FOR SALE
Established used and collectible bricks and mortar bookstore in business since 1993 (2 years in first location, 9 years in second location, 3 years in present location), and virtual bookstore website domain operating since 2004.
Stock consists of approximately 20,000 books in store, approximately 20,000 additional books in storage, and approximately 4,000 additional books listed online at professionally designed website domain www.madaboutbooksonline.com with complete merchant tools, and with five major book websites:
ABE
and searched by Bookfinder.com and ChooseBooks.com. This is general stock of approximately 60% fiction and 40% non-fiction, in categories that include contemporary fiction, science fiction, espionage, romance, poetry, classic literature, mystery, history, political science, philosophy, religion, medicine, arts, natural science, cooking, biography, children, true crime, sports, personal growth, humor, business, home life, travel, social science, reference, foreign language, and rare books. Conditions of books instore and online are primarily good to very good, with a smattering of fair and fine books, with few ex-library books. Approximately 60% are softcover and 40% are hardcover.
The business is fully operational and ready for new owner to take over. Sale includes the name of both physical and virtual operations, along with equipment that includes signage, accessories, professional billboard design, 7' neon "BOOKS" sign, cash register, computer, database, client list, mini fridge, file cabinet, locked cabinet, reference books and dealer catalogues, business and bookseller manuals, book jacket covers, credit card validater, book-themed artwork, computer desk and chair, office desk and chair, three-cushion sofa and two matching side chairs; and fixtures that includes double-sided shelving (6x4=18 units) and single-sided shelving (8x4=23 units; 8x3=1 units; 6x6=1 units; 6x5=3 units; 6x4=25 units; 6x3=23 units; 6x2=7 units; 4x4=7 units), one 5x3 wire paperback rack, one 4x4 wire double spinner paperback rack, one 1x4 wire spinner paperback rack, one 3x2 wood counter top only, and one 6x8 wood counter top, sides, and door complete.
Approximate retail value in store=$150,000; approximate retail value online=$50,000; approximate retail value in storage=$50,000+. Gross sales in previous suburban metropolitan location topped $37,000 in final year; in present rural location including online gross sales have grown steadily to $23,000 last year.
Located 90 minutes from downtown Chicago, 5 minutes from Starved Rock State Park, 70 minutes from Rockford, 60 minutes from Bloomington-Normal.
Unexpected family obligations require us to relocate, and we will be unable to continue operating the bookstore any longer. Our asking price is the same price we paid for the business in 2004. Since that time we have made considerable improvements, including upgrading the stock by bringing in newer books and donating out books of lesser condition, and adding the online operation. Store is currently in rented building on ground floor, with heat, air (electricity not included), and access to bathroom facilities, and may be left there if new owner wants to assume the monthly rental agreement. New owner may also choose to end rental agreement without penalty and relocate store at own expense. Prefer 25% downpayment with balance paid in thirty days; however we understand cash flow can be slow initially so we can also consider other payment schedules.
$40,000.
Alibris
Amazon
Biblio
Barnes and Noble
