Christian bookshops

[Goodbook]

I'm wondering what everyone thinks of christian bookshops/book exchanges?

There is this book exchange up for sale in my town and wondering if I bought it could make it into a ministry giving out free bibles plus having a line of christian books and other edifying books as well.

It mostly exchanging popular paperbacks - fiction at the moment. It has mills and boons. I think if bought it I would keep this line cos of the regulars and just add other genres to it, so it wouldn't be an exclusive christian bookshop but would give ppl the options to exchange/buy books that would be cheaper than going to a new bookstore and also the other bookshops do not stock local or christian titles.

Yes there are libraries but not concerned about libraries at the moment - I do have a church library and used to work in a public library.

Also thinking it would be a base to hold book clubs and do ministry, something you can't really do working in a public library cos they get funny if people tell the gospel there.

 

[Autumnleaf]

Go for it. Make it work.

 

[Goodbook]

Thanks for the encuragement autumnleaf.
Has anybody else done the same or seen something similar?
Where does everyone find their christian books, apart from online?

 

[faroukfarouk]

Sometimes a Christian bookstore will have a used books section in another room or area.

 

[Jess90]

I really think if it is something God is leading you towards then most certainly go for it. It would be a great ministry, especially giving out free Bibles.

 

[Goodbook]

The christian bookshop in my town only sells new.
We have plenty of op shops though.

 

[faroukfarouk]

I really think if it is something God is leading you towards then most certainly go for it. It would be a great ministry, especially giving out free Bibles.

Often Bibles are available through dollar stores; the problem with some of them is that the print is small. They can be bought up in bulk for free distribution, but there is always the size of the print to think about also.

 

[Scottmcc1]

If I was doing it I would also incorporate selling books on Amazon. Find a niche to make a profit and provide a living. Having a heart for this kind of work is essential and your name Goodbook shows your interest.

I used to go to a used Christian book store but had a hard time getting books I was looking for. Now I buy all my books online.

Having a personality for people and encouraging them will go far in your success.

 

[Goodbook]

Well, if I bought the business I would put the stock online like through abe books or amazon as its not currently on there.

Yes I would see getting larger print bibles and audio versions. Could also play recorded books in the shop.

At the moment the lady there not go any christian books and just plays ordinary radio. Shes going to retire and travel.

What would be a good name for this bookshop you think? If i wanted to change it. Currently its just called leisure time book exchange, although i could add, only stocks 'goodbooks'

 

[Goodbook]

Only obstacle is i dont have a business partner who knows books.
Im single and couldnt do this all by myself.

 

[bottledwater]

My fav store of all time was this musty little shop in Calgary Alberta Canada, that used to sell used christian books. It was called ?????? Books. It is now out of business. What an awesome store. I would take the LRT into the city and head there to browse for an entire afternoon. Then after buying a few books for a couple couple of dollars, I would hit a trendy cafe and sit reading the evening away. Not getting home til late.
Last time I passed thru Calgary, that little store was gone. It broke my heart. I plan to eventually move back out west to Vancouver, British Columbia, and open my own little nook in the wall, where you can buy used christian books and get a cup of joe, or a tea, and waste an entire day away also. I would also like to offer sandwiches and a hot drink to the less fortunate. Maybe share the gospel along with a free NIV softcover....
I didn't tell you the name of the one in Calgary because I plan to use the name.
I really do hope that you do this. I think that it would be extremely fulfilling.

 

[mnphysicist]

The book business has taken a severe header due to online competition, even in the used arena its a ton harder than it used to be. The advantage you have with buying an existing store is the current client base, assuming that you don't end up paying too much upfront. Alas, ownership changes can be tricky... some of the current customer pool might be very loyal to the current owner, and when someone new comes in, they might well switch to the internet too.

That being said, you state there is no one currently selling used local or Christian books. It might be that the market is too small too support it, or it could be an unmet need you could fulfill. You need to look at what your operating costs per unit area are, and try to get a handle on what the sales of Christian material per unit area would be to see if such is a viable model. Keep in mind, that unless you set up the floor with mobile shelving fixtures to move out of the way for ministry events, the loss of floor space will cut into your profitability.

Most of the time I tell folks if they are interested in some form of retail is to go get a job at a retailer selling similar goods. A years worth of minimum wage labor to learn the business is much much cheaper than jumping in with massive investments and loans only to find out an idea is not viable, and/or one really doesn't have the passion to make a go of it.

Granted, if you are independently wealthy, and are looking at this as your own personally funded ministry, this is not a factor... but most folks will want to make sure that the rest of the business is profitable enough such that it can carry the Christian side of the business should the market not materialize.

 

[Scottmcc1]

The book business has taken a severe header due to online competition, even in the used arena its a ton harder than it used to be. The advantage you have with buying an existing store is the current client base, assuming that you don't end up paying too much upfront. Alas, ownership changes can be tricky... some of the current customer pool might be very loyal to the current owner, and when someone new comes in, they might well switch to the internet too.

That being said, you state there is no one currently selling used local or Christian books. It might be that the market is too small too support it, or it could be an unmet need you could fulfill. You need to look at what your operating costs per unit area are, and try to get a handle on what the sales of Christian material per unit area would be to see if such is a viable model. Keep in mind, that unless you set up the floor with mobile shelving fixtures to move out of the way for ministry events, the loss of floor space will cut into your profitability.

Most of the time I tell folks if they are interested in some form of retail is to go get a job at a retailer selling similar goods. A years worth of minimum wage labor to learn the business is much much cheaper than jumping in with massive investments and loans only to find out an idea is not viable, and/or one really doesn't have the passion to make a go of it.

Granted, if you are independently wealthy, and are looking at this as your own personally funded ministry, this is not a factor... but most folks will want to make sure that the rest of the business is profitable enough such that it can carry the Christian side of the business should the market not materialize.

Good advice

As books are a hard sell against internet prices, having a coffee shop or deli or doughnut shop along with it may fund your book interest.

We were headed down to Southern Missouri last fall and stopped in a cheese outlet with a Christian bookstore. But the book store did not have any books in it anymore, just paintings and crafts.

 

[Albion]

Goodbook, it could be an opportunity that you'd later regret passing up if that's what you do. You certainly have the experience to make it work. However, such ventures often founder because there isn't much money in it and the clientele is very specialized, so be aware of the risks and headaches such as with legalities and employees.

 

[BFine]

Start out small and gradually build up the business.
Having it inside a coffee/sandwich shoppe is a good idea also.

There's a place here where I live in BC, called MCC thrift store
and it has used Christian books, it seems to do a good amount
of business, there's a variety of other stuff in there also.

 

[Goodbook]

Oh theres no room for sandwhiches or coffee as its in an arcade with cafes etc around. Its pretty small.
But i could make customers cups of tea if i liked.

I wont need a loan..the business is pretty small. Only problem is no partner.

 

[Goodbook]

It is breaking even at the moment and been there over 15 years so I would say its not losing money. Theres no ther book exchanges around apart from public library and opshops.

 

[BFine]

Tea and offer some healthy treats... wifi connection?

 

[Goodbook]

Yea i think it actually may be in the free wifi zone as kinda close to the library and polytech..

Healthy treats like...?
I was thinking of making scripture advice cookies. Kinda like chinese fortune cookies, but with scripture inside.

 

[Scottmcc1]

I was thinking of making scripture advice cookies. Kinda like chinese fortune cookies, but with scripture inside.