What does it mean to be a Barefoot Books Community Bookseller?

A Community Bookseller is an individual working in their community to bring high-quality Barefoot Books to children through book fairs, community events, local festivals or online. When you register as a Community Bookseller, you are starting an independent business that is flexible, fun and creative.

What is the time commitment for running my Barefoot business?

This is your business, so it’s your decision how much time you want to invest based on your schedule and goals. We recommend that Community Booksellers plan to dedicate at least 5-10 hours a week to the program, either engaged in selling, marketing their business, keeping up with company news, or planning ahead.

What are my costs to get started?

Becoming a Community Bookseller starts when you register online for $199.99$269.99 (the price of the Starter Kit) plus applicable taxes. You will be prompted to renew your membership annually. The renewal fee will be waived if you sell $1,000 ($500 with your 50% discount). Initial registration fee includes a complimentary starter kit.

What is included in my Starter Kit?

We give you everything you need to hit the ground running as a Community Bookseller! The Starter Kit includes: a collection of Barefoot bestsellers, a branded table runner and a Barefoot Books table sign to help your table displays stand out!

Do I have to pay extra for a website or online tools?

No. The annual registration fee includes your Barefoot Books website and full access to all online Community Bookseller tools. There are no hidden fees.

What help will I have getting my business started? Is there training?

We are here to support you along every part of your bookselling journey. Barefoot Books provides Community Booksellers with training options through a variety of platforms.

Our Business Basics page and Reference Guide are your starting points for accessing quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions and downloadable PDFs that will help you launch your business into high gear. Our Business Basics page and Reference Guide are your first stops for learning the ins and outs of being a Community Bookseller. For day-to-day support, we offer a Facebook Group for Community Booksellers where you can ask questions, share in each other's successes, and read the latest announcements from Barefoot Books. You will also be invited to attend monthly live webinar trainings as well as our annual Community Bookseller Conference in Concord, Massachusetts.

For in-person support, you can contact the home office at [email protected]. It may also be helpful to choose a Community Bookseller Mentor who can provide personalized tips and ongoing support.

Who can help me as I start selling books?

We offer a mentorship program where you can work with an experienced Community Bookseller either in person or online. We can recommend individuals to you based on where you live and how you want to run your business or you can search for a mentor. You decide if you want a mentor and who you will work with. It costs you nothing, and you gain help in learning the ropes, plus ongoing personalized support.

How much can I earn?

There are two main ways to earn income as a Community Bookseller.

Sell in person - Use your 50% up-front discount to purchase inventory

Example:
Spend $150 on Barefoot Books to sell at events.
Take home $300 when you sell all of those books at full retail price.
Your profit: $150

Sell Online - Earn a 30% commission

Example:
Share your personal Barefoot Books website link with customers.
A customer spends $100 on Barefoot Books through your link (not including tax or shipping).
You earn $30 (30% commission).
There is no minimum order size for you to earn.

Community Booksellers who choose to mentor others also have the opportunity to earn a 5% Quarterly Mentor Bonus on their team members’ sales

How will I be paid?

When you sell books in person, you earn a profit immediately. All online commissions and bonuses earned in any calendar quarter are paid electronically within 10-14 business days of the month following the calendar quarter in which they are earned.

Is there a certain sales threshold I need to meet to be an active Community Bookseller?

No. Your Community Bookseller registration is good for a full year, no matter what.

Is there an order minimum?

There is no order minimum! Manage your business in the best way that benefits you.

Am I required to recruit others or build a team?

There are no recruiting requirements to participate in the Community Bookseller program, and you do not need to build a team in order to be successful. However, you can choose to become a mentor and be eligible for a quarterly Mentor bonus.

Will I be penalized if I leave the Program?

We understand that life can get busy or circumstances can change. You will not be penalized if you decide not to renew your Community Bookseller account after a year. All Barefoot Books products that you have ordered for business use are yours to keep, donate, or gift. Later, you may decide to register again and pick up where you left off!

To reactivate your Community Bookseller (formerly Ambassador) account, you must re-register for the program. If you use the same email address and account, your sales history and business dashboard will be restored. You will need to purchase a Starter Kit for $199.99 USD or $269.99 CAD.

How do I renew my annual membership?

The cost to renew your Community Bookseller membership is $49.99 USD / $64.99 CAD annually. You will be sent renewal instructions by email. This renewal fee will be waived if you have had at least $1,000 in gross personal orders ($500 net) within the previous 12 month period.