How to Open a Used Bookstore

Many people who open independently owned bookstores concentrate on used books so they don't have to compete with the larger bookstore chains. If you love old books and want to run your own business, follow these steps to open a used bookstore.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Write a business plan. Hire a business plan writer if you aren't able to write it yourself. Use the business plan to help obtain financing to open the store.

2. Find a storefront. Search alone or with a real estate agent, to find a storefront in your price range that gets as much foot traffic as possible.

3. Get used books as inexpensively as possible. Shop at thrift stores, yard sales, and at local auctions to find quality used books for the store. Estate sales can be an excellent source. Take out ads in periodcials that cater to book collectors. Search online for used book wholesalers and individuals selling collections. Build enough inventory to open the store with a wide selection of authors and genres.

4. Get shelves or bookcases, or build them yourself. Measure the shelf to make sure they fit your store and hold as many books as possible.

5. Arrange the shelves in the store to allow customers to access all of the books easily. Arrange the books by genre (Fiction, Sports, Business, etc.). Install security cameras if there are any aisles that can't be seen by the store employees.

6. Purchase a store sign that will be visible from the street and a smaller open/closed sign.

7. Get insurance for the store. Obtain business insurance that will protect the inventory and liability insurance that will cover any customer accidents.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't want to risk the expense of opening a bricks and mortar store, you can open an online used bookstore. All you'll need is a storage space for your inventory.

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