Wow! I spent yesterday holiday shopping with two of my kids. I have to say, anyone who tells you the economy is in the tank and that we aren't spending money hasn't been to a mall in America this week!
It was literally a river of people gliding, rushing and burbling along through the stores. Everyone seemed in good spirits and there were tons of sales. We found some really great deals, Target especially seemed to have lowered prices on an awful lot of stuff - toys, electronics and housewares. It was really pleasant to see so many people smiling and preparing for one of the best holidays we have.
I hope this post finds you all smiling as well - hopefully this holiday season will be one of good cheer and good times with family and friends.
Best Wishes & Cheers!
Judy
Page Master Used Books
www.pagemaster-books.com
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Black & Blue Friday
We WILL NOT be opening at 5am Friday (or midnight Thursday!)
We WILL NOT be slashing prices (or anything else for that matter!)
We WILL NOT be holding any kind of door buster event.
But ~
If you need a quiet, relaxing place to catch your breath between the big box stores and the mall mobs - we've got you covered.
The coffee pot is on - and its free. The store looks festive, the shelves are full of great books & movies, the chairs are comfy - and the prices are the best anywhere.
Remember ~ we're a Toys-for-Tots drop off location ~ bring a new, wrapped toy for the box and get 15% off everything you purchase that day.
Sign up the $100 Christmas Gift Basket.
Pick up a Gift Card the readers on your list.
Check out the new jewelry ~ the Lanyards are a great looking gift for anyone who has to wear an I.d. or security badge (teachers, nurses, most office workers etc...) and there are lots of fun earrings and bracelets.
Or ~ maybe you'll just need a little break, come on by and treat yourself! Be safe out there.
Cheers!
Judy
Page Master Used Books
We WILL NOT be slashing prices (or anything else for that matter!)
We WILL NOT be holding any kind of door buster event.
But ~
If you need a quiet, relaxing place to catch your breath between the big box stores and the mall mobs - we've got you covered.
The coffee pot is on - and its free. The store looks festive, the shelves are full of great books & movies, the chairs are comfy - and the prices are the best anywhere.
Remember ~ we're a Toys-for-Tots drop off location ~ bring a new, wrapped toy for the box and get 15% off everything you purchase that day.
Sign up the $100 Christmas Gift Basket.
Pick up a Gift Card the readers on your list.
Check out the new jewelry ~ the Lanyards are a great looking gift for anyone who has to wear an I.d. or security badge (teachers, nurses, most office workers etc...) and there are lots of fun earrings and bracelets.
Or ~ maybe you'll just need a little break, come on by and treat yourself! Be safe out there.
Cheers!
Judy
Page Master Used Books
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Meet the Author
I attended an author event at our local library this week - it was... interesting. The library was using the event as a fundraiser. I love libraries, and feel like it's important to support my community (especially through books!) - but really, $75.00 per person? In this economy? Ouch!
It made me think though.... do authors want to do more or less of this type of event? Would they be willing to do book events (signings, discussions, workshops) at a used bookstore or is this sort of thing reserved for stores selling new books?
The better question though, - do our customers want to meet authors at our store?
Hit the comment button below and let me know what you want.
It made me think though.... do authors want to do more or less of this type of event? Would they be willing to do book events (signings, discussions, workshops) at a used bookstore or is this sort of thing reserved for stores selling new books?
The better question though, - do our customers want to meet authors at our store?
Hit the comment button below and let me know what you want.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Inspiration
I was walking this morning, trying to work off the ice cream I promised myself I wasn't going to eat anymore, and when I got over the guilt about that, (took about 10 seconds!) - I moved on to more important stuff.
I was, as usual trying to come up some interesting way to promote my business. I feel as though I can't just sit and do nothing, I'm sure someone younger, (half the population!) more energetic or with a better idea will come along and run me out of town on a rail. I worry that the economy will drive me into the dirt, or worse, my own ignorance will do it!
So, I read a lot of books about running a business, being more creative, thinking differently or working smarter. I subscribe to Blogs, get newsletters or email, I visit other businesses to see what they're doing better then me (that's a long list!) and I listen to my customers.
