A.
Dear Ed:
Research, research, research! Then after you
are done researching, research a little bit more! You should
first research the retail markets and what it takes to compete
with the big boys. Then learn about customers and what it takes
to make them happy with your product and service. After you've
exhausted those resources, THEN look at the bookstore industry.
If you live in a small area, you may have a great idea -
especially if there isn't any competition from the larger chain
bookstores. If you live in a metropolis, you will have some
serious research to do to pin down a location that *fits* with
your bookstore ideas as well as the demand of books in the
neighborhood (i.e. if you live in a university town, you could
set up shop near the college to catch the academic crowd). There
may be other ideas besides a bookstore that you could look into.
Maybe a kiosk on a street corner or in a mall? Maybe renting the
corner of an existing business? Maybe set up a bookstore in a
van and deliver to corporations or even to a retirement
community?
Most of my research starts online. I search
out every possible industry information that I can find. If I
need to read books, I go to the library first to see if the book
is worth me spending my money on it. I also email quite a bit,
to companies and individuals who may share some of their
information and expertise with me. You definitely have your work
cut out for you if you want your wife to start this in a couple
of months!
Best to you!
About
the PowerHomeBiz.com Guide:
Tammy Harrison
is a successful home-based working mom for over five years.
She holds a degree from Mizzou in Consumer Economics. Her
business focuses on Marketing
as well as numerous other small businesses. For more
information, you may contact her at http://www.jdharrison.com
