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Tips for Starting a Secondhand Bookshop in Adelaide… or Anywhere!

Starting a secondhand bookshop in Adelaide isn’t easy, but anyone can do it!

Starting a secondhand bookshop can be a rewarding and exciting business venture. Here are some tips to consider when starting a secondhand bookshop:

  1. Research the market: Make sure there is a demand for secondhand books in your area and understand your competitors.
  2. Plan your business: Develop a business plan that includes details such as your target market, marketing strategy, and financial projections.
  3. Find a suitable location: Look for a location that is easily accessible and has sufficient foot traffic.
  4. Build a collection: Start collecting books from estate sales, garage sales, and op shops (AKA thrift stores, or consider purchasing books from other booksellers or wholesalers.
  5. Set up your shop: Choose a suitable layout and design for your shop, taking into consideration the types of books you will be selling.
  6. Market your shop: Use social media, local advertising, and word-of-mouth to promote your shop and attract customers.
  7. Offer good customer service: Make sure to provide excellent customer service to encourage repeat business and build a loyal customer base.
  8. Stay organised: Keep track of your inventory and sales, and consider implementing a point-of-sale system to help you manage your business more efficiently.
  9. Consider offering additional services: Consider offering services and events like book clubs or author readings to help set your shop apart from the competition.

By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success as a secondhand bookshop owner.

We’d love you to pop in and see us at our Adelaide secondhand bookshop on Level 2 of Myer Centre Adelaide, in Rundle Mall!

Additional Reading & Resources About Secondhand and Independent Bookshops

Reinventing Retail: The Novel Resurgence of Independent Bookstores (PDF) – Ryan L. Raffaelli (Harvard Business School)

How Independent Bookstores Have Thrived in Spite of Amazon.com – Carmen Nobel (Harvard Business School)

How To Open An Independent BookstoreRachel Kramer Bussel (Forbes)

How to Open an Awesome Bookstore in Nine Easy StepsPaul Constant (The Stranger)

These Women Opened Bookstores, Even When Friends & Family Said It Was a Bad Idea – Corinne Lestch (The Story Exchange)

So You’re Thinking Of Opening A Bookstore – Triina Bobeena

Why Independent Bookstores Are More Than Just Places to Buy Books – David Roseberg (SLATE)

How to Run a Bookstore: 9 Strategies for a Successful Bookshop – Korona POS

How to run a bookstore in the Amazon era: Grit lit, supper club and a store on wheels – By Paul Bowers

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