Is a used bookstore a viable business today?

Question

With the growing popularity of online shopping, is a mom & pop style used book store worth opening in this day and age? This, plus the fact that we're definitely in the post-literate age, makes me wonder if our idea to open a used bookstore in such a climate is a good one.

Any opinions or advice would be appreciated!

Answer 1

Half-price books does great business. I think it is viable.

Answer 2

The main factors to consider are the cost of the physical storefront (what are rents in the area you want to operate) and how much you will need to pay staff (even if it is just you, how much do you need to make). Once you have those costs established, you can estimate how much you would need to sell to make those costs.

The inventory cost for used books varies from extremely low (picking up books at flea markets, library book sales, etc.) to relatively low (paying a reasonable price for a book you can mark up at your store). With a number of online sales options today, you can do a good business through the combination of walk in sales and online listings. If you buy books from customers (usually you can offer store credit so you aren't out any cash) and you set reasonable prices for your merchandise, you can build a good clientele and make it a sustainable business.

You may never get rich selling used books, but you can make a living at it.

Answer 3

I don't know if you can make a living out of it, but I personally love them... There is a used bookstore nearby called Well Read & Well Fed. It has a sandwich kind of shop attached. People read their newspapers or books while getting lunch. I buy used books there often.

Answer 4

It depends in what kind of city you are opening this store in. If your opening it in a small town on Main St. it makes sence but if you are opening in a big city it doesn't at all. Also if you mean viable as in support yourself this may work but if your looking to profit no way my friend it is a cash buisness and you would make no money at all!

Answer 5

yes i think it is a very viable business there is one here in my small city and the owner is a good man makes a good living and donates many books to local libraries and charitable organizations that can use them i asked him a few months ago how many books does he have come through his shop in a week and he told me over three thousand a week bought and sold and he still sells more then he buys

Answer 6

I suppose it depends on the price you're selling them, you could also buy off the internet for a cheaper price and sell at the going rate. Look for book swaps, reading circles and make a website for your store. Make your store appealing with seating to read a book when they come. Focus on a few books each month and send out a newsletter to keep customers coming back.

Answer 7

If a bookstore isn't "used," then it's clearly not making much money.