Hey, pro tip: if you're making lowball offers to buy something from an independent store, and the seller keeps declining your offers or countering them with a polite explanation, don't repeatedly ignore them and reply with, "I can get this book at B&N for $13, but I wanted to support you seeing as you're an independent seller." And then continue to make lowball offers.
Man, first of all, that's a lie. Books have this thing called an ISBN you can plug into Google. There, you can see the list price for every book with that number for sale on the internet, including Barnes & Noble. There's also a thing called "editions", so while you may be able to buy the current edition at a big brick and mortar store, it doesn't mean the first or second editions are the same price (or have the same content).
Second of all, how entitled?! I don't walk into places going, "Well, this item is going to be mine, so you'd better be grateful I'll offer you 30% of what you're asking for it. You may kiss my shoes now."
After the second or third offer, I knew they were going to expect their order to arrive with a complimentary plate of warm chocolate chip cookies and if I sold to them, it would be trouble. BLOCK. Nuh-uh.
Things have been slow this year, and I do not blame anyone for not buying expensive used/rare books. But the customers I do have are VERY happy. And my loves, you cannot act like that. Have a little respect for a fellow human being who works hard and is trying to supplement her income so she can buy groceries.
That's all! I guess I do have a question, though, because I know so many of you work so hard and still occasionally face this kind of treatment: How do you not take this personally? How do you detach yourself and forget about it?
Also, feel welcome to share your recent similar interactions.
PS: If you're going to say, "Well, you should have just accepted their offer! Our job as sellers is to become a carpet beneath our buyers' feet!", like, just don't.
