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With Writing Show host, Paula Berinstein

DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO “HOW NOT TO RUN AN ONLINE BOOKSTORE, EPISODE 3″ MP3 HERE

VIEW A TRANSCRIPT OF “HOW NOT TO RUN AN ONLINE BOOKSTORE, EPISODE 3″ HERE

In 2003, Paula Berinstein and her husband did a really stupid thing: they started an online bookstore. In 2004, humiliated and a great deal poorer (but wiser), they closed it.

In episode 3 of “How Not to Run an Online Bookstore,” Paula explains sadly how they financed their ill-fated store and reveals:

• Why it’s so hard for startups to get bank loans
• Why it’s so hard for retail businesses to get angel or venture funding
• Why she didn’t go for a small business loan from the U.S. government
• Why she couldn’t depend on sales revenue to finance her business
• How she ended up financing her store

Join Paula for this multi-part series that will be aired a little at a time. And for heaven’s sake, don’t do what she did!

Interviewee: Paula Berinstein
Host: Paula B
Date: January 24, 2006
Running time: 6:33 minutes
File size: 4 megabytes
Rating:: G

DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO “HOW NOT TO RUN AN ONLINE BOOKSTORE, EPISODE 3″ MP3 HERE

4 Responses to “Episode 3: How Not to Run An Online Bookstore: Financing”

1. Banjax Says:
   January 24th, 2006 at 10:00 am e

   Hi Paula

   I enjoy ” How not to run an Online bookstore ” episodes and in particular because I once had the idea of a second hand book shop but your podcasts have helped me overcome that particular compulsion! However I have always wondered about how independent book publishers get started and make a living as they would seem to face similar obstacles in promoting books as emerging authors. I would like to suggest a future topic for podcasting “How not to run an Independent Book Publisher ” as I am sure there many writers out there who would be interested in seeing the business of book selling from a publishers point of view.

2. Administrator Says:
   January 24th, 2006 at 11:09 am e

   Thanks, Banjax. I’m glad you’re enjoying my disaster story.

   I think second hand bookstores are facing a huge problem right now because of the sale of used books online. It’s so easy to buy and sell from your desk now that the physical stores are really hurting.

   I think your suggestion is fantastic and will see what I can cook up on independent publishing. Got any leads?

3. Banjax Says:
   January 24th, 2006 at 12:00 pm e

   Hi Paula

   Unfortuneately I am not involved in the book business in any way but I suggested it because I just noticed the Olga Gavin podcast and wondered if any of the previous interviewees would have any contacts?

   On a separate note the download link to part 2 of the Olga Gavin podcast seems to be missing?

4. Administrator Says:
   January 24th, 2006 at 12:07 pm e

   Hi, Banjax,

   I’ll see what I can do. Somewhere, somehow, someone in independent publishing will have a story. The trick will be to get them to talk about their experience.

   Thanks for the correction on Olga’s interview. I’ve fixed it. Let me know if you’re still having trouble with it.

   Best,
   Paula