Setting up a Bookstore - What the Dickens?
by Startacus Admin
Marketing
It can be a bit of a challenge to promote something like a bookstore, but remember to be creative and persistent and word will soon spread...
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Do you have a marketing strategy? Is there anyone that could help you with putting one together?
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Do you have any contacts in the retail sector who you could get some advice from?
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How will you market the bookstore? Press releases, a launch event, a local paper? Is the story of you setting up the bookstore inspiring or unique? This will make the press more likely to do a feature on your story!
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In what ways can you use social media to help promote the business? Will you have active Facebook and Twitter accounts and who will maintain them for you? Are there any sites dedicated to people with a love of reading? http://www.goodreads.com would be a good place to start!
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Do you plan on introducing a loyalty card to encourage repeat business?
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Will you implement a mailing system to encourage customers to return?
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How do your competitors market themselves? How will you make your bookstore stand out from theirs? Are there any clever marketing strategies you could use to try and encourage interest in your store?
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Do you plan to hold “meet the author” or book signing events to help encourage customers?
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Are there any establishments in the local area such as universities that would let you stock books from their recommended reading lists?
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Will you offer a discount to encourage students to purchase their books from you?
Business Practicals
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Make sure that you are well aware of any legalities of running a bookstore and follow all rules precisely.
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If customers are purchasing books online how will you be charging them? Do you have a firm grasp of the ins-and-outs of online payments?
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As with any retail business make sure that you have a clear understanding of the sale of goods act! Make sure that you know your rights and that you also know the customers’ rights! Have a clear returns policy which is easily accessed by the customer.
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If you are selling books online make sure that you follow regulations with regards to returns, exchanges and replacements.
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Make sure that you sort out any insurance practicals as early as possible.
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If you will be employing anyone to work for the business make sure that you are fully versed in employment law! The legislation changes regularly so keep an eye on relevant sources of information!
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It is very good practice to have a clear company policy on matters such as equal opportunities and health and safety!
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Are you going to have a bespoke database to record customer details? Do you know how to adhere to data protection laws?
There really is a lot to consider before setting-up a bookstore, but don't forget that it also has the potential to be tremendous fun. So if you love books and have a head for retail why not give it a go? Best of luck !
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Published on: 24th August 2013
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