Independent Publishers Group has joined Batch for Books, which simplifies the invoicing process for independent bookstores, allowing them to more easily manage, organize, and pay invoices. IPG will send invoices to Batch, which aggregates all invoices into an easy-to-use portal. Booksellers can also make single payments through Batch for multiple invoices, and Batch will separate and send payments back to IPG and other participating distributors or publishers. Batch is free for indie booksellers.
Batch was founded in 2000 by the Booksellers Association of the U.K. and Ireland and is used by booksellers in more than 80 countries. Fraser Tanner, CEO of Batch, said, "It's great to welcome IPG to Batch as part of their commitment to working with the independent bookselling community to help them to sell more books. Batch is dedicated to working with bookstores and publishers to create efficiencies and reduce costs. IPG is joining the growing group of vendors who are stepping forward to improve and streamline the business of bookselling."
IPG CEO Joe Matthews said, "While IPG works hard to empower independent publishers and simplify their lives, Batch is doing the same thing for independent bookstores. It's a partnership that makes sense and will benefit the world of indie publishing."
American Booksellers Association CEO Allison Hill said, "For indie bookstores, Batch streamlines invoices, reduces data entry, and frees up time for other priorities like selling books! All for free. If every bookstore signed up, then every publisher signed up, Batch could change the industry. There's always a reason not to do it, but participating is a vote for the future you want to see in the industry. This is the kind of innovation, efficiency, and technology that indie bookselling needs."