Changes, Praises, Concerns

We think it’s important to be transparent in all that we do, because we value our friends, supporters, and customers. Our little organization goes through many ups and downs, and we are constantly adapting and changing as we grow.

Last month, we were surprised by a change to the fee structure on Amazon. Now, instead of paying a fee of $1.35 per item sold we are paying $1.80 per item sold. They are also taking 15% of the price plus shipping, rather than just the price of the item. A few things have happened as a result of this change.

-We have obviously had to up our minimum listing price which was at $.99. It’s now $1.99. Even with this price we have still taken a hit in our profit. We can make $.68 per book at that price now, where we used to make 1.72. We used to be able to clear an $.88 profit from a $.99 book.

-Our orders initially skyrocketed. It appears that many smaller sellers have pulled out (we’re not sure if that’s temporary or permanent) and there are virtually no $.01 books out there. As a result, we’ve had tons of sales. Double the orders, and increased, but not doubled, the profit. It remains to be seen if this will last as the dust settles. Sales have slowed a bit after a few weeks.

Praises:

-This first quarter we have been giving to mission, and we have not dipped into our savings. This is typically a lean season for us so this is good news.

-We’re using the outlet as a fundraising tool for various organizations:ECIRMAC (the refugee center) last month, Hogar de Esperanza and Ludlati Carepoint later this month and next.

Concerns:

-Our donation season will be ramping up soon, and we are lacking in space to deal with this.

-Giving to mission has lessened significantly because of ReStart.

-We need to scale up but we have limited resources to do so: space, personnel, income, etc.

-We’re concerned about the lack of a net. We have a small “insurance” fund, but not enough to sustain something major happening to the business.

We appreciate your prayers as we look to the future. God is good, and He guides our hands every day.