors. “This move is not just about reducing costs; it’s about making your business more efficient and predictable.”
Here’s what Flat Rate Standard Shipping means for you:
- Predictable Shipping Costs: Enjoy the predictability of shipping with a flat fee for many merchandise, facilitating simpler administration of your bills.
- Transparent Pricing: Only 3% of retail on all product classes (or 3% of MSRP on net-priced merchandise), making certain clear and simple pricing.
- Upfront Fee Disclosure: Any particular charges will probably be communicated on the time of solicitation, sustaining readability and consistency in pricing.
- Applicability: This fee applies to each weekly deliveries and replenishment orders, offering you with better flexibility.
- Direct Ship Reorders: Continue to make the most of Direct Ship Reorders. A nominal $7.50 dealing with charge will probably be utilized to orders beneath $500 retail / MSRP.
- One Invoice for Ease: For Standard Shipping clients, freight and different charges will probably be consolidated on the identical bill because the associated merchandise, streamlining your accounting course of. Please notice, clients outdoors of Standard Shipping will proceed to see freight costs billed per week in arrears, as a part of our phased method to improve billing simplicity throughout all providers.
- No Change for drop level or LTL clients: Customers presently served by drop factors, LTL vans, or different shipping providers will expertise no change, making certain consistency for patrons preferring these service choices.
We recognize your ongoing partnership and belief in DCD. The launch of Flat Rate Standard Shipping this April is poised to make a constructive influence on what you are promoting, and we eagerly anticipate supporting your success even more sooner or later.
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