Hobbyist vs. Dealer Field Guide

Have you wondered whether you are a book dealer or a hobbyist? Here is my take on the difference. Wich are you? Madlyn centeraisle@earthlink.net

1. Established Rare Book Dealer: The dealer generally supports her/him self & family from the sale of rare books, is knowledgeable about the history of books, the business of books, and is engrossed in that business through catalog/shows/shops and/or by appointment. S/He is one which makes the business look better because of his/her involvement in it.

2. Used/Rare Book Dealer: Is in the process of becoming #1 or is retiring from #1. The process has many steps (levels) during which she/he is supported fully or partially by other income (spouse/retirement/lottery).

However, a significant amount of one's time is devoted to the buying/selling/learning the trade. Includes what used to be called book scouts who now are selling on the internet. It is quite likely that a lot of debt is associated with this level! (Rather like the process of becoming a physician. There is a long learning curve with lots of bills with the hope of the big pay-off in the future. At some time during this process the trainee can see patients but s/he is still in debt.)

3. Used Book Dealer: Buys and sells used books without the inclination/knowledge/interest in knowing whether they are rare. Generally can be found on auction sites and has very brief and/or inaccurate information describing the book.

4. Collector: Buys to keep and/or read although at some point sales may be made, usually to upgrade the collection or make room for another collecting category!

5. Hobbyist: A collector meets the internet. The hobbyist buys a few books for resale on the internet or to another dealer and will probably use the money to purchase more books but isn't really interested in a full time career. S/He probably knows enough to be a dealer but isn't interested in the full time business. May also have been/will be a #2 but for now other pursuits are the focus.

6. A Nut: #5 tries to be#1 without the financial support, years in training, or people skills to make it happen.

7. A Genius: Anyone who manages to get any/all of the above to pay a monthly / annual fee to talk about, complain and evaluate each other's status.

8. Corporate Nut or Genius: Data Base Developers who charge monthly fees to #s 1-5 to sell books. Financial Success/Failure is the final determinate as to which way the title goes in this category.

By: Madlyn Blom, Copyright 2004

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