While browsing books in Germany, you may have noticed that they cost a similar price regardless if you’re buying them online, in a large retailer or a cosy book store. That’s due to the ‘fixed book pricing’ system.
Fixed book pricing, known as Buchpreisbindung in German, is a legally mandated system that obliges retailers in Germany to sell new books at a set price.
In practical terms it means that a new book costs the same everywhere, whether bought online or in any bookstore. The legal basis for this is Buchpreisbindungsgesetz or BuchPrG for short. It forbids retailers from offering discounts, unless the publisher has dropped the price.
The law states: “Anyone who sells books to consumers in Germany on a commercial or business basis must adhere to the price set…”
The rule dates all the way back to 1888 under agreements made by the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels or German Publishers and Booksellers Association. The modern law came into force in 2002.
Why does fixed book pricing exist?
Fixed book pricing is a deliberate cultural policy in German society. It serves several purposes including:
- Protecting book culture. In Germany, books are regarded as cultural treasures, not as ordinary commodities.
- Preserving small bookshops. Without fixed prices, large online retailers like Amazon can offer substantial discounts on books, effectively pushing small shops out of the market.
- Diversity rather than uniformity. Fixed book prices enable publishers to opt for niche literature, debut works and non-fiction, rather than just safe bestsellers.
- Nationwide availability. Germany wants bookshops in small towns too, not just in major cities.
All in all, the Buchpreisbindung aims to guarantee the quality and diversity of the range of books on offer, as well as their distribution and promotion through a large number of bookshops. Without fixed book prices, there would no doubt be less choice, fewer bookshops and more price dumping.
Do fixed book prices also apply to e-books?
E-books – such as those on Kindles – are subject to the same rules as printed books.
Can a book come down in price?
Discounts are only allowed in exceptional cases.
Promotions and sales prices on books are also only permitted if the publisher officially changes the price. A change can be made 18 months after publication at the earliest. In practice, most publishers keep book prices fixed for a much longer period.
Are there any exceptions to fixed book prices?
The fixed price doesn’t just apply to hardcover and paperback books. E-books, sheet music, illustrative products and books that include CDs or similar are also covered.
There are a few exceptions, though. These include:
- Second-hand books
- Damaged copies
- Remaining stock, if the publisher waives the fixed price
- Imported books not primarily intended for the German market
- School textbooks (some special regulations apply)
- For foreign-language books, the fixed price applies only if they are targeted to the German market.
There are also a few special cases such as discounts for library and bookshop staff. Book clubs can also offer special prices if these are contractually agreed.
Can I sell books for less or give them away?
Giving books away or reselling them is fine in a private context.
Commercial resale below the stated price is only allowed when it concerns second-hand books. You can find second-hand books at lower prices on sites such as Rebuy and Medimops.
Is the Buchpreisbindung popular?
Fixed book pricing is generally supported in Germany because of the reasons mentioned above, and because it offers authors fair remuneration.
The German Publishers and Booksellers Association says it ensures “the quality and diversity of the range of books available, as well as their distribution and promotion through a large number of bookshops”.
However, Germany’s Monopolies Commission has previously spoken out against the fixed pricing system, arguing that it interferes with the market.
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