Our guest today is Amir Bahari, Founder and CEO of PanelFly, an innovative platform set to revolutionize comic book distribution. With his extensive background in graphic novel writing and business, Amir brings a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities within the comic book industry.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background in the comic book industry?
I’ve been passionate about comics since childhood and eventually started writing graphic novels. That journey gave me insider knowledge of the industry’s inner workings, including the challenges faced by both retailers and publishers. This experience was a catalyst for creating PanelFly.
What inspired you to create PanelFly?
The inspiration came from my frustration with the inefficiencies in the traditional distribution models. I wanted to develop a streamlined system that would make the entire distribution process more efficient and beneficial for all parties involved.
How has your experience as a graphic novel writer influenced PanelFly’s development?
Being a graphic novel writer allowed me to understand the pain points from the creators’ side. This perspective was invaluable in designing a platform that addresses those specific issues, ensuring a smoother, more transparent process for both publishers and retailers.
What are the main issues with the traditional comic book distribution models that prompted you to create PanelFly?
Traditional distribution models are often rigid, with long wait times, high fees, and restrictive ordering policies. These systems place undue strain on retailers and publishers, making it hard for new or smaller players to thrive.
Can you explain the specific inefficiencies you’ve noticed with legacy distributors?
Legacy distributors tend to have a slow and cumbersome process, often leading to delayed shipments and stock shortages. These inefficiencies can disrupt sales and customer satisfaction, making it harder for retailers to manage their inventory effectively.
How do these issues affect retailers and publishers?
Retailers struggle with delayed shipments and unpredictability in stock, which can lead to lost sales and unsatisfied customers. Publishers face high distribution fees and slower payments, reducing their ability to reinvest in content creation and grow their business.
How does PanelFly plan to modernize comic book distribution?
PanelFly aims to modernize distribution by offering real-time inventory management, direct access to publishers, and a flexible ordering system. These features collectively streamline the process, making it more efficient for both retailers and publishers.
What is the primary mission of PanelFly?
Our mission is to modernize comic book distribution, making it more accessible, efficient, and profitable for all stakeholders involved in the industry. We want to put the power back in the hands of retailers and publishers.
How does the platform provide a more flexible and efficient ordering process for retailers?
Retailers can order what they need when they need it, without being tied down by bulk order minimums or strict pre-ordering policies. This flexibility allows them to better manage their inventory and respond quickly to customer demand.
Can you elaborate on the benefits of Direct Publisher Access through PanelFly?
Direct Publisher Access allows retailers to order comics directly from publishers, cutting out middlemen and reducing costs. This direct line of communication and transaction streamlines the process, making it quicker and more cost-effective for both parties.
How does cutting out the middlemen reduce costs for retailers?
By eliminating middlemen, retailers avoid additional fees and markups. This reduction in costs can be passed down to consumers or reinvested into the business, improving margins and overall profitability.
What advantages do publishers gain with direct access to retailers?
Publishers benefit from having more control over their pricing, marketing, and sales. They also receive payments faster and retain more revenue, enabling them to scale their operations and create more content.
What are the key features of PanelFly’s real-time inventory and ordering system?
Our system provides up-to-the-minute inventory levels, so retailers always know what’s available. It also enables immediate ordering and fulfillment, reducing the risk of delayed shipments and stock shortages.
How does it prevent delayed shipments and stock uncertainty?
By updating inventory levels in real-time, we ensure that retailers are never in the dark about what’s available. This transparency helps prevent over-ordering or under-ordering, minimizing the chances of stock issues.
What kind of immediate benefits can retailers expect from this system?
Retailers will experience quicker, more reliable shipments, improved stock management, and the ability to respond swiftly to customer demands. This leads to better customer satisfaction and increased sales.
Can you discuss the fee structure PanelFly offers and how it ensures faster payments?
We have a simplified fee structure designed to reduce costs for both retailers and publishers. By streamlining the payment process, publishers receive their funds faster, which creates a more sustainable model overall.
How do lower fees create a more sustainable model for both retailers and publishers?
Lower fees mean that more revenue remains with the retailers and publishers, enabling them to invest back into their businesses. This financial breathing room supports growth and innovation in the industry.
What measures are in place to expedite payment processes?
Our platform integrates with payment processors to ensure that transactions are handled swiftly and securely. This quick turnaround reduces the gap between sales and payouts, benefiting cash flow for publishers.
What marketing and analytics tools does PanelFly provide?
PanelFly offers a suite of tools designed to help publishers grow their audience and for retailers to optimize their inventory. These tools include targeted marketing campaigns and data-driven insights to make informed decisions.
How can these tools help publishers grow their audience?
Publishers can use data analytics to understand their audience better and tailor their marketing strategies accordingly. They can also reach new audiences through targeted advertising on our platform.
In what ways can retailers use these tools to optimize their inventory?
Retailers can analyze sales data to identify trends and customer preferences, enabling them to stock the right titles in the right quantities. This optimization reduces excess inventory and improves sales efficiency.
How does the flexible ordering feature benefit retailers?
Flexible ordering allows retailers to purchase comics without rigid pre-ordering policies, giving them the freedom to adjust their stock based on real-time demand. This adaptability helps maintain a balanced inventory.
What are some examples of strict pre-ordering policies PanelFly avoids?
Traditional distributors often require large upfront orders with little room for adjustments. These policies can lead to overstocking or stockouts, both of which are detrimental to a retailer’s bottom line.
How does this flexibility help retailers manage their stock more effectively?
Retailers can respond quickly to sales data and customer preferences, ordering more of what sells and less of what doesn’t. This dynamic approach ensures better stock levels and reduces wasted resources.
How is PanelFly a game-changer for indie publishers and retailers?
PanelFly offers indie publishers a platform to reach a broader retailer base without the barriers of traditional distributors. Retailers benefit from a diverse selection of titles and direct access to unique content.
What opportunities does PanelFly offer indie publishers in terms of reaching retailers?
Indie publishers can list their titles directly on our platform, giving them visibility to retailers nationwide. This direct marketplace approach eliminates many of the hurdles that small publishers face.
How do publishers benefit from control over pricing, marketing, and sales on PanelFly?
Full control over pricing and marketing allows publishers to implement strategies that work best for their specific content. They can also track sales in real-time and make adjustments to maximize revenue.
Can you provide some insights into the early adopters of PanelFly, such as 10 Ton Press and Red 5 Comics?
Early adopters like 10 Ton Press and Red 5 Comics have expressed enthusiasm about the platform’s potential. They appreciate the streamlined process and the direct communication with retailers.
What feedback have you received from these publishers so far?
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Publishers particularly value the real-time inventory updates and the ability to manage their listings directly, which has already proven to enhance their sales processes.
What is your forecast for the future of comic book distribution?
I believe that digital platforms like PanelFly will become increasingly prominent, driving efficiency and flexibility in the distribution process. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing technology will be key to staying competitive and meeting market demands.
