How to bootstrap a record store start-up (Part 11)

Filed in archive How-to on January 31, 2007

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS POST

Whether a:
• Conventional brick n' mortar store in a strip mall or picturesque downtown started with some used records and used furniture
• An online store on built slowly over time or using Ebay, doteasy, Microsoft Office Live or some other application
• A blog with free downloads monetized with ad content or the first step in a broader online sales operation
• Or a pay for download business using Musicane or another available option or Print on Demand technology that negates cost until after your first sale

Odds are the business of selling music, especially as an alternative to major labels and big box retailers, will continue to be viable well into the future.

The best way to avoid disastrous upfront investment in fickle trends and build an enduring business slowly with a growing and loyal customer base is through the bootstrap approach.

For more on possible directions and trends read this post on "Reinventing the record store" from techdirt.com and perhaps a slightly more optimistic and conventional look from Lawrence.com.

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