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The other day I was poking around a furniture consignment shop that just opened not too long ago near my home. I’m surprised I even found it as it sits hidden behind a small strip of stores off a main road. The only thing that tips you off to its’ location is a small sign by the sign of the road with an arrow pointing to the driveway that leads to the store’s vast parking lot behind the strip mall.
Once inside, I was amazed how big this store was; almost the size of a football field! And the store was already filled with all types of furniture, some antique-some newer in age, accessories, paintings, outdoor items, and more. It was only on my way out (I was there in search of paintings but didn’t find any I liked), that I noticed a few older books sitting on a shelf. I like to decorate with old books so I picked a few out to buy. A woman that worked in the shop asked me if I saw the shop’s “book room.” When I responded, “No,” she pointed me in the right direction.
I have to be honest. I haven’t book scouted in a while. I’ve written a lot of posts about selling used books and I used to sell books mostly on Amazon as a primary source of part-time income. Since spending more time with this website and others, I haven’t had time to do much with my book business even though I still maintain an FBA (Fulfillment By Amazon) account with Amazon.
When I walked into the “book room,” I couldn’t believe the amount of books that lined the book cases! Not only that, they were in boxes, and even in large rubber trash cans! A hidden gem of used books I told myself (can you tell I was excited?)! I quickly located the woman I previously spoke with and asked her how much the books cost. She said $1 each. Now this could either be a good price or not depending on the book. They were mostly hardback books that were either donated by people or cleared out of homes when the store owners purchased estate furniture.
I saw some popular “Grisham” type hardbacks that were worth less than the $1 purchase price, but I also saw some great nonfiction, niche-type books that would bring in a nice profit if sold on Amazon. I had no idea I would find such a great source of books since I never thought to look for them at a place like this, and was in no way prepared to sit and go through all these books.
I have to admit, I’m tempted to go back with my scanner complete with the ASellerTool software, and spend a day scanning for gems in that book room. I could possibly strike a deal with the shop owners to be their “book gal” and have them call me and only me when they bring in a new load of books….negotiate a price for the books I want to buy….alas, so many ideas, so much potential money? But so little time!
!!NEWS FLASH!!
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Wow, it sounds like you really did find a hidden gem! There are a lot of bookstores that advertise for reselling used and old books to them, but I don’t have any old books and I don’t know where I’d find some. I have never thought to try furniture stores, though, so maybe I’ll check that idea out. It seems like it worked out well for you!