FAQs
How does the machine work? Do the books drop all that way?
1
Oh my gosh no!! We could never! Once you make your selection on the touchscreen the elevator comes up and the books only drop a few centimetres into the tray (which has a soft spongey base). They then gently glide down where you can collect them from the tray.
What if they get stuck/don’t vend properly?
2
We’ve heard all the horror stories of chip packets getting stuck in machines! But rest-assured that we have tested every book many, many times to ensure that it vends properly. If something unexpected does happen, please e-mail us at whoa.nellie.vending@gmail.com and we will speedily resolve the issue.
How do you select the titles and gifts for the machine?
3
The smallest bookstore in QLD only has limited space! So we rotate our books regularly and only pick books that we have read and loved (so we know you’re only getting the best). We try to have a selection from various genres as well as some beautiful special editions that make lovely gifts. We also love to theme the machine around special times of year. We only stock gifts from Australian creatives. We love to support local!
How can I contact you?
4
You can reach us anytime via email (see our contact page). We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day. If you would like to partner with us for an author event or enquire about placing your products in the machine, please indicate this in the subject line.
Why are your books more expensive than from the big chain stores?
5
We always try to stock things that you can’t readily find in the big chain stores, but with popular new releases, the big stores will sell these books for less than cost price and often make a loss on them, thereby drawing customers into their stores to spend more money on other things (like air fryers and home decor).
We sell our books at RRP which is set by the publisher. Even so, we only make a very tiny amount of money on each book (typically 35% of RRP) and this doesn’t account for other small business expenses like rent, marketing, transaction fees etc.
We know that not everyone can afford to pay these prices for every book they buy, but we so appreciate your support of independent bookstores and the joy and expert knowledge they provide to the bookish community. We value maintaining the value of books and we hope you do too!
Do you have an online store?
6
Not yet! We’re hoping to set one up soon so that you can purchase any title your heart desires at the click of a button and know you’re still supporting an independent bookstore. If you listen to audio books you can support us by adding us as your bookstore on LibroFM.
Do you have another question?
Contact us via our contact page and we will do our best to answer it for you!