I’m Barbara, I own Brant’s Books, one of Florida’s oldest and largest independently owned all used bookstores. Ask Me Anything!

[u/brantsbooks]

Hi Reddit!

I’m Barbara, I own Brant’s Books, one of Florida’s oldest and largest independently owned all used bookstores. I have kept the store going through financial loss, partners,various moves, lots of bad business decisions, hurricanes and even competition from “those that shall not be named in the book world “ --Amazon. 15 years ago I took over this struggling business with no business knowledge, kids to raise and zero working capital. Running a Bookstore hasn’t been easy, and yet here I am, moving forward. Enjoying both the business of Books and my eclectic customers. The journey has been crazy, but now, I am now looking to expand the business!!! I should write a book, but instead, I am doing an AMA!!

www.brantsbooks.com

https://www.facebook.com/brantsbooks

instagram.com/brantsbooks

servingbookloverssince1956.imgur.com

Proof:

[u/leowr]

Hi Barbara,

What is the most difficult part of running a used-bookstore? What is the most rewarding part?

Also, what kind of books do you like reading? Anything in particular you would like to recommend to us?

Thanks for doing this AMA!

[u/brantsbooks → u/leowr]

One of the hardest parts of running a store, now, is listening to people telling me how cheap it is on Amazon. They forget, or don't care that a bookstore is an experience, a place to relax and enjoy the written word. It was never meant to be a place to run in grab a book and leave. Book people are interesting. Sit and talk, share ideas or just enjoying relaxing in a peaceful place before (or after) a crazy day. I admit, it's hard to find time these days.

The most rewarding part is my customers. They are so fascinating, educated and conversational that my day is never boring. Ever. Everyone has a story to tell and an experience to share....books bring out those memories.

[u/Duke_Paul]

Hi Barbara, thanks for taking the time to do an AMA!

How do you compete with the likes of Amazon and other online retailers even more focused on the used book market?

Thanks!

[u/brantsbooks → u/Duke_Paul]

Ahhh, if I had a quarter for everytime I was asked this question....By being creative, like any other business. I admit the book world is a bit more challenging AKA Old School, as many used sellers have been in the trade for a very long time. And they hate to change. But change is important, especially for books, where there are so many options available for the consumer. I sell online (swore I would never do it) both Amazon and eBay. I try to be everything the internet is not. I can't sell penny books in the store, but I CAN provide exceptional personal customer service, book ideas, create a peaceful, calm shopping enviroment, host events where like minded people can meet, carry eclectic, interesting books that you can't find anyplace else. And have a dog that will cuddle with you if you sit in his chair.

[u/Aofun]

What you are doing is great. Where I am from we don't have such stores - and it's a pity to say the least!

Do you read a lot on a daily basis? What are your favorite authors?

[u/thebookingchild]

Hi Barbara,

Wow, I think your story is incredibly inspiring! Don't know a lot of people with as much passion as you have for books, and I think it's amazing that you're continuing to keep this bookstore running.

What kind of atmosphere do you try to keep in your bookstore? What do you want your customers to take away from their experience there?

Thanks, and I hope I can visit your bookstore when in Florida!

[u/brantsbooks → u/thebookingchild]

I think we live in a crazy world right now, so I try to create a peaceful, calm enviroment when you walk in the door, and the fact that Max will run up and expect and ear rub doesn't hurt. Soft music, hidden chairs, playful and interesting things to look at, scattered around the room. I love to see people enjoying a chair tucked away in the corner or picking up an old license plate and telling me about their first car, and all the happy times they spent driving around.

All of ours lives are so complicated right now, I would love to create an enviroment where you can forget about life, if only for a couple hours, and enjoy the fact that you are surrounded with knowledge written down for future generations to enjoy. It's not just a bookstore, it's also a meeting place where I have heard the most interesting conversations and ideas. So many times I hear people actually sigh when they walk in, amazed at the amount of books but also, just smiling because "it feels like home, cozy and safe" I like that :)

[u/bbrant1973]

Barbara..Thank you so much for keeping my grandparent’s legacy for the love of books alive. I’m sure it has been a rocky road. You have bought the business into the modern age and glad you can keep the business going while making it your own. Wishing you continued success and prosperity!

