The key here is to highlight and emphasize the ministry aspect and reduce the attention given to the profit-making side. Let's keep the channels of communication open between publishers and strive to improve our image in the retailer's mind. Let's keep telling them who we are, why we do what we do - what our ministry motive is. Summation of Responses From the comments and feedback given at the breakfasts this year, bookstores are not asking for earth-shattering concepts. They are simply requesting contact from you.
Any step taken is an improvement.
We have drilled into them the importance of customer service, and they are expecting the same in return. In fact, they would appreciate weekly contact so long as it is relevant. They appreciate the time, attention to detail and miss the relationship that was fostered between them and the publisher. It is hard to know what retailers really want. There is a tendency for technology to remove us one step further from the customer.