Gentleman walks in and we have the following conversation (which I promise is not edited or made up):
Muppet: "I have some bird books - how much are they worth ?"
Mitchell: "I don't know - do you have them with you"
Muppet: "No"
Mitchell: "Well who is the Author ?"
Muppet: "I Don't know"
Mitchell: "Well do you know the title ?"
Muppet: "I Don't know"
Mitchell: "Well how old are the books ?"
Muppet: "I Don't know - they are a bit tatty - are they worth rebinding ?"
Mitchell: "That would depend on how much they are worth"
Muppet: "Oh - there are six of them. How much would they be worth then ?"
At least he didn't tell me they were blue !!!!!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Top Titles
You couldn't make this up.
I have just listed on the internet two fine books, written in the 1930's.
The author is H. A. Manhood.
The first book is called "Night seed" the second is "Gay Agony"
Fnarr fnarr. Definately a Viz moment.
I have just listed on the internet two fine books, written in the 1930's.
The author is H. A. Manhood.
The first book is called "Night seed" the second is "Gay Agony"
Fnarr fnarr. Definately a Viz moment.
French stuff
Chap comes in and asks if I deal with manuscripts. I tell him that I do sometimes, and he pulls out an old French vellum handwritten manuscript which he tells me is from 1647 and asks me what I can tell him about it.
His manner made me a little suspicious - so I asked him if he was wanting to sell it. He replied "Oh no- I shall sell it on ebay, I just want you to give me information about it"
I told him that it was a french handwritten manuscript and that was all I knew about it. He pointed out that he already knew that, and that I hadn't even touched it.
"Quite" I replied - feeling very smug and ascerbic (Is this why I have no customers ?).
His manner made me a little suspicious - so I asked him if he was wanting to sell it. He replied "Oh no- I shall sell it on ebay, I just want you to give me information about it"
I told him that it was a french handwritten manuscript and that was all I knew about it. He pointed out that he already knew that, and that I hadn't even touched it.
"Quite" I replied - feeling very smug and ascerbic (Is this why I have no customers ?).
Dirty Rotten Scoundrel
I always hate people tryin to con me (almost as much as i hate those who manage it).
Chap arrives in the shop and spends some time looking through the History section. Eventually he asks me if I can get hold of a book for him. It is his brothers birthday, and he has asked for a specific Victorian history book. After I have got the name and author, he says that it MUST be the second edition from 1861.
I managed to find a copy located in the USA, and quote him a price of £16 (including £8 shipping and dealer price of £6 - so a grand total of £2 profit for me). He says he will think about it and goes off.
Ten minutes later, he reappears, and pulls a copy of the same book out of an Oxfam bag (second edition of course!) and tells me that miraculously, he has just found the book in Oxfam. He has now suddenly decided that he doesn't wish to give it to his brother (even though he had requested it) and what would I offer him for it.
He was most upset when I said I would give him £1. He pointed out that I had just asked him £16, and i explained again the breakdown of this. I also told him that it was the sort of book and condition that I would sell for £3 - hence the £1 offer. His reply was that he had just paid Oxfam £5 - wouldn't I at least give him that (Oh No !!) and what was he meant to do with it now.
Resisting the urge to tell him to shove it where the sun don't shine, I suggested that he try to sell it to Oxfam, as they had such a high opinion of it. He went of a little disgruntled.
And I was glad.
Chap arrives in the shop and spends some time looking through the History section. Eventually he asks me if I can get hold of a book for him. It is his brothers birthday, and he has asked for a specific Victorian history book. After I have got the name and author, he says that it MUST be the second edition from 1861.
I managed to find a copy located in the USA, and quote him a price of £16 (including £8 shipping and dealer price of £6 - so a grand total of £2 profit for me). He says he will think about it and goes off.
Ten minutes later, he reappears, and pulls a copy of the same book out of an Oxfam bag (second edition of course!) and tells me that miraculously, he has just found the book in Oxfam. He has now suddenly decided that he doesn't wish to give it to his brother (even though he had requested it) and what would I offer him for it.
He was most upset when I said I would give him £1. He pointed out that I had just asked him £16, and i explained again the breakdown of this. I also told him that it was the sort of book and condition that I would sell for £3 - hence the £1 offer. His reply was that he had just paid Oxfam £5 - wouldn't I at least give him that (Oh No !!) and what was he meant to do with it now.
