"i would love to have a conversation with a customer that doesn't end with me feeling like humanity has no hope."

I know that sometimes a hectic holiday season can leave us feeling drained and disillusioned with our jobs and humanity in general. In fact, there are times that I will jokingly say that retail is proof positive that people are assholes ( Read more... )

I had the most amazing customer today; his name was George Zac.  If anyone else has a story like this please post it, and we can all have a good cry.  Maybe I'm over reacting or caught in the moment because this just happened but anyway...

So I opened today and just as I was leaving at four, I hopped on register to help out with a line and I get ( Read more... )

I work in a used bookstore where we have very strict policies on when we buy for cash but very relaxed ones on when we look at books for store credit. So, when a man came up to the counter and said, "Do you do trades?" I said "Yes" before even looking at him, because we do, and I answer that question many times a day. "Would you be willing to do a ( Read more... )

Oh wow.  I think I've found my spiritual home!  ^_^

Could I share a rare heartwarming story?  I had a customer ring up looking for a book last week.  I put it by for her to pick up when she came in, and was actually a bit brisk with her.  She asked my name over the phone, which was irritating, because you just know they're only looking for someone ( Read more... )

I work in a small indie book shop, and I really thought this customer was an urban legend. She actually... waited. Until she was off the phone. To come into the main shop. I am. Stunned ( Read more... )

YA author Justine Larbalestier (Magic or Madness) on the importance of being kind to booksellers.

I concentrate on selling comic books at the flea market ( Read more... )