A quick question

AnthonyJones · Dec 6, 2011

I have an kindle book and I set it up at 99c because that was the cheapest. I put it on smashwords because you can set it as free. It's a short story so I want it to be free on Amazon too.

What I did was click the button that says something about a lower price somewhere else. I pasted the smashwords URL in there a little over a week ago and it's still 99 cents. I did it again 3 days ago and still nothing.

Is there anything else I can do?

Thanks a lot!

merrihiatt · Dec 6, 2011

Amazon does not price match with Smashwords. You will need to wait until a site such as Barnes & Noble lists your title as free, then use the "tell us about a lower price" option.

As an aside, you may want to check the terms of service at Amazon KDP. It states that books should be priced the same across all sales channels (i.e., if it's $.99 cents through Amazon KDP, it should be $.99 cents at Smashwords and all other sites, as well).

AnthonyJones · Dec 6, 2011

Thanks!

So there is no way I can get amazon mark it down to free? I've heard around here that there were several ways.

merrihiatt · Dec 6, 2011

What I outlined above is how you would get it marked free on Amazon, if Amazon chooses to price match.

Some people believe offering the free promotion does not go against the terms of service. It's your call. My suggestion is to read the terms of service and decide for yourself. I have read debates for each side of the issue. Ultimately, it's up to you.

shaldna · Dec 7, 2011

merrihiatt said:
Amazon does not price match with Smashwords. You will need to wait until a site such as Barnes & Noble lists your title as free, then use the "tell us about a lower price" option.

As an aside, you may want to check the terms of service at Amazon KDP. It states that books should be priced the same across all sales channels (i.e., if it's $.99 cents through Amazon KDP, it should be $.99 cents at Smashwords and all other sites, as well).

This,

Jason E Thummel · Dec 7, 2011

In addition, if you do go this route, you may want to ask for someone else to second the motion, so to speak. I have a paperback that B&N put on sale and I indicated it to Amazon, and they've not decided to match. It is at their discretion, but reports from more than one source increase your odds.

merrihiatt · Dec 7, 2011

Just to clarify, you upload the book to Smashwords. When it has been approved for distribution, your book will be sent to several sales channels, including Barnes and Noble. Once it is listed there as free, then you ask Amazon to price match.

merrihiatt · Dec 7, 2011

Jason E Thummel said:
In addition, if you do go this route, you may want to ask for someone else to second the motion, so to speak. I have a paperback that B&N put on sale and I indicated it to Amazon, and they've not decided to match. It is at their discretion, but reports from more than one source increase your odds.

All my paperback books are currently cheaper through B&N at the moment, but I have not been able to get Amazon to price match any of them. As you noted, it is at their discretion.

brianjanuary · Dec 7, 2011

You can't list it free on Amazon or B&N (the lowest is .99). The way to make it free on Amazon is to list it free on Smashwords, then inform Amazon and let them catch up to it so that they can price match. It can take a long time.

Brian January
http://amzn.com/B005WM0HN6
http://amzn.com/B006QCZF3S

A quick question

AnthonyJones

merrihiatt

Writing! Writing! Writing!

AnthonyJones

merrihiatt

Writing! Writing! Writing!

shaldna

The cake is a lie. But still cake.

Jason E Thummel

merrihiatt

Writing! Writing! Writing!

merrihiatt

Writing! Writing! Writing!

brianjanuary