The Pivot Point

Opening a used bookstore: Late August 2025—Stef grapples with online listing technology frustrations, watches more local businesses close, analyzes her P&L (profit and loss statement), and pivots from buying books to sourcing startup supplies. Plus: her first Little Free Library refresh and a Rite Aid liquidation win.

In this episode, I'm hitting a wall—and it's technological. I've been struggling to find the right tools to make online book listing easier and more fun. Despite having a huge lead time, I feel blocked. The progress isn't happening the way I need it to, and the frustration is real.

The rental space search continues with a decent prospect on the table, but I'm also watching more businesses close in the area, which makes me nervous. It's a reminder that I need to stay disciplined about the numbers.

Speaking of numbers: the P&L (profit and loss statement, for anyone new to this) is telling me something important. I need to slow down on book acquisition and start focusing on finding admin and startup supplies at estate sales instead. Office supplies, cleaning materials, organizational tools—the unsexy stuff that adds up fast if you buy it new.

And then I score big: Rite Aid is going out of business, and I load up on exactly what I need at liquidation prices.

I also did my first Little Free Library refresh as part of my commitment to equity and community access to books. And immediately got another sign-up. This service feels right—it's about making sure books reach everyone, not just people who can afford to buy them. If you have a Little Free Library that needs restocking, sign up for a free refresh at phoenixusedbookshop.com

Current Book Count: ~8,000-9,000 (but acquisition is slowing down intentionally)

Sometimes progress means knowing when to stop and redirect.

🐦‍🔥 Follow along as The Phoenix Used Bookshop continues to rise—subscribe to A Bookshop of My Own and get updates at phoenixusedbookshop.com.

Sign up for a free Little Free Library refresh: phoenixusedbookshop.com