Our supply of Volt magazine was increased from 2 copies to 3 copies with the latest issue. We have received Volt three times including this latest issue. In May 2010 we received 2 copies and sold both. In May 2011 we received 2 copies and sold none. Today we received three copies. Okay so one extra copy is not a big deal. However, there is no justification for the increase in the sales data. If I have sold both copies from May this year then yes, increase supply. If I had sold one of those copies maybe (but probably not). But I sold none and the allocations system at Gordon and Gotch increases me by 50% – one copy.
I appreciate that at the low volume level of supply, four copies or less, it is challenging to get the scale out right, especially ifhistoric sales have been volatile. With only two issues of sales data to go off and the results noted, Gotch could play the volatility card. I’d disagree. Based on limited sales history and for a low volume title, the rule should be to be more cautious in favour of newsagents. The opposite appears to be the case, shifting the obligation and risk to me.
There are people at Gotch who will spin this blog post and have a reason for the increase in supply. They will complain that I have not come to them before writing about it here.
There is no justification for sending me an extra copy of Volt other than them needing to place it somewhere other than at their warehouse. I should not have to go to Gotch. Their system should be better than to increase supply based on the data they have for the previous two issues I have received.
Every increase in supply needs to be justified in the sales data. It must have at least a 75% chance of selling. Otherwise it is just a cash grab, focusing newsagents to provide cash-flow for others.
I am not on a vendetta with this type of post as has been put to me. The data speaks for itself. Had the increase not been done, I would have not been able to write what I have.
We have had the same thing happen on Express magazines yesterday with an increase of some of 2-3 copies extra.
My wife spoke to Express and told them that while we will be supporting their product by keeping it on the shelves for the entire sale period, we will be early returning the additional stock. Our sales data does not show that an increase was justified.
what happened to the blog on the exclusive
bhg recipe book was looking forward to reading replies
I pulled it because of a stream of attacks by anonymous commenters.
why would someone do this when they could attack it at anytime on the newsxpress blog , but anyway ./
Did anyone else receive the email from campertrailer -the kimberly. asking if you would like the stock and if not just click no . how simple is this and yet it is the best thing i have seen on comunication from a magazine comany ever . good on you camperytrailer for that email