Market Research Questionnaire – Books

Please help us by completing this short questionnaire as fully and as honestly as you can. If
a particular question does not apply to you, please leave it blank. Thank you for taking the
time to help us with our research.

Please return completed questionnaires to either Sheryl Root or Sam Barnes,

booksandink@yahoo.co.uk. Many thanks.

As a token of our huge appreciation for taking time to fill this in, all completed questionnaires
will be entered in a draw, 31 October 2004, to WIN a £10 book voucher!

Section 1: Reading
1. How many books do you read on average: 2. Do you read for:
(choose 1) (choose as many as apply)
 1 a year or less  Fun or to relax
 2-6 a year  Interest or hobby
 1 a month  Study
 1 a fortnight  Research
 1 a week or more
4a. Do you belong to a reading group?
3. Where do usually obtain books?  Yes
(choose 1-3 options)  No
 Library
 Bookshop (new books) 4b. If no, would you be interested in joining a reading
 Book club group?
 Second hand bookshop  Yes
 Internet  No
 Borrow from friends

5. Do you have a book collection, or specific If Yes, please specify:     

subject interest? (i.e. first editions, illustrated
books, classic literature)
 Yes
 No

Section 2: Book-shopping
1. If you have bought a book(s) in the last 6 2. If you buy from the internet, which sites have you
months, where did you buy from? used?
(choose as many as apply)
 Waterstones  Amazon.co.uk
 Blackwells  Ebay.co.uk
 WHSmiths  Abebooks.co.uk
 A Bargain Bookshop  UKbookworld.com
 Second hand bookshop Other, please specify:     
 Woolworths
 University bookshop
 Other independent retailer
 Mail order book club 3. When did you last visit a second hand bookshop?
 Internet (choose 1)
Other, please specify:       I’ve never been to one
 3 or more years ago
 1-3 years ago
 In the last year
 I regularly browse
4. Who do you usually buy books for?
(choose as many as apply)
 Myself
 Children
 Partner
 Other adult relative/friend
 As gifts
 5. What categories of books have you bought in the last year?
(choose as many as apply)
 Hardback fiction (modern &  Paperback fiction (modern &
classics) classics)
 Science fiction  Popular science
 Historical fiction  Natural world
 Childrens  Sports/hobbies
 Poetry  Cookery
 Drama/plays  DIY, house maintenance
 History/Archaeology  Gardening/Gardens
 War/Military  Business/Management
 Social Science/Psychology  Reference/Dictionaries etc
 Scientific/Mathematical  Educational/Languages etc
 Travel  Health
 Biographies/Autobiographies  Old magazines/comics/annuals
 Other, please list:      

6. What other merchandise would you like to 7. What attracts you most to your favourite
see in a second hand bookshop? bookshops?
(choose as many as apply) (choose 1-3)
 Greetings cards  Special offers in the window
 Bookmarks  Their range of books
 Diaries  A place to sit & read/browse
 Finely bound notebooks  An in-built coffee shop
 Pens  A range of merchandise (not books)
 Letter writing paper  Friendly staff & atmosphere
 Gift wrapping  Convenience of location
 Prints  Customer parking nearby

7. Would you be interested in visiting an out of 8. Would a book shop with extended
town second hand bookshop with available opening hours 1 evening a week appeal
parking? to you?
 Yes, definitely  Yes, definitely
 Yes, probably  Possibly
 Maybe, tempt me with an offer?  No, I always shop in the day time
 No, I do all my shopping in towns

9. How important is it for your books to look good?

(choose 1 or 2 options)
 Not at all, I only consider content
 Sometimes, although looks aren’t everything!
 Generally important, my books are on display
 High quality bindings are very important to me

Section 3: About You

1. Please tell us your age? 2. Please tell us your occupation bracket?
 16-18  Student
 19-25  Employed full time
 26-35  Employed part time
 36-45  Not in paid employment
 46-55  Self-employed
 56-65
 66 and above 3. Are you:
Male Female

Any Further Book-ish comments? Anything we have missed? What would you like to see in a second hand
bookshop, or offered online?
     

May we maintain your email address on record to inform you of the opening of our new bookshop? It is
assured that your email address will be used for no other purpose. Yes No After submitting this
questionnaire all records will be destroyed unless you wish to have further contact with us.