Katharine Kan, a graphic novel and manga library consultant in Panama City, Florida, has been following the commentary on discounting (see 'Sharpening the Sword--Pricing Part 2') and says she appreciates the discount she receives in return for placing a minimum monthly order at a local comics shop.

I'm not a retailer, but a longtime comics shop customer.  I do get a discount from my shop.  I also provide my shop with a pull list about a page long every month, and I go in every week to purchase my comics and graphic novels.  I want to give my local shop the business rather than go through an online discount retailer, but no way could I afford to buy the number of titles I do if I couldn't get a discount (I get 20%).  I purchase a minimum of five comics and graphic novels per week.  It tends to average eight items a week, with occasional weeks up to 15 items.  If I had to pay full price, I'd be buying less, maybe two-to-five items a week average.  My shop only gives the discount to those customers who have a pull list of at least 20 items a month, so 'casual' customers do pay full price.

At the various shops where I've been a steady customer in the different places where I've lived, the discount was not a standard for every customer; it was a 'reward' for loyal customers who committed to purchasing a certain number of titles per month.  The discount ranged from 10-20%, no higher, because the shop owners also knew they had to make some kind of profit from their sales.

My situation may be different - I'm a graphic novel consultant for several library-related companies and a reviewer, and I need to keep up with what's being published.  I have to purchase a number of titles every week.  If my local shop couldn't or wouldn't give me a discount, I'd be forced, for economic reasons, to go elsewhere--in this case online, to get the discount.  It's a reality of my life and my work.

I'm fortunate to have an understanding local retailer who wants my business and wants to help me.  We work together.  I also volunteer at the shop for Free Comic Book Day and other things, so I sort of 'pay back' at least a little for my discount.

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