Resisting the urge to tell him to shove it where the sun don't shine, I suggested that he try to sell it to Oxfam, as they had such a high opinion of it. He went of a little disgruntled.
And I was glad.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Postal problems
Chap phones up to complain about a book order I have sent him.
I look up the order, and assure him that the books have gone out to him with Royal Mail.
"Oh I know that, I found them in my garden" it seems that the postie left them half in his letter box, and someone pulled them out,and threw them into the bushes.
He wanted to know what I was going to do about it.
I paused bleakly for a moment (wondering what all this had to do with me) and asked him how much damage there was to the books.
"Nothing at all, you wrapped them very well, but I wondered what compensation I would receive from you for them being thrown into the hedge"
I shall stop here !
I look up the order, and assure him that the books have gone out to him with Royal Mail.
"Oh I know that, I found them in my garden" it seems that the postie left them half in his letter box, and someone pulled them out,and threw them into the bushes.
He wanted to know what I was going to do about it.
I paused bleakly for a moment (wondering what all this had to do with me) and asked him how much damage there was to the books.
"Nothing at all, you wrapped them very well, but I wondered what compensation I would receive from you for them being thrown into the hedge"
I shall stop here !
Thursday, September 20, 2007
So far
It is now 12.30. So far today I have been asked for advice on the following:
1) Can you recommend an internet Cafe
2) Can you tell me whether it is ok for a vegetarian to drink milk, as there may be fatty deposits in it. (Chap thinking of becoming veggie!)
3) I need somewhere to live, can you help me find a flat
4) Who invented the Blitzkrieg ? No book required - just a name
5) Can I borrow an old map - I just want to see if a pond was in Fordingbridge in 1800.
I promise I haven't made any of these up - all this morning too.
1) Can you recommend an internet Cafe
2) Can you tell me whether it is ok for a vegetarian to drink milk, as there may be fatty deposits in it. (Chap thinking of becoming veggie!)
3) I need somewhere to live, can you help me find a flat
4) Who invented the Blitzkrieg ? No book required - just a name
5) Can I borrow an old map - I just want to see if a pond was in Fordingbridge in 1800.
I promise I haven't made any of these up - all this morning too.
Not just me
Hurrah,
It isn't only me !!!
I was in Waterstones the other day (I know - just looking at recently published titles - honest Your Honour), when I overheard the following.
"Hello, can you point me to the sellotape, and the children's toys please"
"Children's toys madam, we don't sell children's toys"
"Why not, you should do"
"No, we sell books madam"
"Why don't you sell children's toys?"
"Because we are a bookshop, why don't you try Woolworth's opposite"
"You mean this isn't Woolworths.... Well why didn't you tell me?"
So other bookshops do get them as well.
It isn't only me !!!
I was in Waterstones the other day (I know - just looking at recently published titles - honest Your Honour), when I overheard the following.
"Hello, can you point me to the sellotape, and the children's toys please"
"Children's toys madam, we don't sell children's toys"
"Why not, you should do"
"No, we sell books madam"
"Why don't you sell children's toys?"
"Because we are a bookshop, why don't you try Woolworth's opposite"
"You mean this isn't Woolworths.... Well why didn't you tell me?"
So other bookshops do get them as well.
A little Vague
"Hello,I was watching an interesting programme with Simon Schama on the History Channel last night. He was talking about the history of Wales, and carrying a book. Can you get me a copy of it please."
Now people, you just KNOW that he didn't have any clues about author or title. The only extra bit of information I managed to get was "It might have been a Penguin"
Now people, you just KNOW that he didn't have any clues about author or title. The only extra bit of information I managed to get was "It might have been a Penguin"
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
A little unsure
Lady phones up.
"I saw your advert... Are you interested in books?"
Resisting the urge to make sarcastic replies about hating the damn things, I tell her that it depends on the books and ask what sort they are.
"Ohh I don't know"
"Well what Subjects"
"I don't know... all sorts"
"Erm, hardback or paperback ?"
"I don't know"
"Well how old are they?
You know what's coming "I don't know"
At this point, I have got a little bored, so I tell her that they are not really the sort I can sell, and that she should probably give them to a charity shop.
"So are they not valuable then ?"
I can't resist it.. I have to answer with "I don't know".
