Help Crystel Invest in Portkey Books' Future

Hi! I'm Crystel Calderon, owner of Portkey Books in Safety Harbor, Florida. I'm here to ask you to invest in the future of Safety Harbor's independent bookstore. Please help Portkey Books upgrade to a book-specific Point of Sale System.

Portkey Books began its journey early in 2020 as a pop-up bookstore. This coincided with the start of the pandemic and business shutdowns. While the future may have looked uncertain, I was inspired by fellow established booksellers across the country. Instead of giving up, they persevered with creativity and determination. As I followed these stories, it became clear that many of the bookstores attributed their survival to a strong website and Point of Sale (POS) system. Even though I was just starting out, I knew that a strong POS and e-commerce website was something that I needed to invest in for the success of Portkey Books. Based on bookseller recommendations, there was one system that stood out. Although the wait was very long and the price steep for a bookstore in its early stage, I asked to join the waitlist and began saving the store’s bi-annual Bookshop payouts. If you've purchased a book through Bookshop, thank you so much for supporting independent bookstores!

After many months of waiting, Portkey Books' turn has finally arrived! On Monday, August 16th, Portkey Books will begin transitioning to its new POS system! As mentioned, the cost of this software is not an easy expense for a new bookstore. Luckily, the store will pay in three installments over the next few months. While Portkey Books has saved the Bookshop payouts over the last year, we still need $2000 for equipment and the remaining balance by October 15th.

I started Portkey Books first as a pop-up to help verify that Safety Harbor wanted a bookstore. I am so grateful for everyone who said “Yes!” with each and every purchase. Because of you, Portkey Books now has a storefront right on Safety Harbor's Main Street! Starting small without taking on large business debt has allowed Portkey Books to grow without fear of a disastrous failure in these unpredictable times. And I am SO PROUD of how much Portkey Books has grown with your support in just a year. An upgraded book specific POS is a necessary investment for the health and future of Portkey Books. I’m asking for you to help invest in the future of our bookstore.

But what will the new POS do?

So much!

For Customers

Online Ordering: The Portkey Book website will be a comprehensive database of available published books for easier ordering! You will now see accurate on-hand quantities of titles in the store, as well as estimated arrival for books special ordered from our distributors.

Faster Checkout: The new system will make your in-store checkout faster. Items can be scanned during checkout, instead of the current keyword search method which is prone to errors and a longer wait. (Thank you for the patience you’ve shown!) Special orders will also be streamlined as they can be placed directly through the POS at checkout.

Loyalty Program: You may opt in to have purchases tracked for loyalty rewards and discounts.

Prevent Duplicate Purchase: If you opt in, the system can track previous purchases to notify if you’ve already purchased a book, thereby saving you from accidental duplicate purchases.

For The Store

Ordering Inventory: The POS will make ordering inventory not only easier, but smarter. I will be able to view on hand stock levels at different book distributors and publishers. With this information, I can make smarter decisions for the store with ordering in terms of better profit margins, availability, and shipping times.

Accounting and Analytics: I will be able to accurately track cost of goods sold which will provide a detailed picture of Portkey Books’ financial health. I will also be able to analyze sales in order to tailor and curate the best inventory for Portkey Books’ customers.

Saving Time: Streamlining all of this functionality into one system will free up time so I plan future store events.

Longevity: Having a robust online webstore and the ability to analyze profitability and sales will help me make informed decisions to ensure that Portkey Books will be successful and endure as Safety Harbor’s local bookstore.

Thank You

I am so happy that my dream was met by so much support from all who also shared this vision of a bookstore in Safety Harbor. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Crystel Calderon, Portkey Books

Any money raised above the fundraising goal will be reinvested into Portkey Books, Safety Harbor’s local bookstore.