As this demand for collectible and investment-quality books increases, we* believe the expanding audience of discerning book buyers will create a new opportunity for a venue that targets their specific needs with unique policies and features. 

* "We" are a small group at this point; One self-taught part-time developer/programmer and several supportive booksellers who are investing time listing books (many more have indicated they will list in the future when the traffic increases). 

 

My name is Peter Thomas and I am the developer.  I owned and operated a bookstore for 23 years and I have been selling online since 1997, all the while listening closely to the comments and complaints on bookselling forums and listserves.  With the collaboration of other booksellers, this alpha-stage website is a working blueprint of a concept I have been developing for several years. 

 

In November I landed a dream job.  I now have two jobs (three, if you count online bookselling, and four if you count developing websites). 

 

I need to find a partner or a buyer for this website concept, I can't put the time in that is necessary to begin and sustain a promotional campaign.  I started to promote CollectorsBookMarket.com this fall, but I could not keep up with the correspondence even before I got the new job (which includes building two new websites among other things). 

 

So, this website is for sale.  It includes several excellent domain names: CollectorsBookMarket.com, CollectorsBookMart.com, CollectorsBookMall.com, CollectorsBookAuction.com, CollectorsBookGallery.com, FineBookMart.com, FineBookGallery.com. 

 

Contact me at 405.614.0626 if you have any questions.  All offers considered, but I am most interested in someone who has the resources to take this to the next level.  Purchase price would be significantly reduced if there was a guaranteed ownership percentage of a successful venture.

Here are some of the special features, I have several more in development that I have not had time to add.  New owners can change/add/remove whatever they like.

For Buyers:

1. Focus on Quality, not quantity
   • Sellers only list books worth individually advertising (each listing is a custom ad)
   • Real books only (no POD, no e-books, and no photo-copied reprints)
   • No third-party, discount, or megalister sellers accepted
2. Highly Visual Format
   • All ads must have images
   • Large thumbnails (click to enlarge to full size)
   • Special icons designate Signed items and First Editions
   • Custom 'Billboard Avatars' visually identify members wherever they post content to the site
3. Unique "true" Browsing Options using detailed criteria and/or multi-level nested categories -
   Example browsing options (no search terms necessary):
   • View all ARCs in any or all categories
   • View all Signed books
   • View all Signed First Editions excluding ex-library and book club editions
   • View all Signed First Editions in NF or better condition priced under $50
   • View all Signed First Editions in NF or better condition with NF or better dustjackets
   • View all Leather Bound Signed First Editions in NF or better condition
   • View all Leather Bound Signed First Editions in NF or better condition published between 1940-1945
   • Etc. (Create your own browsing options combining multiple criteria of your choice)
4. Fine Book Gallery
   • Investment quality books priced over $100
   • Huge thumbnails, Easy browsing
   • Sellers pay an extra listing premium to assure quality
5. Verified Sellers
   • Every seller must post a Member Profile page (no anonymous sellers)
   • Sellers must meet professional bookselling standards and agree to a Code of Ethics
   • First Editions must indicate a reference (special icons indicate McBrides, Zempel, etc.)
   • Signed items must include a scan and a statement of Provenance (or lack thereof)
   • Until a seller's Profile is verified, their ads are hidden to prevent inappropriate listings
6. Book Wanted ads where sellers can contact you directly
7. CollectorsBookMall Link Directory featuring custom Billboards made to request (use your billboard as your Avatar to build your "brand" sitewide (and wherever else you want to use it).

For Sellers:

1. Ad Types:  Fixed Price, Auction, Barter (Or Best Offer), Linked (to seller's website, eBay, ABE, etc.)
2. Direct seller-to-buyer transactions (no middleman, no contact restrictions).
3. Several potential revenue streams (click the Fees link at the bottom of the page for an example)
4. Customizable Member Profile pages
   • Introduce yourself to buyers: Describe and advertise your bookselling business and your policies
   • Upload images and logos
   • Link to your website, your blog, and your other selling venues
   • List your specialties, interests, and favorite authors
   • Automatically generated icons link to your Social networking sites
5. Custom 'Billboard Avatars' build seller brand recognition and advertise their profile page wherever they post content to the site (create your own or have us create one for you)
6. Free Storefronts (limited time offer)
   • Use your own domain name
   • Buyers can search or browse by category or criteria
   • Easy editing
   • Automatic inclusion of all your ads
7. All ads link directly to your Profile page and your Storefront to encourage additional purchases