"I saw your advert... Are you interested in books?"
Resisting the urge to make sarcastic replies about hating the damn things, I tell her that it depends on the books and ask what sort they are.
"Ohh I don't know"
"Well what Subjects"
"I don't know... all sorts"
"Erm, hardback or paperback ?"
"I don't know"
"Well how old are they?
You know what's coming "I don't know"
At this point, I have got a little bored, so I tell her that they are not really the sort I can sell, and that she should probably give them to a charity shop.
"So are they not valuable then ?"
I can't resist it.. I have to answer with "I don't know".
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Peter Rabbit and the detestable fraud
Thought I had blogged this one a while ago - but have checked and apparently not!
The day before this happened, Antiques Roadshow had uncovered a Peter Rabbit first edition, and valued it at several thousand pounds. As a result, I sat quaking in my little shop, waiting for the deluge of Peter Rabbit first editions to come flooding through the doors. Actually, I only had 5. Four people were perfectly civil and quite reasonable about their books. (See I CAN be nice about customers) Then there was this one ......
Woman (Aint no lady here honey) of a certain age (the certain age was approx 65 if I am generous) stomps into the shop in her wellies and hacking jacket, She was obviously pretty wealthy judging by the cut of her jib. (She had a sailing boat moored up outside). and exclaims in a loud and rather posh voice.
"I have a first edition Peter Rabbit I am willing to sell you"
"Are you sure it is a first edition, there aren't many around"
"Of course I am, it was brought for my grandmother as a child... I know how much they are worth, so don't you try to con me"
The book in question was bought out, and placed down for my perusal. I could see immediately (Cos I am ded clever) that all was not as it should be. (The plastic laminate cover was an immediate give away) so I asked a few further questions.
"You are sure that this is the same book your grandmother was given"
"Of course I am, don't be ridiculous"
"You didn't buy another copy to read at some point, to protect and older one"
"No, this is a first edition, and don't you try to rip me off, I know it is worth several thousand pounds"
She was irritating me by this point, so I decided I couldn't be bothered playing any more.
"Madam, this book was not given to your grandmother, unless she was already quite old when she got it. This book was published in 1984. There is an ISBN on the verso of the title page, and a barcode chip. ISBN's were not introduced in this country until 1971 (See how much you learn on this blog!!!!) and computer barcodes were certainly not around in Victorian England. To make it even more certain, there is a printing date of July 1984 just here (showing her the offending date at the back of the book). This book is a modern copy not a first edition, and is worth about a pound.
A bony grabbing little hand came out in a flash "Well just give me a pound for it then"
Now do you think she A) got a pound of me for the book or B) got verbally thrown out of the shop with a Paddington stare following her ?
The day before this happened, Antiques Roadshow had uncovered a Peter Rabbit first edition, and valued it at several thousand pounds. As a result, I sat quaking in my little shop, waiting for the deluge of Peter Rabbit first editions to come flooding through the doors. Actually, I only had 5. Four people were perfectly civil and quite reasonable about their books. (See I CAN be nice about customers) Then there was this one ......
Woman (Aint no lady here honey) of a certain age (the certain age was approx 65 if I am generous) stomps into the shop in her wellies and hacking jacket, She was obviously pretty wealthy judging by the cut of her jib. (She had a sailing boat moored up outside). and exclaims in a loud and rather posh voice.
"I have a first edition Peter Rabbit I am willing to sell you"
"Are you sure it is a first edition, there aren't many around"
"Of course I am, it was brought for my grandmother as a child... I know how much they are worth, so don't you try to con me"
The book in question was bought out, and placed down for my perusal. I could see immediately (Cos I am ded clever) that all was not as it should be. (The plastic laminate cover was an immediate give away) so I asked a few further questions.
"You are sure that this is the same book your grandmother was given"
"Of course I am, don't be ridiculous"
"You didn't buy another copy to read at some point, to protect and older one"
"No, this is a first edition, and don't you try to rip me off, I know it is worth several thousand pounds"
She was irritating me by this point, so I decided I couldn't be bothered playing any more.
"Madam, this book was not given to your grandmother, unless she was already quite old when she got it. This book was published in 1984. There is an ISBN on the verso of the title page, and a barcode chip. ISBN's were not introduced in this country until 1971 (See how much you learn on this blog!!!!) and computer barcodes were certainly not around in Victorian England. To make it even more certain, there is a printing date of July 1984 just here (showing her the offending date at the back of the book). This book is a modern copy not a first edition, and is worth about a pound.
