IndieBound FAQ

What is IndieBound?
IndieBound is a community-oriented movement begun by the independent bookseller members of the American Booksellers Association. It brings together booksellers, readers, indie retailers, local business alliances, and anyone else with a passionate belief that healthy local economies help communities thrive. Supporting local, indie businesses means that dollars, jobs, diversity, choice, and taxes stay local, creating strong, unique communities and happy citizens.

It's a powerful tool for booksellers to communicate their part in a national movement supporting independents--and lets everyone know just how many independent bookstores there are. It's powerful for authors to show their dedication to indies nationwide, easily done through linking to thousands of indie bookstores through IndieBound.org. It's powerful because IndieBound encompasses and supports all types of independent retailers, not just booksellers--and local or regional shop local campaigns and independent business alliances, as well. And it's powerful for consumers to feel a part of a larger movement, to know that their choices make a difference and that others are working toward the same goals.

Why support independents?
When you shop at an independently-owned business, your entire community benefits:
- Spend $100 at a local and $68 of that stays in your community. Spend the same $100 at a national chain, and your community only sees $43.
- Local businesses create higher-paying jobs for our neighbors.
- More of your taxes are reinvested in your community--where they belong.
- Buying local means less packaging, less transportation, and a smaller carbon footprint.
- Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money to beautify your community.
- Local retailers are your friends and neighbors—support them and they’ll support you.
- Local businesses donate to charities at more than twice the rate of national chains.
- More independents means more choice, more diversity, and a truly unique community.

Can I get IndieBound stuff for myself?
From our Indie Gear page, you not only get cool stuff, but you declare your dedication to shopping local, to diversity, and to community building. And ask your local independent bookstore about free stickers, bookmarks, buttons, and more.

What are the Indie Next List & Bestsellers?
The monthly Indie Next List, drawn from bookseller-recommended favorite handsells, epitomizes the heart and soul of passionate bookselling. The weekly Indie Bestseller Lists are most current snapshot of what’s selling in indie bookstores nationwide. You can view both of these online at IndieBound.org, or check your local independent bookstore for printed versions.

Can I buy books on IndieBound.org?
While we’re not an e-commerce site, we link to hundreds of independent bookstore websites all across the country. Click the red "Buy online from an indie bookstore" button on any book's info page, enter your zip code, and we'll transfer you to a local bookstore's website. You can even ask IndieBound to remember your choice for repeat shopping.

You can also become a part of bookselling through IndieBound by becoming an affiliate. We give you all the tools you need to link to books on your website through the IndieBound.org family of independent bookstores. Find out more about our affiliate program here.

How can I get involved?
You can join the IndieBound Community (see below) to get involved online. You can become an IndieBound affiliate and link your site's visitors independent bookstores. See our Spread the Word page for more on how you can send the message to friends and family both online and off. And of course, keep up the good work by visiting and supporting the independent bookstores and other indie businesses in your area!

What’s the Community?
The mission of the IndieBound.org community is to help people across the United States share and find independently-owned businesses. By connecting indie-conscious people with local businesses, we're working to strengthen the health of Main Street ecosystems across the United States. Learn more about the community's philosophy here.

How can I get my bookstore listed on IndieBound.org? What about non-bookstores?
Bookstores and non-bookstores alike are welcome to the community. List your store, and other indies in your community, on our store finder map by filling out the Add a Store form (you must be logged in to the community to access this page). Be sure to flesh out your profile with lots of info and pictures, and add interests to let new customers find you. And let your current customers know about the community, too!

What criteria does a store have to meet to be listed on IndieBound.org?
IndieBound.org is for listing bricks-and-mortar independent businesses only. Businesses without a storefront, or which are determined not to be independently owned, will be deleted from the site.

I don’t live in the US. Can I join?
Absolutely! We have an “Other/Outside US” option in our signup form.

Can I list a store outside the US?
Of course we support independent bookstores and other businesses internationally, but all stores listed in the community should be brick-and-mortar stores within the US. If you’re spearheading a similar effort in another country, please let us know!