<prompt> Human: My wife is friends with a woman who has owned a bookstore for 18 years its been in business for 41 years This woman is retiring and asked her if she wants to purchase the business. Im concerned about the long-term viability of the bookstore although Ive read several articles recently about a resurgence in paper book sales. A someone who has never owned a business, what information do I need to know, what questions should I ask to determine if this is a good investment. What kind of ROI should I aim for in the short term and long term? Any advice would be appreciated. TL;DR Have a chance to invest in a small business. What do I need to know or ask going in so I can make the right choice?  <response>: From someone who helped run a bookstore for almost a decade, but did not own it... I say the only reason to buy a bookstore is if you have the passion to do so. It is not a business that should be bought solely as an investment as youll likely make very little money after working long hours. Since youre asking Reddit for advice, then Id argue that the passion isnt really there. 