A bony grabbing little hand came out in a flash "Well just give me a pound for it then"
Now do you think she A) got a pound of me for the book or B) got verbally thrown out of the shop with a Paddington stare following her ?
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
blaggity damn soddity
Most irritating man came in.
He emptied a plastic carrier bag onto the desk - just tipped it out. In there were a few book club books with torn wrappers, a readers digest, a couple of paperbacks and a couple of very shagged ex-library books with the price 50p pencilled in them. The whole lot was dirty, dishevelled and useless (I little like him - boom boom).
"How much are you going to give me for these" (Not a great way to open negotiations anyway)
I explained that I didn't buy paperbacks, book club, readers digest or shagged library books, and that we are an Antiquarian bookshop.
"Well where can I sell them - its hard work getting money for books these days, the other bookshops turned them down - I thought YOU would buy them".
Further irritated that I was the third place he had visited with this croc of shite I told him that the only place for these was a charity shop.
"Why should I give them to charity? I paid good money for these"
I pointed out that the highest price he had paid was 50p and that he had the benefit of reading them, and suggested that if he didn't want to pass on the benefit of them, he should just throw them away, as there wasn't a bookshop in the country that would buy this sort of book.
He stormed out of the shop, mutterering about how we had wasted his day going round the book shops with them.
Am I being unreasonable in thinking that such people are horrible little cheap, tight, dirty swines, who deserve locking in a room of cash, which is just out of reach of their greedy little clutching hands ?
Bless 'em all....
He emptied a plastic carrier bag onto the desk - just tipped it out. In there were a few book club books with torn wrappers, a readers digest, a couple of paperbacks and a couple of very shagged ex-library books with the price 50p pencilled in them. The whole lot was dirty, dishevelled and useless (I little like him - boom boom).
"How much are you going to give me for these" (Not a great way to open negotiations anyway)
I explained that I didn't buy paperbacks, book club, readers digest or shagged library books, and that we are an Antiquarian bookshop.
"Well where can I sell them - its hard work getting money for books these days, the other bookshops turned them down - I thought YOU would buy them".
Further irritated that I was the third place he had visited with this croc of shite I told him that the only place for these was a charity shop.
"Why should I give them to charity? I paid good money for these"
I pointed out that the highest price he had paid was 50p and that he had the benefit of reading them, and suggested that if he didn't want to pass on the benefit of them, he should just throw them away, as there wasn't a bookshop in the country that would buy this sort of book.
He stormed out of the shop, mutterering about how we had wasted his day going round the book shops with them.
Am I being unreasonable in thinking that such people are horrible little cheap, tight, dirty swines, who deserve locking in a room of cash, which is just out of reach of their greedy little clutching hands ?
Bless 'em all....
Many a cross word was spoken !
Bloke walks into the shop and presents me with a slightly crumpled book of crossword puzzles, which he hopes I will purchase from him. In my nicest voice, I decline his generous offer (Well not so generous - he wants my cash).
His reply is to ask "Why wont you buy it, my wife has only done some of them - there's plenty more for someone else to do"
What do you say to that ? Come on - how can I reasonably respond ?
(I stuck by my declention by the way).
His reply is to ask "Why wont you buy it, my wife has only done some of them - there's plenty more for someone else to do"
What do you say to that ? Come on - how can I reasonably respond ?
(I stuck by my declention by the way).
Sunday, September 02, 2007
The Youth of Today
Bless Em....
Three kind souls, who felt that my shop needed a bit of a change, decided to smash the window and do in the bookcase before running off into the night.
Apparently they were young teenagers a little under the Affluence of Inkerhol.
Now I am the last to complain about people canning it a bit on a Friday night - but I'm not convinced they need to break my windows after.
That, however, is not what I am blogging about.
Next day, I had to clean up and get rid of the glass.
And endure EVERY person over 40 in town coming in to complain about young people, about night time in town, to mutter about how they should be strung up, executed etc: By the end of the day, I wanted to go and get drunk and hang out with the kids, break a few windows and tell the old gits to get lost etc etc.
