How do you open a bookstore with no experience?

Question

I have toyed with the idea of opening a bookstore. I have alot of creative ideas that would make it work, but I am afraid because I do not know alot about business. I need advice about start up costs, location, and how to find a retailer that will work with a person that is just starting out. I would have to start the business in one of the two nearest cities to me because I live in a rural area and businesses failure to often.

Answer 1

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* FabJob Guide to Become a Bookstore Owner (FabJob Guides) by Grace Jasmine
* How To Start & Manage A Bookstore Business: A Practical Way To Start Your Own Business
by Jerre G. Lewis, Leslie D. Renn
* Retail Business Kit for Dummies by Rick Segel
* Retail Success! by George Whalin

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

Could you open a stall in a market and gauge people's reaction, to the books you have for sale. You could even start with second hand books, to get a feel for what the marketplace is mainly interested in, as well as building up a working knowledge of authors and the variety of books available. During this time approach publishers, to gain experience and find out what kind of deals are on offer, to save you spending heaps of money on books that may not sell...