From that whole list the most important advice I get is from the customers - I love all the people who come to the store or use the website, you guys give the best advice and are the most help to maintaining the business. I answered the phone yesterday and a gentlemen with a wonderful Texas drawl told me that he'd been trying to order some books on my website but there was a problem that I should check into. Two minutes with my website tech and the problem was solved - but I might not have found it for days if it hadn't been for my customer.
Don't assume that we don't want to hear from you ~ WE DO! We want to know what you think about everything - the store, the books, the website, this Blog, the newsletter, our service - anything and everything - if you're willing to take a moment to share what you know - we're willing to hear it and try to make things better!
Speak Up! Speak Out! Share! We want to give you what you want most in a bookstore - you just have to tell us what it is!
Reply to this post by leaving a comment.
Send me an email: sellsubooks@gmail.com
Give us a call: 888-300-9548
Drop by the store! 904 John Marshall Hwy, Front Royal VA 22630
I was, as usual trying to come up some interesting way to promote my business. I feel as though I can't just sit and do nothing, I'm sure someone younger, (half the population!) more energetic or with a better idea will come along and run me out of town on a rail. I worry that the economy will drive me into the dirt, or worse, my own ignorance will do it!
So, I read a lot of books about running a business, being more creative, thinking differently or working smarter. I subscribe to Blogs, get newsletters or email, I visit other businesses to see what they're doing better then me (that's a long list!) and I listen to my customers.
From that whole list the most important advice I get is from the customers - I love all the people who come to the store or use the website, you guys give the best advice and are the most help to maintaining the business. I answered the phone yesterday and a gentlemen with a wonderful Texas drawl told me that he'd been trying to order some books on my website but there was a problem that I should check into. Two minutes with my website tech and the problem was solved - but I might not have found it for days if it hadn't been for my customer.
Don't assume that we don't want to hear from you ~ WE DO! We want to know what you think about everything - the store, the books, the website, this Blog, the newsletter, our service - anything and everything - if you're willing to take a moment to share what you know - we're willing to hear it and try to make things better!
Speak Up! Speak Out! Share! We want to give you what you want most in a bookstore - you just have to tell us what it is!
Reply to this post by leaving a comment.
Send me an email: sellsubooks@gmail.com
Give us a call: 888-300-9548
Drop by the store! 904 John Marshall Hwy, Front Royal VA 22630
Friday, October 16, 2009
What I Learned From the Wedding of the Century
So, my daughter got married last Sunday, I survived the ordeal and I'm here to tell you that throwing a wedding is probably right at the top of my list of "Holy Cow! Events"... In case you haven't had the pleasure yet, I thought I'd share some helpful tips about what I learned along the way.
1. No matter how organized you think you are, no matter how many lists you make, no matter how many meetings you have, emails you fire back and forth, phone calls you conference, books you read or advisors you have - you are going to forget stuff.
2. No matter how many times you say, "I will NEVER act like so-and-so's mom!" - yes, you will.
3. No matter how many times you say, "I will not pay that much for....." - yes, you will.
4. No matter how many fittings you go to - you will cry when you see your daughter in the dress.
5. Surround yourself with friends and family, keep smiling, ask for help, plead for help - and no matter what else you say no to - say a resounding, "yes!" - to the open bar.
6. PS - get an amazing photographer - you will be stunned at the stuff you miss!
At this point - you should all be feeling very sorry for me - and you should all run down to the bookstore and buy at least $10.00 worth of books to help me feel better.
1. No matter how organized you think you are, no matter how many lists you make, no matter how many meetings you have, emails you fire back and forth, phone calls you conference, books you read or advisors you have - you are going to forget stuff.
2. No matter how many times you say, "I will NEVER act like so-and-so's mom!" - yes, you will.
3. No matter how many times you say, "I will not pay that much for....." - yes, you will.
4. No matter how many fittings you go to - you will cry when you see your daughter in the dress.
5. Surround yourself with friends and family, keep smiling, ask for help, plead for help - and no matter what else you say no to - say a resounding, "yes!" - to the open bar.
6. PS - get an amazing photographer - you will be stunned at the stuff you miss!
At this point - you should all be feeling very sorry for me - and you should all run down to the bookstore and buy at least $10.00 worth of books to help me feel better.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The Buzz....
