CO: Newsstand Owner

sycamore · 12-15-2002, 08:19 PM

There used to be this newsstand for sale at the corner of Bustleton and Philmont Aves. in NE Philadelphia. It was recently purchased, but for some time, I seriously pondered buying it myself.

I could imagine myself, there with copies of the Inquirer, the Daily News, the NY Times, the Washington Post, a variety of magazines, cigarettes, and of course, porno mags. I could shoot the shit with the passersby, listening to their troubles, and offering some of my own. I'd also make sure to carry Russian and Jewish newspapers, given the large numbers of both that live in that particular area. I'd be a "Minister of Information" of sorts, encouraging people to buy the Inquirer rather than the Daily News.

Like any self-owned business though, it would be a real labor of love. I would probably need some decent money up front ($10-25K) as well as establishing a connection with a magazine distributor like Chas Levy...not to mention contacts with various newspapers. Then there is the fact that you're practically outdoors, and in a very small space. They're also not that hard to break into, particularly if you don't have the metal gates on your stand. And I'd have to wake up earlier than I already do, which could pose trouble to a night owl like me. And of course, I'd have to make sure I'm sending the various government folks their piece of my pie.

This one is still feasible to me though...I haven't put this one out to pasture yet. I think there is another stand available along Frankford Ave. in Mayfair...we'll see.

slang · 12-15-2002, 08:30 PM

Make sure there's parking for my Segway, and I'll come there for my newspaper and lottery tickets every day....

sycamore · 12-15-2002, 08:39 PM

I'll paint some lines on the side of the stand and label it "reserved"...just for you.

Undertoad · 12-15-2002, 09:55 PM

Print is dead.

(Spengler, Ghostbusters)

sycamore · 12-15-2002, 10:11 PM

Nah...I don't think print will ever completely die. Plus, I've got much more personality than a modem or DSL line.

slang · 12-15-2002, 10:21 PM

You cant get a fresh cup of coffee over the internet yet either.

slang · 12-16-2002, 01:15 AM

Hey Sycamore. Can I still buy a newspaper at your stand if I think Sharpton is an ass?

Griff · 12-16-2002, 06:23 AM

Syc is an admitted capitalist despite his affection for Democratic politics. Your money will be welcome even if your opinion isn't.

sycamore · 12-16-2002, 12:38 PM

I respect Señor Slang and his opinions, unlike some of the more recent additions to the Cellar Chucklehead Collection. In fact, this is one of the things we can debate over coffee.

But Griff's right too...I'll take the glue anyday.

juju · 12-16-2002, 12:57 PM

Heh. The CCC wants YOU! Are you a member? Join today!

sycamore · 12-16-2002, 01:06 PM

We should elect a president of the CCC. Cairo should win it hands down, but Nic could pull it off too.

wolf · 12-16-2002, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by slang
You cant get a fresh cup of coffee over the internet yet either.

Not yet, anyway. Give it a couple years.

headsplice · 12-16-2002, 01:31 PM

I aspire to Chucklehead-dom. *sigh*
Sorry for the whinginess. It's finals week, and my brain is simultaneously full and hurting. Thank god I'm done.
On Topic:
Would you have just a newstand, or sell coffee w/ a coupld of benches as well? If you do, install heaters (preferably IN the seats). And keep a long stick around to beat the people who read the magazines, mess 'em up, and then put 'em back.

warch · 12-17-2002, 12:20 PM

I find this kind of small business idea alluring too. Mine usually involves a junk shop- a la Sanford and son. Sounds like youre realistic about the time/resources needed. Its more a lifestyle- but could be quite enjoyable- gathering your regulars, master of the newscorner. I could see you having a knack for building customers. I'm thinking you get a side contract with Krispy Kreme or other endorsable donut and add a small vending wagon.

wolf · 12-17-2002, 01:23 PM

If I ever got into any kind of retail, I'd love to run a mostly bookstore ... with some space set aside for interesting curios and handcrafts ... candles, beadwork, crocheted stuff ...

I'd probably get beat up less often than I do now ...

My alternative plan is to just bag everything and do tarot readings. You have to realy bust your tail to make any kind of money at that, though.

12-15-2002, 08:19 PM	#1
sycamore Ain't nobody got time for that! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 11,841	Career Option: Newsstand Owner There used to be this newsstand for sale at the corner of Bustleton and Philmont Aves. in NE Philadelphia. It was recently purchased, but for some time, I seriously pondered buying it myself. I could imagine myself, there with copies of the Inquirer, the Daily News, the NY Times, the Washington Post, a variety of magazines, cigarettes, and of course, porno mags. I could shoot the shit with the passersby, listening to their troubles, and offering some of my own. I'd also make sure to carry Russian and Jewish newspapers, given the large numbers of both that live in that particular area. I'd be a "Minister of Information" of sorts, encouraging people to buy the Inquirer rather than the Daily News. Like any self-owned business though, it would be a real labor of love. I would probably need some decent money up front ($10-25K) as well as establishing a connection with a magazine distributor like Chas Levy...not to mention contacts with various newspapers. Then there is the fact that you're practically outdoors, and in a very small space. They're also not that hard to break into, particularly if you don't have the metal gates on your stand. And I'd have to wake up earlier than I already do, which could pose trouble to a night owl like me. And of course, I'd have to make sure I'm sending the various government folks their piece of my pie. This one is still feasible to me though...I haven't put this one out to pasture yet. I think there is another stand available along Frankford Ave. in Mayfair...we'll see. __________________ Remember to be drinkable because your choice is fish. blog \| Twitter

