Influences on Book Purchasing






Where do you most like to browse for books that you want to buy?
 
2008
2009
2010
Internet
17%
40%
38%
Chain bookshop
34%
31%
25%
Independent bookshop
26%
15%
17%
Supermarket
17%
14%
14%
Social networking site
-
-
6%
Which of the following would make you more likely to spend money in bookshops?
 
2008
2009
2010
More promotional offers/discounts
-
-
56%
More money off books
46%
55%
-
More offers like 3 for 2
38%
43%
-
Loyalty schemes
-
-
34%
Wider range of quality books
19%
22%
21%
More recommendations in store
12%
13%
17%
Ability to order online and pick up in store
-
-
17%
Bookshops stay open later
15%
17%
14%
Other products and services in store
17%
10%
13%
Better personal service in store
8%
15%
12%
More in store events
-
-
12%
National Book Tokens
-
-
12%
I never buy from bookshops
12%
6%
9%
How would you typically find out about new books and authors?
 
2008
2009
2010
Recommendations from friends or family
12%
17%
20%
Display in a bookshop
26%
18%
17%
Newspaper or magazine review
14%
17%
15%
Interview or recommendation
9%
17%
13%
Mentioned on TV or radio show
13%
11%
8%
Blurb on book jacket when browsing
5%
6%
8%
Newspaper or magazine advert
6%
5%
5%
Recommendation from famous person
4%
4%
4%
Shop assistant’s advice
2%
1%
3%
Street poster or billboard
1%
2%
2%
Local reading group
1%
1%
2%
Librarian’s advice
2%
1%
2%
Book club catalogue
3%
2%
1%
Source: Reading the Future Survey (June 2008, 2009 & 2010)
 
Primary factor in book purchase decision
Author reputation
52%
Personal recommendation
49%
Price
45%
Book reviews
37%
Cover artwork/blurbs
22%
Advertising
14%
Online marketing awareness factors
Search engine results
58%
Author websites & blogs
30%
Social networks
20%
Online advertising
17%
 
Source: Verso Digital (US): 2009 Survey of Book-Buying Behavior (January 2010)