Just thought you might like to know that it's definitely fall in upstate New York! I just got back from a book trip near Rochester - it's absolutely beautiful going up through the Finger Lakes Region right now - the trees are just starting to turn, the weather is perfect, dry and cool and every little town seems to be having a fall festival of some sort - delightful! If you have a little free time, its really worth the drive up.
We've added over 4000 books to the inventory in the last 10 days! This is impressive because I'm so busy trying to plan a wedding that I hardly have time for anything else! But I've discovered that if you give up sleep you can get a lot more stuff done! So, there are hundreds of mysteries, thrillers, romance, history, children's books.... you name it - I've added some to the inventory!
Now that it's fall -- you have a little more free time - do something nice for yourself.... come browse your favorite bookstore and take home a stack! You deserve it!
Cheers! ~ Judy
We've added over 4000 books to the inventory in the last 10 days! This is impressive because I'm so busy trying to plan a wedding that I hardly have time for anything else! But I've discovered that if you give up sleep you can get a lot more stuff done! So, there are hundreds of mysteries, thrillers, romance, history, children's books.... you name it - I've added some to the inventory!
Now that it's fall -- you have a little more free time - do something nice for yourself.... come browse your favorite bookstore and take home a stack! You deserve it!
Cheers! ~ Judy
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Where did the Summer Go?
This has been one speedy month! I try to update the Blog early in the month -- somehow I totally missed the 'early' part! Oh, well -- you guys are creative - pretend I wrote something pithy and interesting that stimulated some fabulous dinner conversation.
I'm actually in the middle of planning a wedding - our second one this year! I'm completely confused by all the rules, details and drama associated with throwing a wedding. What it boils down to is - a big party with a fancy dress. Now if someone could just explain to me how that should equate to a minimum outlay of $25,000 I would definitely give you a free book!
I'll keep checking my email for your replys!!
Read On - Get Smart!
I'm actually in the middle of planning a wedding - our second one this year! I'm completely confused by all the rules, details and drama associated with throwing a wedding. What it boils down to is - a big party with a fancy dress. Now if someone could just explain to me how that should equate to a minimum outlay of $25,000 I would definitely give you a free book!
I'll keep checking my email for your replys!!
Read On - Get Smart!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Whew! We Work HARD!
We spent this last week installing new shelves (eight of them!), and opening boxes - it's been like Christmas around here! A total of just over 2200 books have been added to the database - Classics, Romance, Westerns, Self Help, Mysteries and Sci-fi made up the largest numbers - but there were lots of history, education and Autobios as well.
We're working as fast as we can to fill the shelves - stop by or visit the website soon to get the first pick before the one you really wanted gets snapped up!....... 300 boxes will go faster then you think!
See you soon!
We're working as fast as we can to fill the shelves - stop by or visit the website soon to get the first pick before the one you really wanted gets snapped up!....... 300 boxes will go faster then you think!
See you soon!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Sunshine State
We have made our last official trip to Florida! For those of you who are new to us.... we bought a bookstore in Florida - 70,000 books! One of those, too good to pass up kinda deals. We packed it, stored it, loaded it on to a container truck, it was hauled here by train where we unloaded it - and now - FINALLY we'll be adding the books to our growing store! The last load that we hauled up here was 11,800 lbs - whew, do I feel strong or what??
You might want to plan on visiting the store to pick up a book or twelve....
I don't know - I'm just saying.
You might want to plan on visiting the store to pick up a book or twelve....
I don't know - I'm just saying.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Learning Mode
The only road to success is through failure. ~Thomas Edison
He ought to know, right?
I'm in learning mode right now. I have been attending marketing workshops with the wonderful, helpful, knowledgeable folks at SCORE - love those guys! I love learning - I want to know everything, so whenever I can fit it into my schedule I try to spend time learning something new. I'm hoping it will help keep my brain from shriveling up into a tiny walnut! Sometimes it's related to the business but other times I just want to learn how to do new stuff, or I have to learn new stuff because my kids got involved in something that required my interaction - archery, forestry, birding, jewelry making - the list is endless and I suppose thats a good thing because if I reach the end of the list of things I want to learn it's probably time to die!
