My birdwatching logbooks are now available at a number of retail outlets, varying from farm shops to art galleries to independent bookshops to boutique hotels and guided tours. In this post, I run through some of the ways to maximise success as they have a unique niche in the world of retail, and if you are used to large publishing houses and distributors, the logbooks need a slightly different approach. Having learnt a great deal since the launch of the birdwatching logbooks back in 2021, here I share some ways of making them a valuable part of your revenue.
Firstly, they sell best when front-facing (unlike most books which rely on a spine) and I have some stands available, meaning the books can be displayed upright which really helps. Having a stand with a number of sections invites a picking up and examining, which again is important as the paper feels lovely, and they are meant to be carried and written in, so they are deliberately designed to be pleasingly tactile.
It also helps for outlets to have a decent supply to firstly, have logbooks on display in a generous manner, and secondly to be able to top up as soon as one sells; nobody likes to buy the last one, and only having two on a stand looks a little mean.
As the books are small, having them at hand or eye level is helpful so that the title can be read easily and see the little birds at the top and bottom of the front page. Counter-intuitively, they can sell more effectively in a group with other items rather than necessarily with books.
Avoid having 2 of a number of titles, however tempting that may seem. Start with Town & Country Garden Birds and possibly Coast & Clifftop: these are the ‘entry level’ logbooks, unless there is a title that is specific to your location. All booklets are available on Sale or Return so take advantage of that to get enough of a relevant title.
They work perfectly in a the following settings:
- nature corners
- with walks and maps, rucksacks and water bottles
- eco-friendly products: the logbooks are plastic-free and sustainably produced
- with gifts and stationery
- on entrance desks or at reception – add price so it’s clear they are for sale…
- by binocular or scope displays
- as part of a welcome pack for guests
- as part of a package with binocular hire or a guided walk
- alongside bird food or bird boxes
- marketed as a end-of-term teacher gift or stocking filler/Secret Santa
Take advantage of the the following birdwatching and wildlife orineted calendal events such as:
- Earth Day
- World Migratory Bird Day
- Big Garden Birdwatch
- Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch on the BBC
Below are some examples from a couple of my stockists:
…as well as any local promotion, as seen below at The Rye Bookshop:
I have a range of stands and small display units that show the booklets to best effect, and generate sales. They are not children’s books but they are popular with grandparents and parents as an activity to do with youngsters; the illustrations are appealing to all ages.
Birds are an incredibly easy subject to engage with, and the price point is such that they are not a huge outlay, requiring excessive thought and deliberation. They are specifically aimed at a demographic that either wouldn’t normally buy a bird book, or has to buy every bird book, and they have proven their value with both complete beginners and seasoned birders.
The logbooks are designed to support biodiversity and champion our British bird species by helping people get to know and – more importantly – appreciate the birds we have around us, before it’s too late.
If you need any copy or photographs to enhance your sales or exposure, please contact me.
“We can talk about making a difference; we can make a difference; or we can do both.”
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