Becoming successful in the book business shares similarities with becoming good as a poker player. Patience and perserverance are key factors. Some studies have shown that over the course of a long poker session each player will receive approximately the same number of winning hands - the player with the most chips at the end of […]
Let's talk about books: A used bookstores and book business blog
Used book store operator since October 13, 1988. I entered the business as a book lover with little real knowledge about either books or business but it soon took me over.
I am still fascinated by the unlimited possibilities for growth the book business presents, not only to diligent operators but, to the reading public.
Seeing the opportunities has created a sense of obligation/compulsion to build an organization capable of making a positive contribution to as many facets of the business as possible.
We feel indebted, not only to our customers who have guided us this far but, to booksellers everywhere (past and present), the authors, publishers and all of the fields contributing to expanding mankind's knowledge.
We are presently a family business operating 4 stores in Calgary, Alberta, Canada but watch this site for further developments.
16 January 2010 · 3:25 pm · No comments
Still in the Book Business!
Over 21 years and more enthusiastic than ever!2009 turned out to be our second best year ever! It was only exceeded by 2008 and 2008 would have been even better except sales stalled slightly in the fourth quarter after the world became aware how the blind greed of people focused primarily on money can wreak […]
9 June 2009 · 6:05 am · No comments
Book Convention in New York 2009
Left Calgary May 24 to attend the book convention in New York – May 29-31.
Air miles made it possible to fly business class to Denver and then economy class to LaGuardia so the trip on United Airlines was pleasant.
Finished a book during the flights, – “Rebel Bookseller: How to Improvise Your Own Indie […]
8 June 2009 · 6:27 pm · No comments
Writing a Book About the Book Business
On another blogging site another bookseller was looking for some input from other booksellers so he could write a much-needed book about all the struggles of an independent bookseller.
Some of the following is some of my response to him and those of his ilk
· My first thought is - how would anyone in the book […]
7 June 2009 · 11:38 am · No comments
Bookstore Operators - This is our job
#1. Serve our customers in a reliable and consistent manner (NEVER CONFUSE THE CUSTOMER)
A. Set and keep the regular opening hours established by other respectable retail businesses in your area.
B. Pay attention to customers’ buying habits and close attention to what they tell you regarding books and the book business in general.
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