If you care more about profits than category than I say try a change before quitting as books is one of the worst spots. Although as Dmitri said, this year seems super slow, my sales are really low, I don't remember it being this slow past years. I'm making about a third of what I was making during summer, still nothing to complain about, but certainly something to think about. ___________ [color=gray]Kirsty, aka evil super mod[/color] [size=11][i]Sniper, maller, restocker Silverdragon siggy stealer Best wearables shop owner ever![/i][/size]

i've been stocking books ever since 2006 when I started playing neo. Sales where A LOT better than now. The only reason why I still sell quite a lot is that I try and price at the lowest of the wiz. I'm considering a category change some time in the future, but I'm not sure what to stock ...

[quote=chibi_chibi_tsukino]i've been stocking books ever since 2006 when I started playing neo. Sales where A LOT better than now. The only reason why I still sell quite a lot is that I try and price at the lowest of the wiz. I'm considering a category change some time in the future, but I'm not sure what to stock ...[/quote] [center] Wearables/Backgrounds and neohome/garden is a good category to stock now-a-days. ;) _____________________ Please help me support my Training, Meds, Neggs shop! Click [a href=http://www.neopets.com/browseshop.phtml?owner=obsolete_soldier]here[/a] ^ please make a purchase![/center]

[quote=Soldier] [center] Wearables/Backgrounds and neohome/garden is a good category to stock now-a-days. ;) [/center][/quote] Yeah, that's what I've heard, but the thing is that I don't think I enjoy stocking these categories to much ... I tought more about Petpet or Toy/Plushie ... or maybe a cute Faerie Item shop =)

I found the items that sell best for repeat shoppers are items that are cute. I concentrated on these items selling weapons, food, petpets and now with toys/plushies and my sales stay fairly constant even with the downturn. I don't worry too much about profits though as long as I am not having to dig into the bank for funds to restock my shop too often (and that usually because I put too much store profit in there or had to upgrade several sizes).

get a category that is good for you stick with it build your shop up and gain profits don't loose neopoints, that will help:)

As suggested, you might try changing categories. Your shop size is a good base already, and that combined with a category that is popular (most seeked) would mean great potential. I think the problem with books, is that it is something that most n00bs dont mess with. Likewise, most people that are serious about raising their pets intelligence, seek the books that are cheapest. With the low demand for the category, there is plenty of time for people to seek the best price. My thinking, though I could be wrong, is that the key, is somehow getting the same misinformed people (You know, the ones that buy codestones that are like 150% their normal price), pumped up about raising their pets intelligence. Thats where good (and sometimes misleading) adverts come in. Mall exposure is great, but a small books category graphic on a banner isnt enough. The misinformed most likely dont even know what books do, and if they are shopping in a mall, they most likely are there for wearables and petpets and other flashy things that are common sense. I could be totally wrong in my thinking, but thats the thoughts that come to my mind. I think if I was serious about books, I would take a totally different approach. That is, a noticeboard advert (or petpage) that lists what books do, the benefits of reading books to your pet, and etc. Basically, pumping up someone that has no clue about books, and thusly so, no clue in the prices of them. The final key to that approach, is exposure, aka getting people to the advert. In the end though, I still say dont give up. It is a lot of work to get a shop to the size yours is, I'd hate to see that potential given up. Best of luck in what you choose to do :D [font=Courier New] -------------------------------------------------------------- The STUFF - Mainly Codestones @ reasonable prices http://www.neopets.com/browseshop.phtml?owner=whispering_acara&misc [/font]

My Sales have been terrible this week too, I am not even stocking with toys back like I used too. There just is not the amount of people that there used to be. Wikipedia stated that they "However, Neopets announced on 1 January 2009 that the Italian, Japanese, and Korean areas of the site would no longer be updated.[16]" I think that too may have some affects on the playing and malling of things, but what do I know maybe I am wrong. Kermat, I hope you do not quit and I have a books slot I was going to announce tonight, but not being MM you would do better where you are at, plus I do not believe in stealing from one mall to another. I really hope you do not leave, maybe just take a sabbatical for a bit and see what that feels like, Also maybe with Daily dare things will start to pick up again. It was not until the end of the last game play with AAA that shopping picked up, it was like everyone was saving their pennies till the end of the contest. Just some ramblings! Suz --------------------- Best Priced Malls Toys, Plushies, Usuki's, Paintbrush's, Job Coupons, & Morphing Potions http://www.neopets.com/browseshop.phtml?owner=suzierainbow

I think I know what you are talking about, since I also own a main market bookshop. However, I've only just boosted to main market, I think my sales are increased a lot. I now have a lot more costumers who buy a whole lot of books at once. I had like 1350 books in stock, and now I only have 1050. When I boosted to main market, I had 600 free space in my shop and now I have over 1000! Besides the fact that I seriously need to restock, I want to say that I can't keep up with restocking anymore. (and yes, I'm pretty active!) The tips I would give you are: *Grow more stock. *Get more expensive books in your shop. Those give more profits. *Maybe increase the price of your items and join NB ads to advertise your shop. *Make sure you are on top of your hut!