I can't get this out of my head

[editrx]

The little bookstore in the VT town up the way from me is for sale, I found out today. Turn-key, dead cheap for what it is

Comments

[wildwinterwitch]

Oh, this sounds amazing! I wish I could help. I only have an idea and I'm not sure it might work since I am not familiar with running a business at all.

So, she needs to sell the place soon, you don't have money but know-how. Why don't you ask her if you could take over management of the shop for her while she still owns it, giving you the option to eventually buy the place when you've got the means to do so? It sounds pretty naive, I know -- she might not want to sell when the shop starts to turn out a profit, or up the price. I'm not sure if you can put that down contractually.

[bemused_leftist]

I second this! What other buyers does she have? Make a bid, offering her more total in shares than she is asking in cash.

Or, offer to manage it while she continues trying to get her top price. It might be more saleable with you in place as manager; someone out of town might be interested in it as an investment, or might want to buy it to run it later but not have time now.

Even if you can't get a good contract with her now, still it might be a better job for you than Best Buy. And even without a good contract, she may not find a buyer and so may change her mind and take your bid later (after your Kickstarter brings you some money).

Let her know your ideas. She may have ideas of her own that would work for you.

[editrx]

I was thinking along the same lines today, and am going to go check her and the current state of the store out tomorrow when she opens. It's only 7 min from my house.

God, I hope this could work.

[buddykat]

If Wildwinterwitch's idea doesn't pan out (I think it's a fabulous idea if the owner will go for it), you can try an SBA loan or a loan through a local bank or credit union. With your experience, you can probably whip up a business plan in a day or two, and with your connections, you can definitely make a go of this.

Sadly, I did not win the lottery last night... but a private investor might also be an option if you know anyone who may have the means to back you.

Good luck!

[editrx]

I can't get a business loan with no collateral and negative personal credit at this point, but a kickstarter could do it if I can convince th oWner to either let me manage it till I or another person can buy or something.

I'm going to go talk to her and check out the current state of the store tomorrow.

[nancylebov]

Is a kickstarter be a possibility?

[cakmpls]

Set up the Kickstarter and start spreading the word, asking others to spread the word.

[ext_278078]

I will signal boost the hell out of this if you do a kickstarter. Go for it!