I am happy with my relationship with magazine distributor IPS, they are a welcome addition to the magazine distribution mix. I like the flexibility in selecting titles. I also like that their model is forcing publishers who use Gotch and Network to look at their engagement with newsagents. I like that I can order what I think I will sell and access top up stock the next day if needed.
When IPS launched I noted that they will be an agent for change. I think we are close to seeing this play out now. With 4,000+ newsagents with IPS accounts, they have distribution critical mass to benefit publishers.
I met with some of the IPS management team a week back and with their permission publish a summary of IPS achievements so far:
- Increase commission to newsagents, minimum of 27% commission on ALL IPS titles.
- Provided approximately $600,000 (FY12) in additional revenue to newsagents through increased commission.
- IPS gives primary control of supply back to the newsagents.
- IPS is committed to continue building a Sustainable Distribution Model for the future.
- IPS is helping retailers and publishers to reduce wastage that results from over supply into the market.
- IPS provides newsagents with a next day top up service.
- Increase marketing & promotions for newsagents to earn higher commission on sales of IPS titles.
- IPS welcomes newsagents to provide positive feedback on our systems and policies.
- IPS works with newsagents to develop new business rules and policies to assist them in determining the optimum supply levels for each IPS title.
- IPS is committed to improving Customer Service by streamlining internal processes, providing additional training and development.
I am confident that the more we as a channel engage with IPS the more Gotch and Network will change their model in response to greater competition.
Not from my experience, just another average performer trying to manipulate a flawed system!
Me no complain. I look forward to them having a much larger range of titles, that is when we’ll be able to asses them properly.
In support of IPS
After 12 months of not being supplied to newsagents based on their recorded sales, and despite our repeated requests for that to be done, Australian Family Tree Connections magazine is, from this month, being distributed by IPS.
As its name suggests, Australian Family Tree Connections magazine is a genealogy magazine and it is the only monthly genealogy magazine published in Australia. It is distributed to newsagents throughout Australia, and their counterparts in New Zealand.
Newsagents may be interested to know that while our magazine is available by direct subscription, that option is not heavily promoted as we prefer to emphasise the magazine’s availability in newsagencies which we do in both the magazine and on our website http://www.aftc.com.au
I hope any newsagent who previously received copies of our title but has not received the October 2012 issue, will contact IPS to have their supply reinstated. It goes without saying that if we can ever be of assistance to newsagents they can contact us on (02) 4329 2400 or email publisher@aftc.com.au
Thanks for posting this AFTC.
Not sure why GNS does not become a magazine distributor?
They have the setup already of electronic invoicing, and warehouse facilitates of storage and picking.
It would then make the GNS brand stronger, and as a result the newsagency channel.
It would solve the oversupply problem, seeing as GNS never have enough stock 🙂
Anyone else notice IPS commission changes ? twice now I downloaded my mags and they have come up with a change in cost price but no change in selling price.Best bets was the latest
They sent an email over a week ago listing about 10 titles that are dropping down to 25% commision
I found ips was the worst of the lot when it came to oversupply.So much so that I closed my account with absolutely no regrets.
Great idea Amanda I think GNS should consider this. After all they could not do any worse