Read books ~ Learn!
He ought to know, right?
I'm in learning mode right now. I have been attending marketing workshops with the wonderful, helpful, knowledgeable folks at SCORE - love those guys! I love learning - I want to know everything, so whenever I can fit it into my schedule I try to spend time learning something new. I'm hoping it will help keep my brain from shriveling up into a tiny walnut! Sometimes it's related to the business but other times I just want to learn how to do new stuff, or I have to learn new stuff because my kids got involved in something that required my interaction - archery, forestry, birding, jewelry making - the list is endless and I suppose thats a good thing because if I reach the end of the list of things I want to learn it's probably time to die!
Read books ~ Learn!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
GRRrrrr!!
I have wasted an enormous amount of time and energy over the last four days dealing with thieves. Someone brought stolen DVD's into the store to sell to us - we, trusting fools that we are, bought them. Over the next few days - police, other retail store owners, the person who claims the DVD's were stolen from them, myself and my employees have dealt with the fallout from this. This will cost me time and money - filling out reports, talking to the police & the other retailers involved, making new store policies about taking in merchandise, having the items confiscated as evidence and in tax dollars spent to cover the cost of police salaries and the running of the court system. I am angry and frustrated over having to deal with such a mess because the most frustrating part of all of this is that the thief got exactly $11.00 in cash.
Monday, May 25, 2009
New Stuff at the Used Book Place!
Just a quick FYI -- I've spent the last three days databasing over 1000 DVD's! Still have a couple hundred children's and family movies to do but I thought I'd give you all the heads up that they're on the website and priced to sell!
The next month will also see other changes at your favorite bookstore - we're adding shelves and moving a few sections around to make room for almost 300 boxes of books that are headed up from Florida - be sure to check the website often - you don't want to miss getting a copy of that favorite book that you've been searching for!
www.pagemaster-books.com
PS - come share what you're reading with us on Facebook too!
Cheers!
Judy
The next month will also see other changes at your favorite bookstore - we're adding shelves and moving a few sections around to make room for almost 300 boxes of books that are headed up from Florida - be sure to check the website often - you don't want to miss getting a copy of that favorite book that you've been searching for!
www.pagemaster-books.com
PS - come share what you're reading with us on Facebook too!
Cheers!
Judy
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
It's Beautiful Down Here!
Wow! If you have a few minutes and you live close enough to putter on over - come check out our new Spring Look! The book planter out front is brimming with purple and yellow! I finally found a little time between weddings, book sales, drivers education (yes, I have a 15 yr old!) and my bead addiction to finish up some reading. Just read The Whiskey Rebels by David Liss - wow! he's been on the top of my histoical mystery favorites for several years. Added a new one this week - Tobsha Learner who wrote The Witch of Cologne - I liked her characters, the bad guys are very, very bad - I definitely loved hating them! I'm also reading Clive Cusslers new Dirk Pitt thriller brought to me by one of our customers ~ THANKS!! I love getting suggestions from all of you - so, feel free to boss me around!
Be sure to check out the webpage in a day or so, I'll post pictures of the new flowers - and join our new Facebook group to share book reviews!
www.pagemaster-books.com
See you in the stacks!
Judy
Be sure to check out the webpage in a day or so, I'll post pictures of the new flowers - and join our new Facebook group to share book reviews!
www.pagemaster-books.com
See you in the stacks!
Judy
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Spring Book Season
Spring is an especially great time to be in the book business. I spend most of my days rushing to get to one sale or another where I'll stand in line with hundreds of other people waiting for an event to start. This is some of the most fun I have, I love people! I love to talk to people, listen to people, watch people. Book lovers are some of the best people to spend time with - they are far and away my most favorite form of entertainment. I can stand in line for two hours and have conversations with dozens of people on dozens of topics ranging from favorite authors or books to politics, religion, food, weather, clothing styles, travel tips, music, science, history or any of a million other topics. It's an amazing education, I always come away feeling as though I've expanded my core of knowledge - and then I get to do my most favorite thing -- buy more books for all my favorite people!
