Linux-related storefront?

[MonMotha]

I don't live in hawaii (wish I did :), but here's what I personally 
would buy at a linux store:


*The Hardware - If you'll take it back if it don't work in linux (or 
manufacturer will), that's a definate plus (this might require a deal 
with hardware manufacturers thoguh to pull off if you want to sell 
anything other thatn what already works).  As long as it's not marked up 
much over normal retail price (maybe an extra $1 per $10 over normal 
retail), and includes a manual, I think many people would be willing to 
buy it, especially if it's stuff that's hard to find (older revisiosn of 
hardware that were compatible, but new ones not, etc).

*Loki Games - I don't have time to wait for shipping!  Just make sure 
you keep quantities *VERY* limited on hand because moving them in any 
volume won't be easy.

*LinuxWare (clothing, mugs, etc) - I've always wanted a cute Tux stuffed 
animal :)  Keep the inventory changing or you'll get into 
"one-time-purchase-with-limited-audience syndrome".

*Books - Only the really good ones, might have a library (for read only 
in store, or checkout) for stuff that's more special purpose reference, 
but offer to order them a copy if they want it of course.  Some people 
find it a hassle to deal with online book dealers.  Unfortunately in 
this place, you'll be competeing with the local Barnes & Noble (or 
whatever you guys have).

*Toys - Special order, but available, maybe with demos.  Linux people 
tend to be the type who like to "try before they buy" it seems (since 
they're used to getting everything for free :)

Above all, keep the atmosphere "linuxy".  Possibly carry some BSD stuff 
too in a little section (the stuffed daemons, shirts, etc) and have some 
generic computer stuff too.  Also offer to do customized pre-built linux 
systems (with THE CUSTOMER'S CHOICE OF DISTRO, I can't belive how many 
people only offer redhat!).  Make sure they get the boxed ver on these 
so they get support.  Some linux people are software genuises but don't 
really care enough about the hardware to build their own.  Again, do 
these on a per-request basis, computers evolve to rapidly to try to do 
prebuilt that people can just walk out with like a Compaq from CompUSA.

I really do think I'd frequent a linux store, if only to talk over my 
latest coding/networking experiences with knowledgeable people. 
Remember, it's a small store and you're caterng to a select audience, so 
you can afford to get to know the people.  I would definately buy stuff 
from a local store instead of online if they had a place to read (and 
maybe some linux comps to try new stuff out on :) books and chat with 
the local gurus in person.

I'm not a business person, just a consumer voicing what I think might work.

--MonMotha

joel wrote:

> Hey, folks,
> 
> I'm examining the possibility of opening up a small store to support and 
> promote Linux and Free Software locally. I'm interested in your opinions as 
> to the feasibility of this concept, and your ideas about products and/or 
> services you might be interested in having available in town. 
> 
> Do you think the Linux/Free Software community on Oahu is large enough to 
> support a small storefront? (this would probably require gross sales of at 
> least $4,000-5,000/month)
> 
> Would you, personally, visit a local Linux store? (or do you do all of your 
> shopping on-line, have no interest in Linux related stuff, etc.?)
> 
> What types of things might you be interested in seeing?
> 
> boxed distributions?
> Linux-related books, magazines, or videos?
> commercial Linux software? (Loki games, etc.)
> t-shirts, hats, mugs, mouse-pads, frisbees, Tux dolls, or other such stuff?
> Linux compatible hardware (with installation instructions... or maybe 
> installed in the store)?
> related toys & stuff? (like Lego Mindstorm sets, IBM's Linux watches, or 
> Linux PDAs...)
> something else?
> 
> --Joel
> jijoel at lava.net
> 
> btw, please feel free to respond to my personal e-mail address if you're 
> feeling shy about posting to the group. I'm very curious about the 
> possibility of this.
> 
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