I was told that Books are not a viable source of income for a small business. So I tried my luck, because I like to prove people wrong at times. My first few endeavors weren’t doing so well, and I almost gave up.
Then I went to a yard sale and picked up a large amount of books, followed by receiving a 25 dollar gift card to Borders Books. I took advantage of things by using Amazon.com and Half.com to list both things at prices that I had decided to sell for. What developed was hope for a brighter future.
I spent 5 dollars on books. I bought roughly 27 books. I sold 20 of them almost immediately. Each for 5 dollars or more. With fees, and commission and other variables taken out for costs, I ended up making 60 dollars profit off what I had spent. I used the free gift card, and a few extra dollars of my own to purchase a small inventory of books. Sure I don’t have a huge inventory, but I have a small sized one, enough to justify putting them online.
What I learned is a life lesson in regards to selling, retail, and/or dreams.
That lesson is this:
If someone says that something doesn’t sell; prove them wrong. I have proven that books are not only sought after, people are still willing to accept the illusion of savings to purchase them. Even if buying them online still costs the same as retail because of the shipping costs involved.
I’m going to continue to sell books online.
I wish my employer would see that same vision on Skateboards. Sure the mark up is small, but look at my books example….I know they are different, but it could work the same. A vision is needed..and some saavy internet marketing, but it can be done.
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