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Remember back in the early 90′s when we used to go to a local bookstore to pickup the latest “For Dummies” book to learn the nuances of DOS and Windows 3.1? Well apparently the old book series is back in mainstream (maybe) since Volusion and 3dcart have recently both written the book on ecommerce under the “For Dummies” brand.
Volusion, the popular ecommerce platform, announced their new “authoritative book” on their blog:
You’re no dummy, but it never hurts to have a helping hand when getting started in ecommerce. That’s why we’ve written the book on ecommerce (literally) for your education and entertainment. (Source)
Volusion is giving away free downloads of their “For Dummies” book to anyone who gives them their email. They’re giving print copies to anyone who signs up for one of their plans.
3dcart announced their book entitled “Online Stores for Dummies” literally 5 days after Volusion.
3dcart says on their blog:
We know our customers aren’t Dummies, but giving them a book never hurts. That’s why we’ve partnered up with DUMMIES to offer a free copy of their latest book ‘Online Stores for DUMMIES’ to anyone that signs up for a new 3dcart store! (Source)
Having both Volusion and 3dcart release what’s essentially the exact same book less than a week apart makes me think.
First of all, it’s hilarious that both companies were writing the exact same book for the same publisher at the exact same time. I’m sure the guys at the dying book publishing company “For Dummies” are laughing their way to the bank. If you’re curious how this happened in the first place – these books aren’t the same “For Dummies” books you find at Barnes & Noble.. they’re the result of major marketing projects that use ‘custom book publishing‘ services. Companies (like Volusion and 3dcart) write a book, or pay someone to write one, then pay a ton of money to “For Dummies” to have it published under their brand.
Secondly, both Volusion and 3dcart are online companies selling an online product. Do online store owners really want to read a print copy of an ecommerce book? Book in one hand, other hand on a keyboard. Also, now I haven’t read either book, but given the speed at which the ecommerce industry moves, won’t most of the content in these books become obsolete by.. say, next month?
I wonder if BigCommerce and Shopify will release their versions soon? Somehow I doubt it.
I could go on. But I won’t. I want to know what you think of these books. Leave your thoughts in the comments!
If you’re interested, read my reviews on Volusion and 3dcart. Thanks for reading! 
Hahahaha this is so ridiculous. Their marketing departments should be fired. Not just for publishing the same book at the same time, but for publishing a book like this at all.
Hahaha it does seem a bit silly, doesn’t it? Thanks for reading and commenting Eric.
Maybe volusion should spend more money and effort on their AWFUL software?
#Burn
I actually got both books, they are both different. There is some good info specially for ecommerce newbies. Did you actually get them ? You can get the 3dcart one by just signing up for a free demo, the Volusion one you have to signup, i had already signed up so i just asked for it.
Peter: No I haven’t read them… but I’m glad to hear they’re different. I still can’t believe that both companies released an ecommerce “for dummies” book in the same week. Makes me chuckle. There’s no way in hell the guys at “For Dummies” told either company this was happening…
I got Volusion book when I signed up, and it does have good information. It’s funny that both companies are doing the same.
I don’t believe they claim they “wrote” the book, it’s just an incentive to sign up.
For me it makes the company look good and shows that at least they bother to think of business owners trying to start a website.
At least they give you a free book.
Marc: Volusion says on their blog “We wrote the book on ecommerce” – so it’s safe for me to say they’re making that claim.
Anyway, it’s good to hear that Volsuion’s book has some good info. Thanks for reading & commenting!