Monsoon Commerce's Book Rental Program Is First for Online Marketplaces and Independent Sellers

EMERYVILLE, Calif., May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Monsoon Commerce, the world's most advanced online marketplace provider for sellers, announced the first online textbook-rental marketplace. Independent sellers are now enrolling in the new book-rental program, preparing for the fall back-to-school sales season. In July, participating sellers will begin renting textbooks and other books to shoppers on Alibris, Monsoon Commerce's flagship retail marketplace.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110404/LA76201LOGO)

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090511/ALIBRISLOGO)

Shoppers—especially college students—are turning to online book rentals to save on textbooks. Current estimates put textbook rentals at nearly 15% of the online textbook market (up from 4% in 2010). In response to this burgeoning demand, Monsoon Commerce's rental program opens up the textbook rental market to independent sellers, who are eager for new channels to increase their revenue.

"Our sellers have wanted to participate in the rapidly growing book rental market," said Brian Elliott, CEO of Monsoon Commerce. "We're always looking to empower our sellers to grow their businesses, so we're launching rentals on Alibris to drive even more sales to sellers during this back-to-school season and beyond. We'll extend the book rental capabilities we've built to our Monsoon Commerce retail partners. It's a win-win situation for all."

There is no additional charge to participate in the innovative textbook-rental program, which was designed for Monsoon Commerce's qualified Gold sellers, as well as new sellers who sign up to sell with Monsoon Commerce. In less than one minute after they're approved for the book rental program, sellers can designate their inventory as rentable on the Alibris marketplace, whose unparalleled selection and competitive pricing make it the ideal marketplace for textbook rentals. Shoppers of all kinds may rent any book listed for rent, including more than textbooks.

"I'm excited to be participating in the book rental program on Alibris," said Mike Holland of "booksandsailboats," a five-star independent seller based in Lithia, Florida. "Now I've got the perfect chance to expand my business into the book rental market and make money on the same book more than once."

About Alibris and Monsoon Commerce

Alibris, a premier online marketplace, is a retail division of Monsoon Commerce, which helps online sellers and retailers grow their sales through online marketplaces. Learn more at www.monsooncommerce.com.

SOURCE Monsoon Commerce