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Complete Guide to Starting a Used Bookstore: Old Books into Gold
Book by Gilbert, Dale L.
196 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 22, 2025
Knocking off a star for the author's scorched-earth views on folks who underline or make notes in books.
February 10, 2022
I started this book with an understanding that some of the information in it would be outdated, but honestly the buying and collecting culture of books has so drastically changed from the time this was written because of the internet that the experiences spoken of are not altogether relevant.
Some relevant information on how to set up a physical used book location, which was practical, honest, but mostly subjective because it’s solely based on the authors personal taste and experience and not necessarily what is overall best for marketing in each region (though he had set up shop in many regions).
I feel like this book is better for the nostalgia of the way book selling used to be, and is good for that while being semi autobiographical of the authors experience as a book seller. -Emily Schmidt
Some relevant information on how to set up a physical used book location, which was practical, honest, but mostly subjective because it’s solely based on the authors personal taste and experience and not necessarily what is overall best for marketing in each region (though he had set up shop in many regions).
I feel like this book is better for the nostalgia of the way book selling used to be, and is good for that while being semi autobiographical of the authors experience as a book seller. -Emily Schmidt
May 23, 2018
This is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to open a 'brick & mortar' book shop. It is rather dated (internet? whuzzat?), and I think the author is occasionally full of crap (he has a personal anecdote to prove almost EVERY point he wants to hammer home-- and he makes a lot of points), but overall he has quite a few useful and practical suggestions. I have opened (and closed, thankyewvermuch) my own store & I found it very helpful in getting things off the ground. It's just that damned staying-in-business part that eluded me....
I guess the real question is: who (besides me) wants to open a brick & mortar book store?
I guess the real question is: who (besides me) wants to open a brick & mortar book store?
October 25, 2011
A very good, if some what outdated, guide to opening a used bookstore.
The author, who has owned three used bookstores, provides a readable and simple account of what it takes to open a well run second-hand bookshop,though he does tend toward the more valuble collectable market than the small casual shop. Even if you have no intention of every opening a bookshop of your own this book still reads well as a memoire of some one who has excelled in his field and the book related quotes that open each chapter will excite any biblophile. Though I doubt that will ever open my own shop reading this book did promote day-dreaming that maybe I could.
The author, who has owned three used bookstores, provides a readable and simple account of what it takes to open a well run second-hand bookshop,though he does tend toward the more valuble collectable market than the small casual shop. Even if you have no intention of every opening a bookshop of your own this book still reads well as a memoire of some one who has excelled in his field and the book related quotes that open each chapter will excite any biblophile. Though I doubt that will ever open my own shop reading this book did promote day-dreaming that maybe I could.
February 3, 2010
Excellent, pre-tech bookstore knowledge. Classic, timeless business practices for a used bookstore. Well worth the read and effort needed to find an old copy.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews