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Mobile Bookshops: A Viable Business Venture
By Udeme Ekwere
A clergy had just moved into his new duplex in Lagos with two libraries, one upstairs, and the other downstairs. He instructed his family members that should there be any fire accident, the first thing to do is to save his books, because those books made him what he is.
Although some people may consider his idea crazy, but it goes to show the value he attaches to books.
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Without them, people may not be able to achieve all that they should.
Because most people are busy, coupled with the bad traffic situation in urban centres, the enthusiasm to go to bookshops for needed materials is predictably low among the reading class. This, therefore, brings the need for mobile bookshops.
The concept of mobile bookshops is quite new in Nigeria, but operators raised the hope that more people would embrace the concept in the nearest future.
According to the Managing Director, Broadmind Publishing Ventures, -a mobile bookshop and resource centre located in Ajao Estate Lagos, Mr. Etim Offiong, a mobile bookshop is one without a fixed place.
He says “our customers make requests for some materials, we source for them, and take these materials to our customers wherever they are”.
“The name mobile bookshop does not mean we deal only on books. Journals, magazines, CDs, DVDs, are some other materials we deal on. A unique feature of this kind of bookshop is that it seeks for the convenience of those who want these materials or resources,” Offiong further adds.
To start up this kind of business, a major requirement is a passion for knowledge, because you must have a definite knowledge of what you are selling, as you may need to explain to customers about your materials. Also at times, you have to make one or two recommendations, so it is very essential that you have some knowledge of books.
Offiong says starting up is quite easy. “The best way to start is by involving friends and families, these people, in most cases, are always ready to support you. Your friends would begin to tell others about your services, and before you know it, the calls start coming and Bingo, you are there!”.
Although it may be hard to believe, Offiong says that you can start with as low as N5,000. Just make sure you have sources from where you can obtain these books and at a discounted rate. Usually, once a substantial purchase has been made, you would be given discounts. Therefore you must always negotiate with your sources. Get contacts, it is very essential. “Before you begin, go into the market, see how things are run by others. It is very essential to get advice from people who have been in the business before you,” he insists.
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