How to Open a Green Bookstore

People open bookstores for many reasons: Because they love books, want to share information and see it as a way to be their own boss. A green bookstore can offer customers books on everything from lowering their carbon footprint to opening an organic co-op--but no matter how committed you are to helping the planet, you still have to approach it as a business.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Spell out your dream in detail. Decide whether you want to operate out of a bricks and mortar store, run a mail-order business, or maybe sell green e-books over the Internet.

2. Research the market. If there's a big chain bookstore in your town, for instance, decide if your green bookstore will compete by offering better service or a wider selection of ecological volumes.

3. Talk to other independent booksellers about the nuts and bolts of their operation. Learn everything they'll tell you about buying bookshelves, offering discounts to teachers and libraries and how to promote yourself online.

4. Visit city hall and learn what permits, fees and forms you'll need to keep your business legal. Even if you're running a mail order business out of your spare bedroom, there may be ordinances that restrict what you can do.

5. Draw up a business plan showing how you expect your business to grow. Then present yourself to local banks or lenders to talk financing.

Tips & Warnings

• Opening a green bookstore is like opening any business. Think about what you'll require in terms of advertising, insurance and staffing just as you would if you were selling cupcakes or men's shirts.
• Learn everything you can about the books that you're selling. To open a successful green bookstore, you'll need to be able to talk knowledgeably with dedicated greens, but also help the newbie who wants to go green and has no idea how.

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