Day in my Life - as a Rare Book Seller

I’ve been a rare book seller for a few months.

No two days are the same. I might spend a whole day buying books, the next researching and another taking photographs for my website shop.

Although a variety of tasks does make the day more interesting.

For reference, I am working at least 40 hours a week. However, the day below is very idealistic. To begin, I make a list of tasks on an app called To Do List. Starting with the most important and ticking them off.

Not every day as a rare book seller is productive. But by the end of the week, I will complete most of my tasks.

If you have any insights into your own workday, let me know in the comments.

9:00 am

I wake up and press snooze. If it weren’t for my need to pee, I would stay in bed all day.

I’m British, so I start the day with a cup of tea. I check my emails, social media and make a list of daily tasks. I only get dressed in the morning if I am leaving the house.

First task, Instagram stories and a post if I have one ready to go. I have recently started to experiment with short video reels.

11:00 am

As a rare book seller, I have my eye on items at an online auction. I predict my books will sell at eleven, but there is a delay. While I wait, I pack books ready for the post office.

Last night I made two sales on my eBay shop and one on my website. Packing books is my least favourite task. It takes too long, and the printer doesn’t always like me.

It’s my chance to bid at the auction. But there’s too much competition, and people bid more than the books are worth.

1:00 pm

I walk to the post office, and it’s busy. I remind myself that it’s easier to post at the end of the day. I’m trying to walk more, so I head to the supermarket for some basic supplies before walking to my nearest second-hand bookshop.

I am lucky to live in Liverpool as a rare book seller. Although I have heard other booksellers complain about the lack of opportunities here. I have found that there are opportunities if you look for them.

I’ve made friends with all the local booksellers and keep an eye out for book-related events. I believe that any city will have just as many opportunities.

In the bookshop, I bought three books, perfect for my website shop.

4:00 pm

When I get home, I change into comfy clothes. I have a home office, but I prefer the comfort of the couch. While watching Bob’s Burgers, I draft a blog post.

My last job was as a content writer. It’s good to know I can use the skills I’ve gained to support my new rare bookselling business.

I have plenty of plans to grow my website and make it profitable. Watch this space!

6:00 pm

If it were winter, the low light would make me want to finish work by now. But the long days keep me active. I decide to prep some books for eBay. Yesterday, I drafted the text for a handful of books. Now I need to take detailed photographs.

In the backroom, I have a foldable table and a lightbox. The space makes it easy to take photographs and check the books for faults.

I edit the photographs on Adobe Express and upload them to the eBay app. For basic eBay listings, I can do all of this on my phone.

8:00 pm

On a typical evening, I eat dinner with my boyfriend, watch TV and scroll on my phone. I might read a book or watch a film. Although there is so much work left to do, I often find myself completing basic tasks, such as emails and social media.

I have Excel files, business plans, and I keep a close eye on my income and outgoings. But it has become clear that life is becoming too expensive. I’m confused about how much income and savings I really need to live and maybe retire.

Recently, I have been racking my brain for ideas. Luckily, I have had a few good ideas, but it will still take a while to get going. I fall asleep anytime between 11pm and 2am.

I hope this post has shared some insight into the life of a rare book seller. As mentioned, I am still new to this trade. If you have any tips, let me know below @sixbookshop.