[u/[deleted]]

How do you attract new customers, or readers that typically use ebooks now? Also, have you ever considered a franchise in Orlando, because I'd love to work for a used book store.

[u/[deleted]]

[u/brantsbooks → u/[deleted]]

Does anyone really know what they are doing in life? Sometimes it just happens and you have to figure it out.

Never let people tell you what you CAN'T do...surround yourself with people who believe in you & your dreams. But start small , build a business plan with goals-get a mentor or go to SCORE for help. Read as many books as you can on business, then dream up YOUR business...Did I say start small? But don't lose sight of where you want to be in the future.

Honestly, there are lots of reasons to NOT open a bookstore right now, but there is no reason to not follow your passion and still stay connected with books.

What is your REAL reason for wanting a brick and mortar store? So you can read all day? (It will never happen, if you want to pay your bills) You want to run your own business? (Honestly thats amazing, but long hours, lack of vacations and being "ON" all the time can be exhausting. Are you ready for that? there are lots of business ideas besides an actual store) How much money do you have to invest? Enough to pay living expenses? For months on end as you get the business started? How motivated are you to be successful? (That's really important) There are a lot of things to think about before jumping in, because now research is your friend. Don't give up on your dream of owning a store, just move slowly in the right direction :) Good Luck!!

[u/Duwinayo]

Hey Barbara!

My gf loves to collect older books and has quite a few. She has some she would like to sell, but we often have trouble finding where to sell older and more valuable books. Any suggestions on how we should go about such a thing? Is there a secret place to look to, a Diagon Alley of books?

[u/ClearlyNotElvis]

Thanks for the AMA! Curious, what's the strangest/most curious book you've had walk into the store?

[u/[deleted]]

[u/HronkChaos]

Hello there Barbara! I hope you're doing fine.

What were the most interesting (for you) books you had on your store? Why?

And which was the oldest you had?

[u/magnoliablues]

What are the top selling books in your store? Do you have a favorite book to recommend?

[u/pjd77]

Can you think of some of the books that have had an impact on your life? I regularly think about The Great Gatsby, Gone With The Wind, Harry Potter, The Nightengale, and the Dark Tower Series.

[u/BodyBagSlam]

Do you have a copy of Dragon Rising by Wade Barker? I remember reading it as a teenager some 25-30 years ago and loved it, even though it was schlock-ninja fare. Been looking for a copy but it’s always some overpriced version on Amazon.

[u/rodomonte]

Dang, I go to Venice twice a year and never knew about you. I'll definitely have to stop in next time.

[u/[deleted]]

Thank-you for this. What a great way to start my day reading about your Wonderful Bookstore and Adventure it has been for you. I will look forward to visiting one day. :) :)

[u/[deleted]]

I know you've finished your Q&A, but I'm in the market for ised paperbacks and I prefer shopping at small businesses. Checking out your shop now!

[u/dijos]

It was before you owned it, but I spent so much time in that store in high school. When my wife and I moved back to the bay, I wanted to show her Brant's, and it was closed. I was heartbroken. I can still remember the smell and the tin repairs on the floor. I'm so glad that it's still there. Thank you for your ama!

[u/Chtorrr]

What is the very best dessert?

[u/truupe]

Hey, Sarasota! My mom used to live in University Park.

I love old used books and the quiet, calm ambiance of an independent bookstore.

Anyway, does it bother you if people come into your store already with a book just to read?

[u/AnimalReads]

I love independent book stores and every time I travel I try to find one and buy a book that I like that can also be a memento of that place. I just on the other coast of Florida so the next time I'm over that way I will stop in an pick something up. Keep up the good/hard work. I love the independent shop experience.