Book tax at Thalia for the time being: Successful cooperation with a challenge

Book tax at Thalia for the time being: Successful cooperation with a challenge

Because of the overwhelming success of using used books, the book trade chain Thalia temporarily stopped cooperation with the used book dealer Bookbot. Thalia, especially the branch in Mariahilfer Straße in Vienna, had offered that customers could hand over their old books there. Customers were able to simply deliver their books and in return got a piece of paper with the number of specimens cast, while they were able to pursue the development of their sales online. But now this practical service is history.

The decision to suspend the cooperation results from the logistical challenges created by the large number of books cast. "There were too many books at once," explains the press spokeswoman for Thalia, Andrea Mikaheel. The transport of the large quantities into the central warehouse of Bookbot in Prague turned out to be difficult, which caused the two companies to end the collaboration since October 1st.

challenges for the employees

The high rush of book taxes also led to an additional burden for employees in the branches. These were often overwhelmed with the reserve of the books, which could be read on the faces of the employees. It has been reported several times that submitting books for some employees, especially at the end of their working day, was a high workload.

A sign on the hand in hand now illustrates the situation: it says that Thalia apologizes for any inconvenience. Many customers who were not informed about the cessation of the cooperation had to go home with full bags and backpacks. However, Thalia has currently given no information on when or whether the action will be resumed.

Alternative options for book sales

Although cooperation with Thalia is exposed to, customers can continue to sell their used books via alternative ways. Bookbot still offers the opportunity to send books by post. In addition, there is the so-called Bookbot service, which was previously known as BookTaxi, which enables books to be picked up directly from the front door. This gives customers flexibility to sell their books without additional effort.

The Czech start-up Bookbot, which is now also active in Austria, Slovakia and Germany, offers customers 60 percent of the sales price for their books, minus a service flat rate of EUR 1.19 per book sold. The prices are adapted to the market conditions, and if a book is not sold, the price continuously lowers until a buyer is found.

For the books to be given, it is ideal if they are in good condition. This also includes foreign language books and blank textbooks. Only badly damaged copies are not accepted.

For further details about this temporary stop and the possible ways to sell books, interested parties can obtain more information on the Bookbot website, as well as check the necessary steps to use the platform.