I met Damien online before Lotus Bookstore began through Lotus Book Blog. I tend to gravitate towards social media accounts that I share a passion for books and people, and Damien represents exactly that. His love for books and people shines through in both his Lotus accounts. Damien does deliver right across the country, so he isn’t just operating in Cape Town only so if you’re keen on previously loved, good quality books – do follow Lotus Bookstore.
Tell us about who you are, what inspires you and how did you get into the book selling business?
Damien Terblanche: I’m Damien Terblanche, the owner of Lotus Book Blog and Lotus Bookstore. I grew up in a pretty rough area in Cape Town called Lotus River and decided one day that I wouldn’t let my circumstances hold me back! I first got into the book selling business when people wanted their own copies of the books I had on my bookshelf. I then sourced books for them whenever I went to bookstores and book sales across the city.
Tell us more about your store, including its history and areas you focus on/location. Also, what types of books does your store stock and specialize in?
Damien Terblanche: Lotus Bookstore is an online bookstore that buys and sells highly recommended books across different genres by popular authors like J.K. Rowling, Malcolm Gladwell and Paulo Coelho. The store’s catalogue can be viewed on Shopify which uses a trusted online payment system and courier company for safe delivery. To make it easier for customers, we’re also currently on Facebook Shop and plan on selling books through Instagram too, so stay tuned! We’re based in Cape Town and courier books across South Africa.
Who is your market? Who contacts you for a sale/the people who buy from your online profile?
Damien Terblanche: The bookstore’s market has been mostly students and young professionals, but we hope to expand our reach to school pupils too. We know many people can’t afford new books and thus wanted to make books easily available for cheap! We often get contacted by different people seeking books they couldn’t easily find elsewhere, and it’s been a pleasure finding them for people thus far.
What is it that you love about your work with books?
Damien Terblanche: I love growing and connecting with the bookish community in Cape Town. I also get to read the books before they get posted online so it’s a win-win for me! We often give people a chance to feel heard and share local bookish causes and organisations that need help or any further publicity on our social media pages. With all the negativity and difficulties faced in South Africa, it’s good to know people can still find solace in books and spread positivity!
What are the challenges you’ve gone through in the time you’ve been operating? What characteristics do you think one has to have to run a successful book business?
Damien Terblanche: One of the biggest challenges I faced was actually starting the business. For long I thought about what my friends and family would say or if they’d think I’m struggling, which honestly made me delay starting for a very long time. I managed to overcome these challenges by remembering that I started the bookstore to grow the bookish community and help others in the process and to basically not let people’s opinions sway my goals.
I think the most important characteristics you need are patience and resilience. The key is to remain patient throughout the process because every month won’t be as busy as the last. It’s also important to stay positive when faced with issues and keep going as long as you stay true to your goals.
What sets you apart from other local book distributors?
Damien Terblanche: Our pre-loved books are in great condition and we offer low-cost safe shipping using a trusted courier company. Our selection contains many rare books at affordable rates to the general public that still sell for twice as much new in store or online. I think people also want to feel heard and want decent customer service so we try to go out of our way to help customers.
What lessons have you learnt from book selling in South Africa?
Damien Terblanche: It was reassuring to see that other people still love reading physical books and that they love bargains just as much as I do! Over the years I’ve seen how expensive new books were and still are, so I know the struggle of wanting a popular book but second-guessing purchasing it from a big retailer.
Which book has sold way past your own expectations? And why do you think so.
Damien Terblanche: J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books. I knew people loved the books, but they’ve sold out so fast that I have to run around often to find more copies just to keep up with the demand. After speaking to customers, they’ve all said the Harry Potter series is an important part of their childhood and they want to share that with their children.
How can local booksellers help the literacy levels in South Africa?
Damien Terblanche: I think it is important for booksellers to remember that they play a huge role in South Africans’ access to books. Libraries aren’t always the best option due to locations, opening times and book availability, and big retailers tend to charge an arm and a leg for new books. Booksellers should help the next generation of readers and grow the reading community, by making books easily accessible to people but not at the cost of people’s livelihood. Booksellers can also ensure they leave a positive footprint in the country by partnering with different non-profit organisations that help children and people in need.
Why is it important to support self-published authors in your business?
Damien Terblanche: It can be quite expensive and difficult for self-published authors to get their books to readers through the usual processes. As a local business, we need to do our part to help others succeed, whether it be through selling inspirational books or self-published authors’ books or simply advertising them. If any self-published authors would like to sell their books through Lotus Bookstore, they’re welcome to email me right away!
What in your opinion due to your book sales is the appetite for South African fiction currently?
Damien Terblanche: The interest in South African fiction is growing, especially books by POC. I posted a picture of Yusuf Daniels’ book Living Coloured, which people wanted before I even put it up for sale online. It’s thus important for South Africans to tell and share their stories through books. We often read about foreign places and experiences, yet South Africans have amazing stories that people would love to hear. I remember reading books with local places and relatable stories and the familiarity made the books even better.
Social media where you prefer to be reached on?
Damien Terblanche: Facebook: Lotus Book Blog
Instagram: @LotusBookBlog
Thank you Damien for closing off this amazing series of local booksellers. It’s been a very enlightening experience learning about your journey. Wishing you all the success that comes with running such an important business, onwards and upwards!
