As a small-scale publisher from Scotland, I find the current situation frustrating. Previously, I could connect directly with retailers like major grocery chains, but now I'm forced to use a specific platform as the sole means of engagement. This requires a fee for access, which is unreasonable for a small business. The lowest tier is £1,399, but realistically, you'd need to spend £2,499 to make any headway. This doesn't even consider the VAT, which adds another 20%. In the book industry, margins are slim. With wholesale discounts of 40%-55%, a retail price of £19.99 means I'd need to sell over 15,000 copies just to cover the platform's costs. Considering the possibility of returns from retailers, the break-even point is likely over 25,000 copies. Why not create options for smaller suppliers? Perhaps a fee structure based on success rates or supplier size? A one-off submission fee for specific retailers would also be helpful. Currently, the platform seems indifferent to the small suppliers, as they benefit from fees from both sides, leading to a lack of motivation to support either party. The free submissions to major retailers allow only one attempt, which means if I add new products, I must rely on the retailer stumbling upon my page. The additional fee to list more than three products seems excessive for database management. The platform acts as a paywall, discouraging new businesses from getting their products seen. Dismissing 'invited' reviews reveals a more accurate picture of user sentiment, and the responses appear to be automated and insincere. Despite claims of valuing feedback, there have been no real changes in nearly two years. I attempted to report this to trading standards in the UK, but due to technicalities, they do not classify the platform as a monopoly. I feel stuck, hoping that a retailer notices my page or that the platform makes necessary adjustments for small suppliers. Until then, I'll continue to voice my concerns in reviews, hoping for a change.
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