Comments on: Tips for bookstore owners

By: Dan Coleman

Dan Coleman — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:43:53 +0000

Writer On Site Project…Please take the time to read my Blog Post of Feb. 6, 2010, on the Blog page at http://www.crimespace.ning.com. It describes what I think is the next logical step in trying to help save the brick and mortar stores by developing a closer relationship between the stores owners, customers and writers…Thank you.

By: Kash

Kash — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 02:41:55 +0000

I love these. The one thing I would add would be something about not assuming all home educators are religious and/or conservative. *grin* When I was starting out, it was so frustrating to read about the homeschool information night at the library or wherever, and then realize it was a group that required a Statement of Faith to join. There are several groups in my area, for instance, that are not on the linked page.

By: Rosie

Rosie — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:05:07 +0000

Perhaps clear labeling as to whether materials are secular or otherwise? A sticker on the spine would be enough, I’m sure. I realise people are able to pick books up and look at them, but if you’re shopping with kids, these little time savers can help…

By: Colleen in NS

Colleen in NS — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 02:23:28 +0000

I like that you started most of them with action verbs. I’d make them all that way because it makes them sound positive, and gives store owners/managers quick understanding of what they can act on.

Will you be distributing these brochures to bookstores across the U.S. somehow? Or just giving them out/selling them as customers ask? Or including them with shipments of PHP products that people buy? Or at conferences? Could you include Canada in tip #1 and in your distribution efforts?

Another tip idea: Play only soothing, quiet music over the store’s speaker system, if you must play it. High-volume music with singing is very distracting when people are trying to think through their book-purchasing choices. It also makes some kids antsy, which causes their parents to leave the store without purchasing anything. (This is a big reason I don’t go to my local bookstore much – it drives me nuts, I can’t think in there!!)

By: LV

LV — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 02:13:48 +0000

The figure is in the HSLDA Homeschool Progress Report for 2009 , which I found online: http://www.hslda.org/docs/study/ray2009/2009_Ray_StudyFINAL.pdf.

On page 5, it states that the median amount spent per child each year is $400 to $599 among the 11,000+ families interviewed. (I guess you answered to a dollar range rather than an exact amount.) I thought it provided a more specific figure, but it was part of a factoid and graph on the previous page about how homeschoolers spend less than public schools and do better on standardized tests; and that spending more than the median generates only small increases in performance.

HSLDA hired the National Home Education Research Institute to do the study, so they must have more exact numbers then sliced the data to make a pretty story. I’m totally new to homeschooling this year, so I’m sure you know more about these organizations than I do.

Hope that helps – sounds like PHP is doing cool things. Not sure where you find the time in the day!

Lisa

By: susan

susan — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:50:33 +0000

LV,

Interesting–what was the $$$ figure from HSLDA? (And did they indicate how they’d reached it?)

SWB

By: LV

LV — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:06:24 +0000

How about adding: ask your local homeschool group if you can set up an information table at their next curriculum fair or event. You can get feedback from the homeschooling community and reach new customers.

By: Sharla

Sharla — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:41:57 +0000

I love that you threw in a bit about a shelf of erotica. Somehow, everything you write is funny.

By: LV

LV — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:58:54 +0000

Is this something bookstore owners have asked for or something that you will try to offer stores that perhaps haven’t thought about the homeschool market? If the latter, you might want an intro along the lines of, “the average homeschooling family spends $$$ a year on curriculum and books. If you want to be a part of this growing market, here are some ideas….” We just got an annual report type thing from HSLDA that had the dollar figures in it. Not that many bookstore owners wouldn’t do it just because it supports the community, but they are operating on such tight margins (especially independents) it might be more well received if they see how it will benefit their business in the long run.

By: Karen

Karen — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:28:22 +0000

I know a list like this should stay compact and not have too many additions; and it’s already really good… but is there a place to emphasize a need for good non-fiction? I can see this corner becoming all workbooks and Newbery winners otherwise. Also, I remember a number of people discussing audiobooks. We have to really search for these; the kids’ section usually has only a handful. If they can’t afford to shelve and display a bunch, maybe a pamphlet listing ones parents could order through them (using the discount)?

My favorite item on your list was the suggestion that parents share their experiences with particular curricular items while the kids go to story time. That is brilliant.