revenue generation/coffee carts? (fwd)

[Publib Poster]

Sender: skomern at lib.az.us (Sue Komernicky)
Subject: Re: revenue generation/coffee carts?

Generally, after some experience with a gift shop in a public library, I
would advise anyone to look at this very carefully. I would offer this
advice--1) Even if you are in a high traffic area, people generally come to
the library to borrow something for free, not to buy. In the first few
months we were open we did great until the novelity wore off. 2) What other
gift shops are in the vacinity-- vendors do not give small gift shops great
discounts because you do not buy in volume. 3) Who is going to run
this--library staff, volunteers (a nightmare because they are volunteering,
so if they don't show up you shut down). 4) My advice-- do not involve the
city or run the money through the city--typically they do not understand
the retail business, run it through the friends group.If it becomes
popular,city officials will want you to become self sufficient or look to
supporting your book budget so they can take away money to give to other
city depts., etc. 5) You are looking at an incredible amount of work--you
are runnng a business--receiving of products, pricng, inventory,
accounting, etc, etc. My recommendation if you want to pursue this avenue
is to lease to a ift shop and the library takes a certain percentage or
charges rent.
HOWEVER, the idea of a coffee cart is great--there is always a market for
food--but again, I would apply the same measures.



>        We are investigating the idea of placing a coffee/food cart in
>the front of our central library as a means of revenue generation.
>Others have suggested building a coffee/gift shop within the building.
>Has anyone had any experiences they would like to share?  I am
>particularly concerned with whether to buy or rent equipment, including
>cart and if you are in operation successes and problems.  We are planning
>to fund through our Friends organization.  ANy other ideas?  If it is
>inconvenient to e-mail you may send information to me at Glendale Central
>LIbrary/222 East Harvard Street /Glendale/CA/91205/Attn:  Cindy
>Cleary/Public Services Administrator.  Thank you in advance.  I look
>forward to replies.

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Sue Komernicky                             VOICE: (602) 435-4968
Information Specialist Manager             FAX:   (602) 931-5662
Glendale Public Library
5959 W Brown ST
Glendale, AZ 85302

E-MAIL: skomern at GlenPub.lib.az.us

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