12-15-2002, 08:30 PM	#2
slang Happily withdrawing from Western society Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: It's more FUN in the Philippines! Posts: 3,069	Make sure there's parking for my Segway, and I'll come there for my newspaper and lottery tickets every day.... __________________ I'm taking some photos of things that are incredibly boring to you......what are you doing? Last edited by slang; 12-15-2002 at 09:00 PM.

12-15-2002, 08:39 PM	#3
sycamore Ain't nobody got time for that! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 11,841	I'll paint some lines on the side of the stand and label it "reserved"...just for you. __________________ Remember to be drinkable because your choice is fish. blog \| Twitter

12-15-2002, 10:11 PM	#5
sycamore Ain't nobody got time for that! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 11,841	Nah...I don't think print will ever completely die. Plus, I've got much more personality than a modem or DSL line. __________________ Remember to be drinkable because your choice is fish. blog \| Twitter

12-15-2002, 10:21 PM	#6
slang Happily withdrawing from Western society Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: It's more FUN in the Philippines! Posts: 3,069	You cant get a fresh cup of coffee over the internet yet either. __________________ I'm taking some photos of things that are incredibly boring to you......what are you doing?

12-15-2002, 09:55 PM	#4
Undertoad Employable Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Valley Forge Natl Park Posts: 24,265	Print is dead. (Spengler, Ghostbusters)

12-16-2002, 01:15 AM	#7
slang Happily withdrawing from Western society Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: It's more FUN in the Philippines! Posts: 3,069	Hey Sycamore. Can I still buy a newspaper at your stand if I think Sharpton is an ass? __________________ I'm taking some photos of things that are incredibly boring to you......what are you doing?

12-16-2002, 06:23 AM	#8
Griff Hill-Biffy or HillWilliam Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 16,931	Syc is an admitted capitalist despite his affection for Democratic politics. Your money will be welcome even if your opinion isn't. __________________ If you would only recognize that life is hard, things would be so much easier for you. - Louis D. Brandeis ...how easily the learned give up the evidence of their senses to preserve the coherence of ideas in their imagination. - Adam Smith

12-16-2002, 12:38 PM	#9
sycamore Ain't nobody got time for that! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 11,841	I respect Señor Slang and his opinions, unlike some of the more recent additions to the Cellar Chucklehead Collection. In fact, this is one of the things we can debate over coffee. But Griff's right too...I'll take the glue anyday. __________________ Remember to be drinkable because your choice is fish. blog \| Twitter

12-16-2002, 12:57 PM	#10
juju no one of consequence Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Arkansas Posts: 2,839	Heh. The CCC wants YOU! Are you a member? Join today!

12-16-2002, 01:06 PM	#11
sycamore Ain't nobody got time for that! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 11,841	We should elect a president of the CCC. Cairo should win it hands down, but Nic could pull it off too. __________________ Remember to be drinkable because your choice is fish. blog \| Twitter

12-16-2002, 01:31 PM	#13
headsplice Relaxed Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 676	I aspire to Chucklehead-dom. sigh Sorry for the whinginess. It's finals week, and my brain is simultaneously full and hurting. Thank god I'm done. On Topic: Would you have just a newstand, or sell coffee w/ a coupld of benches as well? If you do, install heaters (preferably IN the seats). And keep a long stick around to beat the people who read the magazines, mess 'em up, and then put 'em back. __________________ Don't Panic

12-17-2002, 12:20 PM	#14
warch lurkin old school Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,792	I find this kind of small business idea alluring too. Mine usually involves a junk shop- a la Sanford and son. Sounds like youre realistic about the time/resources needed. Its more a lifestyle- but could be quite enjoyable- gathering your regulars, master of the newscorner. I could see you having a knack for building customers. I'm thinking you get a side contract with Krispy Kreme or other endorsable donut and add a small vending wagon.

12-17-2002, 01:23 PM	#15
wolf lobber of scimitars Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Phila Burbs Posts: 20,548	If I ever got into any kind of retail, I'd love to run a mostly bookstore ... with some space set aside for interesting curios and handcrafts ... candles, beadwork, crocheted stuff ... I'd probably get beat up less often than I do now ... My alternative plan is to just bag everything and do tarot readings. You have to realy bust your tail to make any kind of money at that, though. __________________ wolf eht htiw og "Conspiracies are the norm, not the exception." --G. Edward Griffin The Creature from Jekyll Island High Priestess of the Church of the Whale Penis

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