Our church bookstore has been operating now for almost three years, despite some horrible mistakes up front. We returned more than $40,000 to the church last year.

Here are my top 10 mistakes that, once realized and rectified, changed everything about our operation.

10. Instead of talking to my church members about what they thought we needed, I consulted with some industry professionals—talk to your church members! They are the ones with the money to do the shopping.

9. Offering special orders with a one-week turn-around was bad—instead offer them a shopping Web site. We make less on the purchase, but I also don't buy extra each week just to get free shipping.

8. You cannot get the best deal from just one distributor—use them all and use the one that gives you the best deal first.

7. You cannot run a bookstore on a credit card—get accounts with terms. Distributors want to do business that way and will work with you on terms and deals.

6. When all else fails, just take a bit less profit and use Amazon for those difficult things you are looking for. Also, get a Prime Membership for that free shipping.

5. Sam's Club is not the enemy. Sometimes it can provide products at a 50% discount, and it is worth it to do your tax-free paperwork, especially in Texas.

4. Hobby Lobby is not the enemy, either. Shop the discounts and closeouts for a few great, low-end wall plaques and crosses. Remember that not everyone can afford the higher-priced ones.

3. Dusty product does not make money. Discount it until you cannot bear it any longer and then return it.

2. You cannot compete with Wal-Mart. If it sells for less there, it sells for less. Do your best.

1. You exist for your church members. Build your schedule around when they are there and show them that they are why you exist. Offer sales, special fliers, member-appreciation offers and simple, free items like bookmarks.

-Michael Wolmer is co-manager of Destiny World Outreach Center Bookstore at Destiny World Outreach Center in Killeen, Texas.

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