Category: Bookshops & Bookstores

By Mark Gamtcheff, Founder of Page & Turner

Recycling has become an important part of everyone’s lives as we try to reduce waste and conserve natural resources. One beneficial aspect of the circular economy that is often overlooked is the sharing or collection and sale of secondhand books. This practice is not only good for the environment but also for society.

The benefits of this form of recycling and reuse is one aspect of bookselling that inspired me to start Page & Turner, with a focus on pre-loved books. And it is also why we help locals with our Adelaide Book Rescue service which takes donations of used books in Adelaide.

Here are ten ways in which the collection and sale of secondhand books contribute to a sustainable and just economy:

• Reduces waste: By giving books a second life, we reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and the amount of paper that requires recycling. This helps to conserve natural resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
• Saves energy: Producing new books requires significant amounts of energy, including the production of paper and ink. By reusing books, we reduce the energy required to produce new ones.
• Conserves water: The production of paper requires large amounts of water. By reusing books, we conserve water resources and reduce the environmental impact of paper production.
• Reduces deforestation: Paper production often involves the cutting down of trees. By reusing books, we reduce the demand for new paper and therefore reduce the need for deforestation.
• Promotes literacy: Secondhand books are usually sold at affordable prices, making them accessible to people who may not be able to afford new books. This helps to promote literacy and a love of reading.
• Supports local economies: The collection and sale of secondhand books provide economic opportunities for individuals and small businesses. This helps to support local economies and create jobs.
• Encourages reuse: By promoting the reuse of books, we encourage people to think about how they can reuse other items in their lives, leading to a more sustainable and circular economy.
• Preserves cultural heritage: Many secondhand books are rare or out of print, making them important cultural artefacts. By preserving and selling these books, we help to preserve our cultural heritage.
• Fosters community: The collection and sale of secondhand books often involves local bookstores, libraries, and community organisations. This helps to foster a sense of community and promote social connections.
• Encourages creativity: By providing access to a wide range of books, secondhand bookstores and collections can inspire creativity and innovation. This can lead to the development of new ideas and the creation of new works of art and literature.

In conclusion, the collection and sale of secondhand books is an important part of the circular economy that benefits both the environment and society. By reducing waste, conserving resources, promoting literacy, supporting local economies, and fostering community, secondhand books contribute to a more sustainable and just economy.

You can do your part by donating your used books, by visitinh your local secondhand bookstore or by shopping at our bookshop on Level 2 of Myer Centre Adelaide in Rundle Mall.

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 Bookstore – Rachel Kramer Bussel (Forbes)

How to Open an Awesome Bookstore in Nine Easy Steps – Paul 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

Here is a list of ten great things about a secondhand bookshops, if you need reasons to support Page & Turner Adelaide, and other bookshops around Adelaide and South Australia. Page & Turner Adelaide will open in early 2023. Contact us for more information.

1. Affordable prices: Secondhand bookshops often have lower prices than new bookstores, making it easier for you to buy more books without breaking the bank.
2. Unique selection: Because secondhand bookshops often carry a wide variety of used books, it’s more likely that you’ll find something interesting and unexpected.
3. Support for small businesses: Buying from a secondhand bookshop supports a small, local businesses, rather than a larger company.
4. Sustainable: Buying secondhand books reduces waste by repurposing items that might otherwise end up in landfills.
5. Sense of community: Many secondhand bookshops have a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, making them a great place to meet other book lovers and have discussions about literature.
6. Discovery: Secondhand bookshops can be a great place to discover new authors or genres that you might not have otherwise considered.
7. Nostalgia: For some people, secondhand bookshops have a nostalgic feel, evoking memories of childhood trips to the library and browsing through used book sales.
8. Unique gifts: Secondhand bookshops can be a great place to find unique gifts for book lovers, such as rare editions or signed copies.
9. Bargain hunting: Secondhand bookshops can be a great place to find hidden treasures or rare finds at discounted prices.
10. Support for literacy: By purchasing books from a secondhand bookshop, you’re supporting literacy and the love of reading, which can have a positive impact on society as a whole.