I emailed this bookstore asking if they were hiring. I noticed they lacked presence on social media and their website wasn’t well made and offered my graphic design services as I’m a recent graphic design graduate. The owner said she didn’t have the budget to hire but was retiring soon and asked if i’d be interested in taking over. I know nothing about owning a business but this seems like a good opportunity so I’m trying to figure out what to do.
Why don’t you offer to work for with her now with zero investment, gaining a flat commission on all sales.
This will give you a sense of if you can drive sales up.
After a year discuss an option to buy.