How Many Books Fit in a 911? And Other Publishing Lessons
The first title has now been released, and hundreds of early customers already found their 964 Carrera RS book under the Christmas tree. Some even sent me photos of this moment, which is why I can say this with certainty.
As a very young and small publishing house, the author of this book also has to deal with 32 different VAT rates across European countries — while ensuring that books reach customers in all these countries as quickly as possible.
For example, books are subject to 25% VAT in Denmark, but only 5.5% in France, 4% in Italy, and 0% in Ireland and Norway. But back to the essentials: the author personally packed the first 800 books, applied the limitation-number stickers, and shipped them using various carriers. Orders within Germany were generally sent via DHL from the local post office near the bookbinder, while shipments to the EU, the UK, and Switzerland were typically handled by UPS.
For everything that went overseas, FedEx was used. The tracking-number system generally works reliably. However, when something didn’t work, it was just as difficult for me as it was for the customers to find out anything about their shipment. One customer in England was instructed to collect his parcel from some Shell petrol station in Paddington, while a customer in Greece only received her package after a ten-day odyssey across the country. I also had to learn the hard way that Serbia is still not part of the EU, as I spent three weeks trying to track down a parcel at Belgrade Airport.
My bookbinder was kind enough to let me prepare all the shipping packages at his facility. Many thanks once again to Ermonis GmbH in Ehlershausen. From there, I drove my small delivery vehicle to meet the larger courier vehicles at the Mail Boxes Etc. pick-up point in Hanover. As a result, I can confirm that a Carrera 3.2 can carry a total of 56 books (roof rack not included): 12 fit in the front trunk, and the remaining 44 in the passenger footwell, on the passenger seat, behind the front seats, and on the folded down rear jump seats.
A single package, including its packaging, weighs 4.2 kg, which meant I was still within the maximum payload of the Carrera 3.2 — though only because I didn't max out with the Christmas chocolates.
My personal advisor and business angel, Ryan Snodgrass, regularly scolds me for partially subsidizing shipping costs. Even though the shipping prices on my website may appear high, they do not actually cover the real costs. I’m simply not Amazon, and therefore can’t exert pressure on FedEx, UPS, or DHL to negotiate better freight rates. Sending a package to California via FedEx costs over €120 (net). Customers in North America are charged €65.00 for shipping in the shop.
I would like to thank all customers who have already purchased the 964 Carrera RS book. You make it possible for me to have a fantastic job — one that is highly varied and constantly teaches me new things. And by that, I don’t just mean the sheer variety of VAT rates within the EU.
*However, only until June 30, 2026. As of July 1, 2026, VAT on books will be abolished in Denmark.