Bookseller

Bookshops fall into several categories of which the main national chain shops form the biggest sector. However, there are also many independent small bookshops, many of whom specialise in such areas as children’s books, comics, medical, scientific and technical, for example.
There are many aspects to the work in a bookshop. The stock needs to be carefully controlled (usually using a computer-based stock control system) to be sure that there are not too many or not enough of any particular book, and that the shop has as many of the titles that the clientele of the shop may be expected to ask for. This requires that they must keep themselves informed of currently available and also forthcoming books, which means reading trade magazines, talking to publisher’s representatives, etc. They must also be aware of and be able to anticipate as much as possible the needs of their customers.
They should enjoy listening to and advising customers, have selling skills and be capable of handling orders, as well as being au fait with the different methods of payment.
A full-time bookseller works about 38 hours a week, and also must expect to have some Saturday work: salaries vary between £8000 and £30,000 p.a.









Advancement is possible to management in the larger bookstores, and a departmental manager would be in charge of his own stock and sales. In chain bookstores, some people can advance to branch management in a relatively short time.
Also, if suitable finance is available, opening a small independent, and usually specialist, bookshop is another way to advancement.
Moving into related work such as editing in a Publishing House or Librarian or Library assistant, or, for people with the relevant experience, technical or other specialist writing is possible.