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In our last issue we received a letter from Sandra Saliga who asked about determining whether a bookseller is reliable. She did not receive a book that was ordered before Christmas and when she sent emails to the seller, they were ignored.
Though Sandra's plight isn't indicative of most Internet sales, these problems can happen. Books can get lost in the mail, they can be misplaced at the seller's end, and they can be retrieved from the mailbox and forgotten about by someone in the family. All three things have happened to me and I know I am not alone.
Sandra's frustrations were real. She forwarded her letter to me and it was clear that she made a sincere and polite attempt to determine what happened. After her letter appeared in Bookologist, the seller contacted Sandra. The seller offered a refund but Sandra still wants the book, even from another source and offered the solution of having this seller locate another copy for her.
We are happy that this transaction now has a chance for a successful ending.
- Edith
Dear Edith,
Thank you so much for taking the Editor helm of this newsletter. I look forward to each issue and all that I can learn from them. Let me give you a bit of my history first. My husband was from Waterbury and we lived there when first married. In fact, I had a Christmas shop for a season, until we moved, on Bank St. in the building owned by James Russell. So when I saw the photos of the opening of your new location, I was thrilled to say the least. Also, I worked at Waterbury Hospital and St. Mary's in the late 60'sand early 70's as a medical technologist.
Now for more current history. I am 60, a widow, and a director for our healthcare system in Winchester, Va. My goal is to retire in the next year and open a B&M here. My store name will be Renaissance Booksellers and I will be starting the online side of it this month as I have about 8000 books already and adding more all the time. I will be using ABE's Homebase software for inventory and online uploads to Amazon as well. Half of the books are in storage and I'm running out of space, so may open the store sooner. Can't wait to get my feet wet. I want to have an "old world flavor" with plenty of Renaissance prints about, as well as some of my library furniture. We have a wonderful coffee company here that will provide a coffee bar too. There is a delightful old town walking mall, but the foot traffic isn't enough to support a store there, so it looks like I'll have to go into a heavier traveled strip mall...ugh. But business is business.
My main concern is health insurance coverage. Is there a used booksellers group coverage? If not, what are other booksellers doing to get decent rates? I would appreciate any info you may have as I'm looking for a mentor as I march forward. Have read several books by Ian Ellis, Dale Gilbert, Stephen Windwalker, etc., and absorbed their wisdom. But none of them addressed the health insurance issue. Maybe their spouses carry them.
Thank you again for all your efforts with this newsletter. The next time I'm in Waterbury, I will definitely pop in.
Linda Largay
It's always exciting to begin a new venture but it's scary at the same time. Health insurance is something we may not all be able to afford but we cannot dismiss it. The sheer cost of medical tests, even a general physical, is expensive.
This is a huge subject but one I am researching. I am meeting with an insurance provider on Tuesday who will explain the package available through Chambers of Commerce. I am also going to explore other venues and different kinds of coverage. I will be comparing cost and benefit of both standard coverage and catastrophic plans, so please bear with me.
As for Linda's comment that perhaps spouses carry the benefits, this is very often true. I wish Linda the best of luck with the new shop and heartily suggest our forum. We have so many bright sellers online that are generous with information and encouragement. You are not alone.
- Edith
Hi Edith,
I love your website and e-newsletter and look forward to receiving it all the time. My question for you is a little odd in that I was wondering if you could direct me to where I might be able to obtain modern marble covered/edged notebooks/books. You know, the style reminiscent of the Victorian era of the 1870s with the beautiful deep, rich, maroon and red marble covers. I simply like the style and unfortunately times have changed. I want something new that I can keep records in though while having a beautiful look on the exterior. If you or anyone you know could direct me to a manufacturer of these I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks and keep up all the good work.
Justin P.
I do know the journals you describe and I have not seen any available, perhaps one of our readers can help.
- Edith
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