Swag (And New UPS Rates) from Diamond Comics' SDCC Retailer Lunch

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At the Diamond Retailer Lunch yesterday, Diamond Comic Distributors introduced the next modifications to their present mannequin.

At the Diamond Retailer Lunch yesterday, Diamond Comic Distributors introduced the next modifications to their present mannequin. The one which has seen Marvel, DC, Image, IDW and Dark Horse search different distribution preparations with Lunar and Penguin Random House. With UPS strikes about to hit, Diamond was eager to a) emphasise that that they had negotiated to cut back UPS delivery charges and b) discover options to UPS.

Right now, there’s a distribution battle occurring, the place retailers are selecting the place to play their orders straight via Lunar or PRH, or use Diamond as a sub distributor for sure titles. It ought to be cheaper for retailers to go along with different distributors, however Diamond can improve economies of scale and simplify the general ordering course of in case you persist with Diamond. But as an increasing number of publishers go elsewhere, the economies of scale develop into much less enticing. Especially the place on one facet PRH gives free delivery, and Lunar gives far more safe delivery. Here are Diamond’s guarantees and plans:

Freight and logistics

New agreements with UPS and different delivery corporations
As of July 1, now we have been in a position to cut back UPS Ground prices on print merchandise by 40%
We proceed to develop options to UPS for packages which may be extra affordably shipped through different shippers
Small containers and containers that use dimensional weight
We know that smaller / lighter containers shipped through UPS are the least cost- environment friendly if delivery on their very own
We have built-in the USPS into our software program methods for smaller packages or packages the place dimensional weights end in outsized freight prices from UPS, and that’s now in testing

Other Efficient Tools and Processes

We proceed to develop and refine instruments and processes that assist retailers handle their shops effectively
ComicSuite, Pullbox, and the Shopify Generator permit retailers to handle subscriptions and stock of their shops and on-line
ACH COD and AutoPay are in testing and will likely be out there to retailers quickly
Qualifying retailers who pay through COD will have the ability to use ACH funds to routinely pay through their financial institution and eradicate the COD price for every cargo
Retailers with internet phrases will have the ability to choose in and have invoices routinely paid through their financial institution

And in spite of everything that, in addition to Marvel Comics dropping various reveals, a few of which have remained unique to that lunch, retailers had been in a position to choose up some unique or restricted version samples from the distributors, various items appear destined to hit eBay very shortly.