This spring has been loads of fun - there are tons of new books out by both, old favorites and new names in the book world, so it's been a great good time hunting up the best of all of them to stock the store with. I'm excited to be filling the shelves with literally thousands of new books after a long winter of waiting.... waiting.... waiting... for the Spring!!
Take a few minutes to drop me a line - let me know what you've been reading that you liked, loved or loathed! I'll pass along you're advice to all the other booklovers I come in contact with!
My personal favorite right this minute is - Jasper Fforde - too much nursery crime fun!! Who knew that the Gingerbread Man was a bad guy???
Cheers!
Judy
This spring has been loads of fun - there are tons of new books out by both, old favorites and new names in the book world, so it's been a great good time hunting up the best of all of them to stock the store with. I'm excited to be filling the shelves with literally thousands of new books after a long winter of waiting.... waiting.... waiting... for the Spring!!
Take a few minutes to drop me a line - let me know what you've been reading that you liked, loved or loathed! I'll pass along you're advice to all the other booklovers I come in contact with!
My personal favorite right this minute is - Jasper Fforde - too much nursery crime fun!! Who knew that the Gingerbread Man was a bad guy???
Cheers!
Judy
Sunday, April 19, 2009
April News --
Wow! I've been running like crazy - gathering books for all our avid readers! Just got back from a whirlwind trip - two events in Tennessee - one in Maryville and one in Loudon - picked up about 1000 books and then headed to Columbia, SC for a HUGE event that I love going to! It's where I get a lot of the current fiction that everyone loves! From there it was straight on to Gainesville, FL for a big, big event - and a quick run to Orlando for some of the 30,000 books that are still in storage.
I'll be in town for two days and then its on to Maryland, back for several events in VA that will add another 1500 titles - You better get down here before the good stuff is all gone!
I'll be in town for two days and then its on to Maryland, back for several events in VA that will add another 1500 titles - You better get down here before the good stuff is all gone!
Monday, March 30, 2009
New Books!
Wow!! I just got back from a won-der-ful book event! I bought about 750 books that will hit the shelves before the end of the day Tuesday the 31st - don't miss out on something you've been searching for!! Come check it out!
And.... don't forget - This Saturday, April 4 we'll be closing early because we have a wedding to go to!! Everything will be business as usual on Sunday the 5th.
Cheers! - Judy
And.... don't forget - This Saturday, April 4 we'll be closing early because we have a wedding to go to!! Everything will be business as usual on Sunday the 5th.
Cheers! - Judy
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Blog One!
Welcome to the first posting of my new blog!
I'm not sure where I'll go with this blog - for right now I'm just hoping to learn how to get the thing linked to my webpage! Eventually I'll get it working and use it to update all of you when anything interesting is going on at the store. For example, its March - that means that we're just entering the book events season. There will be thousands of books hitting the shelves in the next few months as I travel the country in search of the best reads I can find.
I got back yesterday from Durham, NC, I brought back several hundred books that have already been added to the database. I lucked into a fair number of inspirational fiction as well as a ton of best sellers, classics, mysteries and even some childrens books.
Now would be a good time to scout around the website (www.pagemaster-books.com_ and see if you find anything you can't live without. If you don't see what you're looking for you can shoot me a reply to this post or set up an offline search on the website.
Check back for lots more updates as the sale season gets rolling!
Cheers! - Judy
I'm not sure where I'll go with this blog - for right now I'm just hoping to learn how to get the thing linked to my webpage! Eventually I'll get it working and use it to update all of you when anything interesting is going on at the store. For example, its March - that means that we're just entering the book events season. There will be thousands of books hitting the shelves in the next few months as I travel the country in search of the best reads I can find.
I got back yesterday from Durham, NC, I brought back several hundred books that have already been added to the database. I lucked into a fair number of inspirational fiction as well as a ton of best sellers, classics, mysteries and even some childrens books.
Now would be a good time to scout around the website (www.pagemaster-books.com_ and see if you find anything you can't live without. If you don't see what you're looking for you can shoot me a reply to this post or set up an offline search on the website.
Check back for lots more updates as the sale season gets rolling!
Cheers! - Judy
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