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Grand Member
TheGal
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Member Since: Aug 2022
Location: The House
Posts: 895
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#1
Hi Everyone,
I am looking to start my own business and was wondering whether there are people in our community who've done it. How is it going? |
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Anonymous32448, Fuzzybear
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*Beth*
is practicing healthy breathing for brain, mind,
body, spirit.
Member Since: Jul 2019
Location: Downtown Vibes, California
Posts: 15,701
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#2
Welll, My husband is a book collector (for 38 years). He owns over 60,000 books. Many years ago he wanted to open a brick-and-mortar book store. But, our kids were still in elementary school at the time, my husband had a full-time job. I was working p/t in social services and very busy with taking care of my family. Investing in a business (loans, etc.) would have been impossible time & money wise.
I can't recall how, but my husband learned about the possibility of having an online business, which for us meant selling books. So we thought we'd give it a shot. We opened "book shops" on Amazon, on ABEBooks (which is more of a specialized book site), and on Barnes & Noble. We carefully designed our shops, began listing books for sale (giving excellent descriptions of each book), and we give a lot of attention to providing excellent customer service. That was 14 years ago this month. We have not made a fortune - but the money we make from our book business provides an excellent supplement to our monthly income (we're now both retired). Plus, we enjoy the work; it's especially good for my husband who would be twiddling his thumbs, being retired. Between 2000 and 2015 I managed a very busy cafe. In addition to being 1 of 2 managers I worked the closing night shift by myself. Not an easy job! I certainly didn't own that business, so didn't have to handle all the financial stuff, but I was excellent at my job. I mean, despite having a mental illness, being on meds, and so forth. Oh - I meant to mention that both my husband and I are diagnosed with mental illnesses. I am in treatment for mine, he refuses treatment for his. What kind of business are you thinking of opening? __________________ |
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Anonymous32448, Bill3, Fuzzybear
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Grand Member
TheGal
has no updates.
Member Since: Aug 2022
Location: The House
Posts: 895
547 hugs
given |
#3
Hi Beth,
I love abebooks and ordered from there recently... in fact, just had a delivery the other day! The business I want to start is in the hospitality/care realm. I'm very impressed with what you and your husband have managed to do... Sixty-thousand books is a lot. How do you manage to keep them in order? Do you have barcodes? How do you find the books on the shelves/boxes/storage ... I ask because I might need to use barcodes and don't have a clue as to where to get started. Also, would need to find out about the corresponding software needed to manage goods... I think it is wonderful that you managed a cafe... that is awesome. Did you have to do hiring as well? I'm feeling that I'll be working a lot by starting my own business, but the hours will be flexible enough to allow me to go to appointments... I am being treated for MI and have other doctors appointments as well... I'm in my early 50s and frankly fall into a category where my getting hired seems rather improbable, but I've been an excellent employee in the past. I feel I've my feet enough on the ground to embark on this adventure... Thank you for your detailed reply, Beth! It is so good to chat with you... |
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*Beth*, Anonymous32448, Fuzzybear
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#4
I tried to get set up as a dog walker years ago, failed though due to lack of demand
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Bill3
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*Beth*
is practicing healthy breathing for brain, mind,
body, spirit.
Member Since: Jul 2019
Location: Downtown Vibes, California
Posts: 15,701
(SuperPoster!)
23.7k hugs
given |
#5
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Bill3, Fuzzybear
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Wisest Elder Ever
Fuzzybear
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#6
Much love to all
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Bill3
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Grand Member
TheGal
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Member Since: Aug 2022
Location: The House
Posts: 895
547 hugs
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#7
Thanks, Beth... and kudos to you and your husband! Sounds like fun! Though I've a lot to do, I have started a business plan and am looking at potential problems and weak points, as well. I want to be able to scale the business which seems like a lot in the beginning stages, but I really want this to work. I'm very excited about the prospect actually.
Sorry your dog-walking business didn't take off, willowtigger. Thanks Fuzzybear. |
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*Beth*, Anonymous32448, Fuzzybear
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*Beth*
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