Frequently Asked Questions
About Luigi’s Involvement
Q: Is Luigi involved in running this bookshop?
A: No. Due to prison regulations, Luigi cannot be involved in operating a business. This is an independent fundraising initiative, and neither Luigi nor his representatives are involved.
Purchasing Questions
Q: How exactly does my purchase support Luigi's defense fund?
A: When you purchase through our Bookshop.org affiliate link, Bookshop.org pays 10% of the sale as affiliate commission, which is donated (100%) to Luigi's legal defense fund via the official fundraising site. This happens through Bookshop.org's affiliate program, which is tracked transparently and reported monthly. Bookshop.org also directly pays indie bookstores an additional 10% of every purchase. See details about the program here and financial reporting & donation receipts here: Dashboard and Docs.
Q: Do you personally handle the books or shipping?
A: No. Bookshop.org handles all aspects of fulfillment, including shipping, customer service, and returns. I never touch the books or handle any shipping—you are buying directly from Bookshop.org.
Q: Do you take any cut of the money or deduct marketing costs?
A: ABSOLUTELY NOT. 100% of the commissions go directly to Luigi's defense fund. We pay all marketing costs out of our own pocket. Not a single penny is deducted. See the receipts and monthly records here: Dashboard and Docs.
Q: What's the difference between "10% goes to Luigi's defense" and "100% of commissions"?
A: When you make a purchase, Bookshop.org gives 10% of your total purchase amount as a commission. 100% of that commission (the entire 10% of your purchase) goes to Luigi's defense fund. We don’t keep any portion of it or offset promotional costs with it.
Q: Is buying books the best way to support Luigi's defense?
A: No. Direct donations to the official defense fund are the most effective way to help. Book purchases provide supplementary support while also benefiting independent bookstores and giving you books you value.
Q: Do I need to purchase books from the featured collections?
A: No! While we curate collections to promote education about important causes, any book purchased through our link will generate the same 10% commission for Luigi's defense fund. Feel free to purchase novels, cookbooks, children’s books, or anything else that interests you.
Q: Can I purchase ebooks or audiobooks?
A: Yes, but currently Bookshop.org only pays affiliate commission on physical books with U.S. shipping. Consider purchasing both and sharing with friends and family.
Q: How do I know my purchase made an impact?
A: We publish monthly impact reports showing all commissions earned, all titles purchased, and how they’ve been allocated to Luigi’s defense. These reports are available here: Dashboard and Docs.
Q: Where exactly do the commissions go?
A: All affiliate commissions earned are sent directly to Luigi's official legal fundraising site.
Q: How long does shipping take?
A: Orders typically ship within 1–2 business days. Delivery usually takes 3–10 business days depending on your location. Bookshop.org handles all shipping and customer service.
Q: What is the return policy?
A: Bookshop.org handles all returns. According to their policy, items can be returned within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. Visit Bookshop.org’s help center for details.
About Bookshop.org
Q: Where do the books come from? Is this just Amazon?
A: Absolutely not. Bookshop.org works with Ingram, the largest book wholesaler in the U.S. Orders are fulfilled by Ingram’s distribution centers, fully independent of Amazon. Bookshop.org was created as an alternative to support independent bookstores.
Q: What's the environmental impact of buying new books?
A: We understand this concern. While our primary partner is Bookshop.org for new books, we are exploring partnerships with used book retailers in the future. For now, new books provide reliable inventory for our curated collections. We also encourage using libraries, sharing books, or donating them to community exchanges.
Q: Why not just shop at local bookstores?
A: We encourage supporting local bookstores directly whenever possible. But not everyone has access, especially to specialized titles. Our shop ensures access while also supporting the indie bookselling ecosystem, since Bookshop.org gives 10% of every purchase to indie bookstores.
Q: How does Bookshop.org help independent bookstores?
A: Bookshop.org has generated over $40 million for indie bookstores since 2020 by:
• Giving 10% of all sales to indie shops
• Paying 30% on sales through bookstore storefronts
• Allowing stores to sell online without managing e-commerce
• Serving as a lifeline during the pandemic
Q: Who does this model hurt?
A: Primarily Amazon, whose practices have historically undercut small bookstores. Bookshop.org levels the playing field by channeling online sales to community-based businesses instead.
Program Questions
Q: Who is Luigi Mangione and why should I support his defense?
A: Luigi Mangione is facing a complex legal battle across three jurisdictions for a single act, and he has pled not guilty. Supporting his defense helps ensure he has the resources to navigate this process fairly. Contributions directly impact legal costs and his right to a fair trial.
Q: How is this different from other fundraising efforts?
A: This program is unique: you receive books you want, support indie bookstores, and fund Luigi’s defense—all through a purchase you may have made anyway. That said, direct donations remain the most effective way to help.
Q: Can I make a direct donation instead?
A: Yes, and we strongly encourage it. Direct donations to the official defense fund are the most effective way to support Luigi: Official Defense Fund.