Q&A for How to Start a Bookstore

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Where do I purchase books for my book store?

Community Answer

You have to contact book publishers or distributor and tell them that you want to be a reseller. They will give you commission, possibly 30% to 35% per sales.

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Question

Which books do I have to buy for a book shop?

Community Answer

You can choose to buy whatever books match your niche. Your niche is whatever type of "thing" you decide to sell. If your niche is business for example, then you would want to sell books in the field of business such as "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. Be sure to choose books that are currently popular, so that people can get what they're looking for.

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Question

What other little businesses can I combine with a new bookstore for sales?

Community Answer

Coffee shops are often paired with bookstores with great success. This allows people to stayin your shop longer and may increase chances of a purchase. Games and small electronics also pair nicely with books.

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Question

What do we need to start our bookstore?

Community Answer

You need books, a quiet environment, and attractive decor. Decorate the store to catch people's eyes. No one will notice your store if it is like every other bookstore! Make it unique!

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Question

What do l do with the unsold books?

Community Answer

You could put them on sale so that it sparks more interest or maybe put them in a part of the bookstore that gets more attention (a display by the entrance, for example). You could also make them a part of a promotion (if they're part of a series or something). If they still don't sell, the publisher generally has a return policy. You may not get all of your money back, but you'll get something.

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Question

How do I get in touch with publishers?

Community Answer

Email them. Every publisher will have a contact email address listed on their website.

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Question

I am a child, so how can I start a bookstore as a beginner?

Community Answer

It will be difficult, since children cannot sign legal contracts. Instead, work part-time in a bookstore until you reach 18.

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Where would I find bookshelves and other items for a store?

Community Answer

You may find bookshelves at a local furniture store or outlet.

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Question

How much money is needed to start a book shop?

Community Answer

Taking everything into account (rent, payroll, insurance, utilities, internet/telephone, inventory system, stock, freight/postage, operating costs), your start up expenses would be about $56,000.

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Question

Just want clarification on the previous question and answer. Are monthly expenses on a bookstore $56,000? Or is that a typical start up amount?

Judee Books

Community Answer

To my understanding, that figure is the start-up amount needed to begin, not monthly expenses.

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Question

Do I need a degree to open a bookstore?

Community Answer

No, you don't. But having a business degree would definitely help you run your bookstore successfully.

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Question

How much do I have to pay my workers?

Torpi

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You need to pay your workers minimum wage at the very least. Paying them more than that will make you more attractive as an employer and will help you find better-qualified and more dedicated staff - workers who are paid more are happier, and happy workers work harder.

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