Most people think every old book is worth a lot of money. The same is true of signed copies and 1st editions. There's no need to tell them they're probably not ensuring financial security for their grandkids with that signed Patricia Cornwell they have at home.
So, although I'm only a few months into running my Madrid bookshop, here are some interesting findings that I've uncovered:
1. The books that sell the best are neither one euro second hand books, nor the glossy new books. Good quality mid-range second hand books (particularly coffee table books) attract people's attention.
2. A lot of people you know who stress they'll pop in your shop one day, never do. Luckily many who never promise to do so, do actually turn up.
3. It's sometimes worth buying books from people who are moving away. But only buy a small amount and then point out you can't afford any more. Often the seller will then give you the rest of the books to get rid of them.
4. If you start selling books online, you will have to check your listings every day. Big operators with 2 million+ listings (whether they actually possess that many is debateable) will attack you with the "penny-undercut" almost straight away. They probably use computer programs to do this, so don't take it personally!
5. Keep asking local business people for advice and feedback. But don't assume their advice will always be appropriate, even though 70% will be of top quality. For instance, I was advised by a top business guru here to write a blog - the one you're reading now. It's been great for publicity.
6. Selling books in the store will not pay the bills by itself. You need to either run a bar, sell books via the web, host events or fit in extra work eg teaching English or editing documents. Or all of those!
7. There will be good days (normally events) when you can have sales of several hundred euros. Other days you will sell nothing in the shop. Those unfortunately are more frequent. Budget accordingly.
8. It can be fairly cold in winter even in Spain. This is not helped by long periods of remaining seated. Warm clothing and regular exercise are needed.
9. The Spanish seem to respect books more than the Brits - their second hand books are normally in far better condition. You see plenty of book readers on the Madrid Metro still, which is an encouraging sign.
10. You need some great friends and family to give you support and help in sourcing books etc.
11. Unless you hire staff you will need to follow the Spanish tradition of closing for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Not just so you can have a decent meal and relax - you may need to go on shopping or fact-finding missions.
12. Keep active on both Twitter and Facebook. I've found them very useful in making contacts and publicising the bookshop.
13. You will never have time to read books in the bookshop itself. So probably a good idea to keep some books at home.
14. Always check through pages of books that are offered for sale or donated. One book turned up with pot plant leaves inside - and although I've yet to find a bank note, I'm assured it will happen eventually! ;)
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