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I’ve been asked from time to time where to buy stock for my book store. The easy answer is “it depends!” It depends on whether you are just starting out or already on your way selling at least a few dozen books a month. For the purposes of this article I’ll assume that you are just starting your book selling career.
Since you are just starting out let me say this upfront! Make sure that you keep track of ALL your costs and profits! This is very important and I’ll be covering this in a future article but for now make sure that you keep all your receipts while book hunting.
Okay, on to the article. One of the best places to find books that can be resold at a handsome profit is at secondhand shops better known as thrift stores. Thrift stores will help you become familiar with recognizing books because they usually have hundreds to look at everyday. Also, most thrift stores sell books at around $1.00 for hardbacks and $.50 for most soft backs. These will be your initial goldmine of books to sell. Remember: The bigger the store, the bigger the selection!
In order to cut costs and save time do some preliminary scouting work on the Internet. Go to Yahoo and enter your zip code plus the words Thrift Store and you should see all the area thrift stores. Look for the ones closest to your home or work then print out the information for each store. Put the pages together in a three ring binder then go shopping.
If you use AsellerTool I mentioned in a previous post then you are ahead of the game. Your first attempt must be with non-fiction books. Non-fiction tend to hold their value over the years. If you doubt this, go to Amazon and put in Stephen King and note how much his NEWER books are selling for every day. My guess is that you can buy one for 1 (one) cent plus shipping! You can’t make any money selling 1 cent books unless you plan to sell hundreds and hundreds per day. Incidentally, the penny sellers make their money on shipping and not the book itself.
My suggestion to you when you enter larger stores is simple. Grab a shopping cart and use it to “store” your finds until you can look up book prices and evaluate their condition. This is important! When I first started looking, I used to grab a pile of books and set them down where I could but it wasn’t long before I caught other people going through my pile. There seems to be an unwritten rule though that says “Tho shalt not pilfer from thy brothers basket” and they usually leave your books alone.
Once you have the books you want, re-shelve your discards and you’re on your way! It’s not uncommon for me to finds 20 or 30 books in the store’s book carts and then haul them to book shelves near the back of the store for further evaluation. The people who work there know me and appreciate the help when I re-shelve my discards.
The thing to remember is that it’s all a matter of numbers in the book hunting game. If you only go once a week then you may have a real problem making any real money. Set your sights on going at least twice a week for a better chance of finding some excellent buys. Remember: buy the books that list near the $10.00 mark in order to cover your costs of buying and shipping.
Sell well and prosper!
Richard
My About Me Page
Visit My Bookstore!
Since you are just starting out let me say this upfront! Make sure that you keep track of ALL your costs and profits! This is very important and I’ll be covering this in a future article but for now make sure that you keep all your receipts while book hunting.
Okay, on to the article. One of the best places to find books that can be resold at a handsome profit is at secondhand shops better known as thrift stores. Thrift stores will help you become familiar with recognizing books because they usually have hundreds to look at everyday. Also, most thrift stores sell books at around $1.00 for hardbacks and $.50 for most soft backs. These will be your initial goldmine of books to sell. Remember: The bigger the store, the bigger the selection!
In order to cut costs and save time do some preliminary scouting work on the Internet. Go to Yahoo and enter your zip code plus the words Thrift Store and you should see all the area thrift stores. Look for the ones closest to your home or work then print out the information for each store. Put the pages together in a three ring binder then go shopping.
If you use AsellerTool I mentioned in a previous post then you are ahead of the game. Your first attempt must be with non-fiction books. Non-fiction tend to hold their value over the years. If you doubt this, go to Amazon and put in Stephen King and note how much his NEWER books are selling for every day. My guess is that you can buy one for 1 (one) cent plus shipping! You can’t make any money selling 1 cent books unless you plan to sell hundreds and hundreds per day. Incidentally, the penny sellers make their money on shipping and not the book itself.
My suggestion to you when you enter larger stores is simple. Grab a shopping cart and use it to “store” your finds until you can look up book prices and evaluate their condition. This is important! When I first started looking, I used to grab a pile of books and set them down where I could but it wasn’t long before I caught other people going through my pile. There seems to be an unwritten rule though that says “Tho shalt not pilfer from thy brothers basket” and they usually leave your books alone.
Once you have the books you want, re-shelve your discards and you’re on your way! It’s not uncommon for me to finds 20 or 30 books in the store’s book carts and then haul them to book shelves near the back of the store for further evaluation. The people who work there know me and appreciate the help when I re-shelve my discards.
The thing to remember is that it’s all a matter of numbers in the book hunting game. If you only go once a week then you may have a real problem making any real money. Set your sights on going at least twice a week for a better chance of finding some excellent buys. Remember: buy the books that list near the $10.00 mark in order to cover your costs of buying and shipping.
Sell well and prosper!
Richard
My About Me Page
Visit My Bookstore!
Guide created: 08/13/06 (updated 02/28/09)
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