I should be grateful that they are concerned enough to come in and sympathise with me. One day, one of them will actually buy a book and so put something into the "Window Restoration Fund"
Three kind souls, who felt that my shop needed a bit of a change, decided to smash the window and do in the bookcase before running off into the night.
Apparently they were young teenagers a little under the Affluence of Inkerhol.
Now I am the last to complain about people canning it a bit on a Friday night - but I'm not convinced they need to break my windows after.
That, however, is not what I am blogging about.
Next day, I had to clean up and get rid of the glass.
And endure EVERY person over 40 in town coming in to complain about young people, about night time in town, to mutter about how they should be strung up, executed etc: By the end of the day, I wanted to go and get drunk and hang out with the kids, break a few windows and tell the old gits to get lost etc etc.
I should be grateful that they are concerned enough to come in and sympathise with me. One day, one of them will actually buy a book and so put something into the "Window Restoration Fund"
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Long time coming
4 hours.
4 (yes FOUR) hours
That is how long Mr Boring sat in the shop and talked at me yesterday.
This chap came in, and had a little look around the shop. Pleasant enough, but was interested in things which weren't really grabbing me - and was telling me about them at great length
(Imagine a slightly nasal accent and slow voice) "Yeas, of course the velocity of the SP54 a type engine was considerably greater than the SP53 but it did suffer from a distinct lack of power on the upward rail stretches on the West Coast Line which I would venture to suggest limited its value to the GWR - wouldn't you agree"
Having looked around, he didn't actually decide to buy anything, but just parked himself in the chair in the front room, and talked at (yes at) me from 10.20 am until 2.18pm.
He gave me false hope by announcing that he had to go several times, but they never amounted to anything.. he just kept going on and on and on and on and on and on.
Fortunately I was able to tune him out, and so I continued to process orders and place books online. At one point he asked me if I minded him wittering on to me, and I replied, No, as long as he didn't mind me ignoring him. He pointed out that I wasn't ignoring him and we were having a lovely conversation (I think that one was about UFO's being the probable cause of crop circles, although the merits of the electro magnetic variation theory did somewhat attract him) Eventually he left, wishing me a happy week until his return next week
Oh yes - he comes in once a week to the big city on the bus. Whimper whimper sob sob.
4 (yes FOUR) hours
That is how long Mr Boring sat in the shop and talked at me yesterday.
This chap came in, and had a little look around the shop. Pleasant enough, but was interested in things which weren't really grabbing me - and was telling me about them at great length
(Imagine a slightly nasal accent and slow voice) "Yeas, of course the velocity of the SP54 a type engine was considerably greater than the SP53 but it did suffer from a distinct lack of power on the upward rail stretches on the West Coast Line which I would venture to suggest limited its value to the GWR - wouldn't you agree"
Having looked around, he didn't actually decide to buy anything, but just parked himself in the chair in the front room, and talked at (yes at) me from 10.20 am until 2.18pm.
He gave me false hope by announcing that he had to go several times, but they never amounted to anything.. he just kept going on and on and on and on and on and on.
Fortunately I was able to tune him out, and so I continued to process orders and place books online. At one point he asked me if I minded him wittering on to me, and I replied, No, as long as he didn't mind me ignoring him. He pointed out that I wasn't ignoring him and we were having a lovely conversation (I think that one was about UFO's being the probable cause of crop circles, although the merits of the electro magnetic variation theory did somewhat attract him) Eventually he left, wishing me a happy week until his return next week
Oh yes - he comes in once a week to the big city on the bus. Whimper whimper sob sob.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Ranty Rant Rant
AAAAArrrggghhh.
No humour today sadly.
I have been keeping a tally of the number of people trying to sell books over the last few days. Since last Thursday morning (That's six days including a sunday!) I have been offered 63 lots of books.
In this same period, while averaging 12.6 offers per working day, I have averaged 5 sales per day. So at least twice as many people are trying to get money from me as purchase books.
Some people would be grateful for the opportunity to acquire more stock. Not me ! I would if it they had the slightest potential to be stock. Of all of these books, I have purchased one. (Yes one). The rest was comprised of the sort of junk that a charity shop would turn away. Mouldy hardback reprints of bookclub books. Tatty novels with wrappers half ripped off, plastic bags stuffed with dirty creased paperbacks.
