I want to have a book store....

Discussion in 'Business & Economics' started by laura89, Dec 10, 2013.

  1. laura89 Registered Member

    Messages:
    10
    I want to have my own book store. And people can read books, have coffees in my store.
    And I also can read all kinds of books.
     
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  3. kwhilborn Banned Banned

    Messages:
    2,088
    That is nice.

    Idea is a bit dated though...

    In comparison...

    Maybe you can also develop film and rent Beta Movies.

    As long as we are discussing outdated business concepts maybe you could start a printing company or accounting firm.

    I used to design wedding websites until a $20 program could do a better job than me that even included quizzes about the Bride and Groom.

    Paper books are good decoration, but their days are numbered.
     
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  5. Buddha12 Valued Senior Member

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  7. Stryder Keeper of "good" ideas. Valued Senior Member

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    13,105
    People do mention that books are dated, however they look at it from a technological perspective. Some people do not adapt to change very well, so they could well end up reading books rather than using a computer or tablet. This does of course identify both a type of customer based upon age range and socio-type, which would mean what goods your "cafe" has on offer could be tailored towards that.

    If you are truly interested in running a business, it will only ever be a pipe-dream unless you're committed to it. It's also handy to have others that agree with the idea to that are willing to get involved, either as a partner, employee or just a volunteer to get you up and running.

    I don't fault any attempt to create businesses to put the socialising back into social networking. Otherwise we'll just end up with a world predominantly filled full of closet hermits with no capability of interacting with people in the real world.
     
  8. andy1033 Truth Seeker Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    1,060
    You want to be careful about what you start as a business today, as big shops have taken over the place obviously.

    If you try to set up anything they do, i doubt you will get any real business. People just like buying books on amazon, or ebay and reading at home.

    So i would think it may of been good in pre internet, but not today.
     
  9. Jeeves Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    5,089
    You can still do this, if you plan it carefully.
    Don't even consider trying it in a big city: the rent and property tax will kill you. Find a pleasant small city or large town (pop. 3000-25,000) where property is relatively cheap and business licenses are easy to come by (Inquire at city hall for information). Does it have a farmer's market? Art gallery? Antique stores? Parks? What do the restaurants look like? (homey, slick, grubby, fast-food, up-scale?) and the storefronts on main street? (neglected, vacant? smart, up-and-coming?) Go to the public library, hang out there at different times of week and day; watch the people. How many? What ages? What categories do they browse and borrow? Do they use the computers? Do they sit and read?

    By the time you've chosen the town that needs, can support and might appreciate a bookstore/cafe, (I'm guessing one with a large percent of older residents) you also know what to specialize in. (Yes, you absolutely must decide on a target clientele, because everything from location to décor to menu to inventory will depend on it.)

    If you can possibly buy a house and live above the store, do so. (Because it cuts down on expenses and if the bookstore doesn't succeed, you can start another business.) If not, rent on a street with lots of foot-traffic, not too remote from the main drag. Make sure the space is large enough for proper shelving, plus seating area, plus coffee counter; has good access and lighting.

    Furnishings and stock are easy enough to come by, if you have plenty of time and energy and a van or pickup truck.
    Call me when you're ready for the next step.
     
  10. andy1033 Truth Seeker Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    1,060
    Watch "You've got mail (1998)" movie, and it sums this idea up. That movie shows you what you will be up against with such an idea.
     
  11. river

    Messages:
    17,307
    Do it

    And do it in the most populated area you can afford , and be wise in your location , location , location , location

    Also , as well as coffee , have wireless internet access

    And have comfortable chairs that people can sit down and read

    And have computer access to books you don't have

    Do what you love to do

    I'm with you
     
  12. Peregrine Registered Member

    Messages:
    90
    I would open a starbucks franchise with a bookstore attached.

    Win.
     
  13. Captain Kremmen All aboard, me Hearties! Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    12,738
    You can do that if you want to.
    Somewhere where there are students preferably. They are the greatest book readers.
    Also, sell cakes. People like to indulge themselves occasionally.


    Don't be afraid to start your own business.
    The worst that can happen is that you fail, and gain experience.
     
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2013
  14. Jeeves Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    5,089
    Be warned, however: You will not only have very little time to read, but also, having humped boxes of books around, shelved and straightened and catalogued all day, by evening, you'll hate the damn things and long for the tv set.
    (I'm joking - a true bibliophile may get too tired to read, but never tired of books.)
     
  15. joepistole Deacon Blues Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    22,910
    I agree and to that I would add, what you are selling is the experience. You can spice it up with good food and entertainment. Invite some good local musicians in, do some storytelling events. Make your store a social hub. That is much easier said than done. You really need to understand your what your customers want and what they are willing to pay and be able to deliver it. If you have some expertise or interest in rare books, you might want to consider selling rare books.

    Additionally, you hear people talk about franchises as if they were a panacea, they aren't. You must be very diligent in selecting a franchisor. Make sure everything is well written and documented and don't assume anything. That means getting an attorney and a seasoned business advisor. If your prospective franchisor is unwilling to disclose information (e.g. give sales profit data for existing stores), I suggest you walk away. You want the franchisor working for you - not you working for the franchisor while simultaneously financing him.

    I cannot overstate this enough, you need to understand your customer and be able to delight that customer. Remember also the three "P"s, people, processes, and product. Add those together and you have a business. If you are not optimizing your three "P"s you have trouble in your business.
     
  16. wallarookiller Registered Senior Member

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    18
    Seriously. Books are sooooo cheap on Amazon
     
  17. River Ape Valued Senior Member

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    1,152
    FIRST, work in someone else's bookstore!
     
  18. penkalo Registered Member

    Messages:
    6
    Nice wish, maybe it will come true some day.Maybe in the new Year
     

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