How to put up a bookstore

Dear Nanay,

I’m from the province but have been residing in Manila for almost 20 years now.

In Northern Samar, private schools have been growing like mushrooms, not to mention our big university — the University of Eastern Philippines. The problem is that there is no bookstore like National Book Store in our province. Northern Samar is composed of 24 towns, which means that all the schools on this far-flung island are dependent on businessmen who sell books for a living, and not for helping those who do not have access to much-needed education.

I have been thinking of putting up a bookstore there. Transportation nowadays is not a problem anymore since there are already three airlines flying from Manila to Northern Samar. Land transport is also available.

I would like to be a part of educating the new generation. I need to know if I can do it and how much it would cost me.

Merly

Dear Merly,

On your first question, if you can do it or not, of course you can do it! Nothing should stop you from following your dreams and making them a reality.

How much will it cost? Well, I think that will depend on a lot of things. Maybe you should start by taking a look at your budget and figuring out how much you can afford to invest in the business. Balance how much you can afford to lose with how much you stand to gain. If you do not have too much capital, you can start it small and grow the business slowly. Hindi kailangan na sobrang laki kaagad ang negosyo para maging successful. (A business doesn’t need to be very big right away to be successful. There is no need to go for the big time right away. What is more important is that you invest something you can afford and run the business properly so that you can make some money.

Because you are entering a new market, the other thing you might want to do is some kind of market research or survey. Even if it is just an informal poll, you should ask around and find out what kind of books people want to buy in the area where you want to set up your bookstore. Check with the local schools. Ano ba ang kailangan nila? Ano ba ang gamit o libro na hindi nila mabili? (What do they need? What supplies or books can’t they buy?) Then, those are the books and supplies that you want to bring in. Start with the items na siguradong mabebenta para hindi ka malugi (that you’re sure will sell so you won’t lose money). Tapos paunti-unti lang muna para wala kang dead stock. (Then stock small amounts of it first so you don’t have dead stock.)

Slowly you will learn more and more about the wants and needs of your market and become more comfortable about what to bring in. At that point you can start increasing your quantities and bringing in more products.

Sincerely,

Nanay

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Tithing: What Is The Proper Amount?

Dear Nanay,

I would like to know about tithing. Does it really have to be 10 percent of your earnings, or just the amount you can afford but which comes from the heart, like I am doing? In my case, I am a businesswoman and I can only share P500 or P1,000, but if I get a good collection I promise to give more. I am trying my best to be faithful to God. I’ve heard and watched testimonials and they share 10 percent of their earnings, and because of that things changed for the better for them, like debt cancellation, business prosperity and financial blessings. But instead of feeling better because there’s hope, I felt bad. Is it really in the Bible that you have to give 10 percent?

Sugar

Dear Sugar,

The issue of tithing is really dependent on the religion you belong to and what you believe in. And because I do not know what religion you practice, I cannot tell you what you should or should not do. Different religions have different beliefs. My suggestion is for you to seek advice from your religious leader or organization for a proper definition of what is acceptable to or required by your faith. Get more information from them. After that, you can make a fully informed decision about what is proper for you.

Sincerely,

Nanay

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If you have a question, e-mail us at asknanay@nationalbookstore.com.ph or just drop your letter at drop boxes in all National Book Store branches nationwide.