Thanksgiving is past. It was a quiet affair here, in fact, no affair at all. Plans had been made, and changed, and changed again. It ended up just the two of us (and dogs). House projects were verboten and an afternoon nap was required.
We took Friday off work and set off on an antiquing trip to Cleveland. We spent a modest amount of money and had a nice relaxing day…mostly.
The main reason for our trip was to scour the shops for Deco-ish style handles for our newly acquired Grand oven.
We found an architectural antique store and decided that should be our first stop. We got there about 2 minutes before opening time. It had snowed the night before and a scruffy, Jerry Garcia type fellow was sprinkling salt on the sidewalk.
Deadhead: “Not open yet.”
Us: “Okay.”
Deadhead: “I’ll open up as soon as I finish this.”
Us: “Okay.”
Deadhead: “Gotta do this, ya know.”
Us: “No problem.” The wind is whipping and my feet are freezing. I look longingly into the shop.
Deadhead: “It’s important.”
He stopped sprinkling salt and spent the next 5 minutes explaining why he needed to spread salt like pixie dust. I felt a deep desire to grab the salt canister from his hand and 1) finishing the salt disbursement and 2) womping him over the head with the empty container.
He then disappears around the corner. We next spy him inside in the way, way back of the shop. Can we go in? Do we stand here like cows in the chute? It’s awfully cold.
Finally, through the dimly lit corridor, I see an arm motioning for us to come in.
“Let’s go in” and we do.
It was filled with wonderful things. Lovely lighting and nice furniture – mostly chairs and dining tables. Lots of windows and doors and hinges and handles.
The man comes by and as he does, we ask if he has any vintage appliances or appliance parts. He doesn’t stop to answer.
“Nope, don’t have that kind of stuff,” he says over his shoulder.
Okay….well, thanks. We continue looking at stuff. I see a sign overhead that says “Ask to see our additional inventory in the warehouse”. When the man breezes within earshot, we do.
“What are you looking for?” he asks suspiciously. We ask him about vintage plumbing – toilets, sinks, claw foot tubs…
“Nope, don’t carry those. Mostly just moulding and stuff over there.” When we express a desire to go over anyway he says, “Well…..It’s awfully cold over there.”
Alrighty then. He continues:
“Business is off. I’m thinking about closing the shop and just selling over the internet.” Now at this point, I’m thinking that he’s been less than helpful to prospective paying customers and complaining about business being off is, well, ironic.
He then starts a political debate about taxes, politicians, government conspiracies and, maybe, the Lindberg baby kidnapping…I can’t be sure, I was too busy trying to make my way out the door.
“Let’s agree never to go back there again.” I say.
“Agreed.” says Dennis.
“Even if they have a pristine, never been used, rib cage shower with a new old stock porcelain basin at the low, low cost of $25.13.” I suggest.
“Agreed.” says Dennis.
We trudge back to the truck. I check my list for the next store.
“What an idiot.” says Dennis.
“Unbelievable.”
We discussed it for a few minutes. It amazed us the extent to which customer service has declined. It amazed us further how little value is put on good manners.
Our helpful hints to shop owners:
Tip #1: When you have customers with a checkbook, credit cards and cash in your business, let them look at whatever they wish. Show them your tuna fish sandwich if they want to see it. It’s also helpful not to make them wait in the snow as you salt the sidewalk because they are 2 minutes early.
Tip #2: Suppress the urge to discuss religion and politics with people you don’t know. Avoiding a discussion of personal hygiene is also good. I’m at an age that I won’t hesitate to not do business with someone who rubs me the wrong way.
Tip #3: If you couldn’t be bothered to chat with your prospective customers when they were trying to buy something, don’t follow them around the store to engage them in political discourse.
Part II: Livin’ in the past or it’s depressing when the memories of your youth are the cornerstone of an antique store.
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[...] ly successful trip to the architectural antique store, we headed toward the next store on the list. It is a shop which specializes [...]
[...] ly successful trip to the architectural antique store, we headed toward the next store on the list. It is a shop which specializes [...]
[...] youth are the cornerstone of an antique store After the hugely successful trip to the architectural antique store, we headed toward the next store [...]
[...] the hugely successful trip to the architectural antique store, we headed toward the next store on the list. It is a shop which specializes in Art Deco [...]