How to Get Into Selling Kids' Books
If Dr. Seuss is your all-time favorite author and Tom Sawyer is your childhood hero, consider selling children's books as a way to bring in added income. Make-believe stories transport children to magical places. Educational books make learning fun. From picture books to teen mysteries, the children's book market is a lucrative space. Armed with a viable marketing plan and an interest in expanding a child's world through reading, launching a home-based business can result in profit.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Begin by deciding how much time you have to expend on startup activities. If time constraints are an issue, opt for a turnkey business. Becoming a distributor for companies like Usborne or Barefoot Books provides both low-cost startup fees and marketing support.
-
2
Select the company you wish to represent by reviewing their websites and talking to other salespeople within their respective organizations. Peruse the books they promote. Buy a few samples and spend time reading them to children to help identify which products kids want for their home library. Factor in the compensation plans offered by each company.
-
-
3
Get started by going online or phoning the company to order your starter kit. After you have reviewed the materials, take advantage of the support service offered by the children's book company. Attend any online or dial-in sessions on generating sales.
-
4
Check with your local municipality, and obtain a business and sales license if applicable. Next, get set up to accept credit cards. If the book company does not provide you with that capability, talk to credit card vendors. Factor that cost of doing business into your business plan.
-
5
Schedule a launch party at your home if the company's approach is to market through home parties. Invite as many people as possible. Encourage parents to bring their children. Provide a place for the children to play and a young adult to keep the kids entertained while you market the books to your guests. Focus on booking additional parties by detailing the benefits of hosting an event. Give the guests plenty of time to browse.
-
6
Visit preschools in your area to inquire about holding a book fair. Reward the schools by donating books out of the profits generated at the fair. Speak to parents at the fair about hosting a party.
-
7
Set up a website as another marketing venue to promote your business. Drive people to your website by posting flyers at schools and libraries.
-
8
Take advantage of holiday seasons to promote the sale of your children's books. Enter church bazaars or craft fairs and festivals. Distribute small holiday-themed giveaway gifts to any buyers who show interest in having a home party.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you have children, join the local parent teacher associations and take an active role in your community.
Volunteer to read to children.
Give back to the community by donating books when appropriate.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
