Requesting ABA’s Opening a Bookstore Kit should be on your to-do list as well. Please let us know where you are in the process (Are you on the verge of opening a bookstore? Halfway there? Or just thinking about it for now?) and we will send you a special package tailored to your needs. You’ll receive articles, vendor names, and research on important topics.
Following an Opening a Bookstore checklist will assure that your research and preparation is thorough and detailed. ABA makes such a list available to prospective booksellers (any bookseller, really) to guide you towards a good result.
Joining Your Regional Association is a great idea, too. Regional associations offer a specialized, local focus, plus regional promotional and networking opportunities, trade shows, and more.
ABA sponsors this can't-miss introduction to retail bookselling, facilitated by Paz & Associates. This information-packed bookselling experience features workshops on finances, store design, inventory management, marketing, technology and more. It's held three times throughout the year, including the annual workshop at BookExpo America in conjunction with ABA's educational offerings there.
Formulate a Business Plan
ABA has created a bookstore-specific business plan for use as a starting point. (Please read this plan carefully, as many changes will need to be made in order to tailor the plan to your business.) Your exploration of bookselling will also benefit from a good reading of the information provided by the Small Business Administration on its website. From business plans to legal concerns, this is a wonderful stop for an overview and resources.
Another great resource is The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). The organization’s hundreds of nonprofit chapters help link thousands of experienced business professionals with entrepreneurs every year. SCORE’s website has numerous articles and resources on a range of small business topics.
Read relevant articles from Bookselling This Week.
Enjoy these accounts of biliophiles/businesspeople who recently became the proud owners of new independent bookstores! And don't forget to sign up for your free subscription to BTW, the voice for independent booksellers. BTW will keep you informed about all aspects of your new profession, from ABA programs to trade news to important book-centric updates and events.
A Few Stories Among Many