Can’t remember when exactly (big surprise, eh?) but about four years ago I realized that, if things kept going on their present trajectory, I would someday be old. And there was no doubt about where that particular trajectory would end.
Further, I realized that upon my death, my stock, in the hands of well-meaning but uninformed heirs and assigns, would sell for pennies on the dollar, and everything I’d worked for five decades to create – chiefly my good name, such as it is, and whatever non-delusional reputation I’d managed to accumulate – would turn to dust along with me.
This seemed a waste, so I began looking for a successor. A younger person I could train. Someone who would grow from worker to assistant to partner to owner. The business would grow to accommodate the needs of this new person, and slowly my bookselling role would diminish, as I devoted more and more time to watering marigolds and watching Seinfeld reruns.
The plan had a nice ring to it, but after three failed attempts, I think I’ve identified its fatal flaw.
I barely make enough to address my own financial needs. Supporting a second person with a living wage and health care would basically mean doubling my gross income overnight – before the prospective mentee even started proving his or her worth.
Sadly, it’s never even gotten that far. Candidate #1 failed to show up for his first day at work. #2 turned out to be a nutter. #3, while a good worker, was not a self-starter and had no tolerance for risk. After a few months of working for me, his wife found him a real job – with health care. He was terribly embarrassed to leave my employ, but the truth is, we both saw it would never work.
So, now I’m looking for a retiree, or perhaps a youngish second career person with money to invest and a passion for the trade. I’ve been told they exist, but they’re proving hard to find in my neck of the woods.
However, that wasn’t the only big change. I’ve made another adjustment that, so far, is working out pretty well.
When I was trying to make my bones as a specialist dealer, I eschewed common books. Back in the early 2000s I sold everything in my brick & mortar shop – about 10,000 volumes – and stopped listing on ABE and Biblio. For years, my inventory hovered around 1000 items – including ephemera, manuscripts, and archives. If I bought a library, I’d only bid on the high-end stuff. If it was a cleanout, I’d call in one of my colleagues.
Now, in my new “headed for the barn” mode, I’m taking those cheaper books that I would have left in place or consigned to other dealers. I signed back up with Biblio and ABAA, and worked my online stock back to 2000 volumes, with the ultimate goal of 5000 items listed online – most of them under $100.
Why?
Even now my paltry listings bring in a hundred or so a week. I’m probably only earning $12 per hour handling these puny orders, but the books I list are the bottoms of lots long-since paid for. In other words, I’ve got nothing in them.
So I’m in the process of signing back up with ABE and getting going on eBay. Some day, I hope, that stock will keep me busy between marigolds and Seinfeld.
It’ll be beer money.
Try Justin Demetri…he might help you find someone…
What you really need is my entire stock. Cheers fellow old fella. Charles
Greg
Your next challenge will bring you all the way back to the full circle beginning.
Start selling books without the internet or use of a computer and cell phone…
Set up at flea markets, more regional book and paper shows, the auctions, sleep in your van and hit THE ROAD ….
Advocate here for same….
Sincerely
The Ghost of Jack Kerouac