360Buy.com Promises Chinese Writers Commissions On Book Sales

Chinese B2C e-commerce website 360buy.com has announced that it has launched a campaign starting from June 1, 2011, to return 3% of its sales of books to the original writers.

360buy.com plans to operate this subsidy scheme for three years. Writers who want to gain the subsidy need to register, and once approved by 360buy.com, the subsidy will be paid to writers on a quarterly basis.

Prior to this, Liu Qiangdong, chief executive officer of 360buy.com, disclosed this plan on his microblog. At the same time, he said he will donate CNY1 million to protect the rights of writers and to fight against copyright infringements in China.

Originally an e-commerce website focusing on the sales of computer, communications, and consumer products, 360buy.com has recently expanded into the Chinese book market and offered low discounts to consumers. In regards to 360buy.com’s discount policy, many publishing houses have expressed their discontent.