Used Bookstore Hours

Do you own a used bookstore or any niche shop for that matter; do you plan on opening one. Here is some advice that I wish I new when we first opened our bookstore. More hours does not equal more money, in fact it could be the opposite.

I'll get to the money part in a moment but first I'll share one big reason why you consider having your small business have fewer opening hours. Your family. If you start spending 80 or 90+ hours at your shop your wife will start to harbour some pretty strong feelings about your business. She may not mention it but these feeling will grow and fester and over time cause rot and serious internal damage.

The bottom line is what is more interesting though isn't it? What about income. If my used bookstore or other small business is open less, won't I miss out on some sales, won't the final numbers be off? No - they won't. If you are in a small niche, like used books, jewelry or art people will start to associate your shop as a special, somewhat exclusive store. Once you get branded as being 'special' your prices can be moderately higher and your slight reduction in patrons will be more than made up for in higher dollar per sale numbers.

It all adds up to less hours and money money. Your family life will be much happier. You will feel a better balance between your business and your personal life. Small businesses can quickly loose their appeal if it becomes all consuming. Instead of opening for nine am, spend an extra hour with your son and open at ten. Your patrons will think that your bookstore is more exclusive all while you and your son will be happier.

Bruce has also written a little piece on making cheap corrugated mailing boxes, perfect for the online or brick and mortar bookseller.