Understanding Direct Sales
Direct Sales lets authors and vendors create standalone sales forms for products they want to sell directly to readers. Use it for print books, merchandise, special editions, excess stock, limited-time sales, table sales, or private offers that do not need to be tied to a specific event.
When to use Direct Sales
Use Direct Sales when you want to sell products outside of a typical event preorder form setup.
Common examples:
A signed paperback sale that you will ship direct to customers.
A limited-time merch drop.
A private sale for a reader group.
A table-sale form that buyers scan at an event.
An excess stock sale after an event.
How Direct Sales differs from event order forms
Direct Sales forms are not necessarily attached to an event. They appear in your public Beventi profile under "Stores" and can be shared with customers by link or QR code.
Event order forms appear both on your Beventi profile, and the event's page, and are designed to be used for preorders that customers will typically pick up at the event (unless the event is virtual).
How Direct Sales differs from Wholesale
Direct Sales is reader-facing retail selling. A public Direct Sales form can be viewed and purchased from by any reader unless you make the form private.
Wholesale forms can only be viewed and purchased from by approved bookstores. Wholesale listings use bookstore-only pricing, quantity tiers, minimum order quantities, access requests, and seller terms built specifically for bookstore purchasing.
FAQ
Can I limit a Direct Sales Form to specific customers?
Yes, if you don't want your Direct Sales form to be publicly listed under your Stores, simply set the order form to "Private" in the order form settings. This will prevent anyone who does not have the link or QR code from finding the order form. You can then provide the link or QR code to the specific customer group you wish to share it with.
Who ships or fulfills Direct Sales orders?
The seller (you) fulfills Direct Sales orders. Beventi helps capture orders and buyer details, but the seller is responsible for shipping, pickup, digital delivery, replacements, and buyer communication.
Can I use Direct Sales for an event?
Yes. If you want buyers to be able to purchase products directly while at your table or booth, you can create a private Direct Sales form, turn off shipping, add pickup instructions, and share the QR code at the event.
Does Direct Sales replace event preorder forms?
No. Use an event order form when the sale belongs to a specific event (except for the use mentioned above). Use Direct Sales when the sale is standalone or when a direct private form fits the workflow better.