[werewolfv2]

>edit< We are live, stil working on adding inventory though :) www.wdbooks.net

Ive been in talks with my local used bookstore (the most picky used store Ive ever seen, all books look new) about starting up something like the old ClarkesWorldBooks. Namely, a store with an online presence that handles Fantasy/Sci-fi and Horror books along with dealing in signed copies and UK releases not yet "available" in the US. Heck, if some crazy Brit needs a US release we would be willing to handle that also.

I have a real job so I would only be hands on a couple nights a week and over the weekend, though the store is fully staffed and able to send orders out same day/etc. I have run my own internet store for autoparts before so I do have some experience.



1) how bad an idea is this?

2) any input?

3) what would you like to see in a used/new store?

Thank you,

[Cymric]

this is not a bad idea at all though i do see used bookstores as a dying breed, but with the addition of online and signed book sales this would only generate added income for the store itself.

i would only input that you relax standards a bit and even offer reduced tradein/tradeout for books in less than pristine condition.

i would like to see a comfortable reading area since i have seen none in any used bookstore i have ever been in

[JT Billow]

Not really sure what to think....

I have been in many used bookstores in the past, and one of the things I enjoy the most is being able to hold and inspect the book I am about to buy (especially for more expensive antique, autographed, etc.).

But of course, if my opinion sat in the majority, Ebay would not be where they are today. Many people don't mind taking the risk of actually holding and inspecting the item after they pay for it.

So if you take it on, I wish you the best of luck.

[Sparrow]

Since as you've stated you are experience in online sales and most likely know the genre inside and out, and perhaps more importantly you have a "real" job to anchor you, it sounds like a good idea.

What would interest me the most are signed hardbound editions, including audiobooks. There is a small bookstore near where I live in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island that specializes in Mystery/Thriller/Horror/Detective fiction and they also have signed copies available. And it seems to survive quite well. Indeed, over the past few years I've aquired about a dozen or so signed copies by the likes of Anne Perry and Caleb Carr, among others. The latest was a special edition copy of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt.

[werewolfv2]

this store is not like any used store Ive been in, it has some nice reading chairs, a large selection of coffee and a very enjoyable atmosphere.

Trade ins would be very welcome. The catch is, I would like to offer trade in to people via mail/online and I cant wrap my mind around how to make that work so unless lightning strikes I wont be able to do that. Of course if you bring a book directly in then that's another story.

hmm, audio books, hadnt even thought of them.

[Sparrow]

That was the other thing I wanted to mention... I nice place to rest your bones and have a cup with a pastry is always welcomed. Like anything else in business, investigate what the competition is doing, and focus on doing it better.

[werewolfv2]

localy the only "real" competition is like Barnes and Borders, the used stores are all small, cramped and PACKED with middle to poor quality paperbacks.

My main concern is to get the online portion going, I think that will provide a decent enough book turn over to make it worthwhile. I might not need to make money, but if I dont bring home something my wife will beat me, :P

[tmso]

Hi werewolfv2,

I'm in Truckee. Where exactly is this bookstore? Can I come check it out? Are you aware of the bookstore on the mainstreet (Carson street) in Carson City that's a cool little coffee shop too? I can't remember the name of it right now...Comma Coffee, I think? That's a pretty cool bookstore, but I think it's more of a coffee shop than a bookstore if one is to get nit-picky. ;)

[werewolfv2]

Its zephyr books on virginia. However after a brief talk with them and my wife I think my plan for the final proposal is going to change.
We are looking at running the new book portion and online portion mainly from our home, we would list the used books from zephyr and stock zephyr with our new books but in general keep the two operations seperate.
I think this may work best. My wife lost here job awhile back and would be able to run the operation in the day and I can help out in the evenings and run the show on the weekends.

[tmso]

The link doesn't seem to work... :confused: