My big business plan for 2008 is to open a Local Bookstore. Not just an ordinary bookstore that sells fiction, non fiction etc. I will be buying and selling used textbooks, and old school supplies. There is nobody who is running this business in the whole citywide so I am planning to launch a big one possibly at the end of 2008. The first thing to do is to buy some old stuff and collect until I have enough supplies. The most important here is that, I will be getting my capital from my online earnings this 2008 so I am doing all my best to have online source. What do you think.? ********************* This idea came into my mind when my nephew called me, asking me to buy certain books for him (used or new). The books are Solid Mensuration, and Integral and Differential Calculus, and they are not available in our local stores. I need to go to Manila to look for these a couple of hours from now. I know there's a lot of old books in our place but because no one is declaring to buy those old books so they prefer keeping it, or sometimes burning it.
Great Idea!Maybe you can even start an online store to reach out to a wider segment.I'm from a different part of the world and I've observed that book sellers in my city do great business and they serve all types of customers. All the best with your project.May you succeed and prosper!
I have a friend who does something similar. At the end of University he will buy books from departing students for nothing (they were gonna just throw them away) then sells them to new students way under the retail price of a new textbook. May be a nice niche for you to start with. Good Luck!
That's actually the main idea.. here, only 2% of population has internet access so books is a big thing.
Doesn't sound like you've thought this out too much. This is an EXTREMELY seasonal business. Students register for classes and need books about 2 weeks out of the year. You should rent a trailer, talk with the local universities about selling on or near campus, then buy books from students at the end of one term and sell them at the beginning of the next.
Its good idea. It might not be such a good idea here in the UK or the US, but in Manila, with very few large bookstores, it can work.
School season in your place is totally different from here. There is no season in College for 50% of students taking summer classes. Students use books the whole school year.. books are in high demand.. That's why I am not posting this to local forum , he he..others might steal this idea.. My plan is to start buying used books this January.. I have a closed van that can go anywhere. I consider this a big challenge.. Anything came from trash is profitable.. take note of that. Junk shop owners here are millionaires.
That is a great niche for your Area. I think if you can launch this properly you will be a very successful person , It is a great idea, after you grow you could also think about opening an E-commerce shop to gain an online presence for people out of your area (Since you said that only 2% Have Internet Access). Good Luck with your Venture