How to Start a Used Bookstore

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:StartUsedBookstore

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Introduction Do you love books? Would you rather have a root canal than throw away a book? Then

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Introduction

Do you love books? Would you rather have a root canal than throw away a book? Then owning a used bookstore is right up your alley. With a little business savvy and a love of books, you can become the proud proprietor of a used bookstore.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1

Step One

Secure startup capital. You'll need enough money to rent your retail space and buy the books, shelves and other equipment you'll need. Small business loans are excellent for this, or you can look for investors willing to take a chance on your bookstore.
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Step Two

Find a location. It should be in a good area for retail business, but not too expensive. Many strip malls and shopping centers post information about leasing retail spaces, and these can be ideal locations. In the beginning, it is better to rent your space rather than buy it outright, that way you don't have to worry about selling the building if the venture doesn't work out.
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Step Three

Set up your store. You'll need shelves and other store fixtures like computers and cash registers. Make your aisles wide enough to accommodate people with ease.
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Step Four

Stock your shelves. Set the store up in a logical manner; no one likes having to search through a mass of fiction, humor and romance books to find a sci-fi book. Label your genres prominently and display your books attractively.
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Step Five

Open your doors for business.

Tips & Warnings

  • Don't go for broke when buying your initial inventory; start modestly with about 5,000 titles. These should be fairly evenly split across all genres, but use your instincts about what sells well in your area.
  • Build a website. Many used book stores do a brisk business on the Internet, don't miss out.
  • Be prepared to be very creative when finding stock for your store. To find the best deals you'll always need to have an eye open. You'll find some of them in places you least expect.
  • Local carpenters can supply you with affordable shelves for your stock.
  • Many customers can bring you books on trade, providing you with a steady flow of potential titles.
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