Opening a Bookstore

[RetireAt26]

I'm thinking of opening a bookstore in a town of about 16,614 year round population. During the summer, the town in on a major scenic route. This town does not have a single existing bookstore. Borders is over 30 minutes away.

I don't really know where to start. I've never run a business before but I think I would really like to do this. (I also am not currently satisfied with my day job.)

The name I've thought of might be horrible, but I love it. The Folded Forest: New and Used Books. The Folded Forest comes from the author Saul Williams. I'm not sure how marketable this name is or how appealing, so I would like some opinions. I've also thought of a logo already.

Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks,

[CIsaac]

Visit Stephanie Chandler's website: Business Info Guide - Business Startup Resources and Checklist for Entrepreneurs. She has some useful tips and she's a bookstore owner as well. Since you are in a small town, suveys might really be a good way to start. Looks like your town could use a bookstore, but will the inhabitants buy into it? And if so, what kind of bookstore and what kind of atmosphere would you need to have in order to make money? What age group would frequent this bookstore? These are all the questions you could start answering for yourself with a survey.

-Cheryl-

[Hovey]

I recommend you read the book "The Long Tail"...it will def make you think of your business strategy a little bit more different

[RetireAt26]

Wow. Super useful site. Thanks!

Any thoughts on the store title? (I've purchased the domain, just in case. Even if I don't open a physical store, I can make it an online bookstore.)

[grizwold]

You really need to take a look at getting some financials together. Do you have any investors? How much will this start-up cost(building, inventory, etc..)? These are simple things to look at before. A brick and mortar can cost a pretty penny and if its on a well traveled road....cost can get up there. Take the time to question/survey the folks in your town and see what they like and if they would use it. Good luck

[rogercbryan]

I just opened a book store as well. Took me four months and $45,000. If you ever want to chat about what it takes to get one going feel free to email me! rogercbryan@gmail.com

[RetireAt26]

Thanks everyone, for the advice. This might be a stupid question, but I've never surveyed anyone before. Do I just make up some questions and walk around stores asking people and writing down their answers?

If so, what would be some good questions to ask?

1. Would you like to see a good bookstore here in town?
2. Would you like it to be new or used books? Or both?
3. Would you want the bookstore to sell coffee or food?
4. Would you want the store to have wi-fi?
5. What genre of book do you read the most?
6. What store hours would you like the store to be open?

Something along these lines?

Thanks again,