Having tried hard to create a shop that is clean and tidy, with high quality stock (lots of it leather bound and antiquarian) in neat wrappers where appropriate, protected in removeable film..... you get the picture.... these books just feel insulting to me.
I would like to be generous, and think that people don't know the difference between a valuable book and a paperback, but that doesn't even seem to be true. When I decline their stock, they often comment that they are on the way to the charity shop with it, and just thought they would try and get a few pounds first. So they know that they are pretty worthless. Or there are the ones who either have no idea of economics, or are just greedy. When I point out that I don't buy paperbacks as I sell them for a pound or two, so it isn't economic, they reply that that is fine, two pounds a paperback will be adequate. Even when I point out that this would mean I was giving them more than I would actually sell the book for, they don't seem to get it!
I think the thing that annoys me more than anything, is that NONE of these books come from me in the first place. People buy these tatty relics at car boots and charity shops, then expect to make a profit by passing them on to me. Greedy greedy greedy...... Did I mention how much I dislike greed ?
Ok enough rant - thought for once I would just vent my feelings a little, and live up to the blogs name!
Sob sob sob
No humour today sadly.
I have been keeping a tally of the number of people trying to sell books over the last few days. Since last Thursday morning (That's six days including a sunday!) I have been offered 63 lots of books.
In this same period, while averaging 12.6 offers per working day, I have averaged 5 sales per day. So at least twice as many people are trying to get money from me as purchase books.
Some people would be grateful for the opportunity to acquire more stock. Not me ! I would if it they had the slightest potential to be stock. Of all of these books, I have purchased one. (Yes one). The rest was comprised of the sort of junk that a charity shop would turn away. Mouldy hardback reprints of bookclub books. Tatty novels with wrappers half ripped off, plastic bags stuffed with dirty creased paperbacks.
Having tried hard to create a shop that is clean and tidy, with high quality stock (lots of it leather bound and antiquarian) in neat wrappers where appropriate, protected in removeable film..... you get the picture.... these books just feel insulting to me.
I would like to be generous, and think that people don't know the difference between a valuable book and a paperback, but that doesn't even seem to be true. When I decline their stock, they often comment that they are on the way to the charity shop with it, and just thought they would try and get a few pounds first. So they know that they are pretty worthless. Or there are the ones who either have no idea of economics, or are just greedy. When I point out that I don't buy paperbacks as I sell them for a pound or two, so it isn't economic, they reply that that is fine, two pounds a paperback will be adequate. Even when I point out that this would mean I was giving them more than I would actually sell the book for, they don't seem to get it!
I think the thing that annoys me more than anything, is that NONE of these books come from me in the first place. People buy these tatty relics at car boots and charity shops, then expect to make a profit by passing them on to me. Greedy greedy greedy...... Did I mention how much I dislike greed ?
Ok enough rant - thought for once I would just vent my feelings a little, and live up to the blogs name!
Sob sob sob
Friday, June 29, 2007
Jewellery stuff
Woman walked in this afternoon.
"Have you got any rings"
"Rings madam?" says I (Come on then - what would you say?)
"Yes, rings - the charity shops are closed - I need some rings and don't know where to go - I'm new to Salisbury."
"This is a bookshop Madam."
"But I want to buy a ring."
"How about a jewellers madam."
"Do you think so ? - I'll try that then"
And she walked out.
"Have you got any rings"
"Rings madam?" says I (Come on then - what would you say?)
"Yes, rings - the charity shops are closed - I need some rings and don't know where to go - I'm new to Salisbury."
"This is a bookshop Madam."
"But I want to buy a ring."
"How about a jewellers madam."
"Do you think so ? - I'll try that then"
And she walked out.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Ever hopeful
Chap calls me out to his house. He had sold me a couple of boxes of books a while ago, for which I paid £100. It should have been about £70 but he gave me a sob story about decorating the house before his wife got out of hospital.
So I went in again, these are now the tail end of his collection, and not particularly special. I offered him £50 (and that was probably generous).
"Oh dear" he said "I thought you always paid £100 for books, and I need a hundred to pay for some more decorating, so can you make it £100 please".
I resisted the temptation!
So I went in again, these are now the tail end of his collection, and not particularly special. I offered him £50 (and that was probably generous).
"Oh dear" he said "I thought you always paid £100 for books, and I need a hundred to pay for some more decorating, so can you make it £100 please".
I resisted the temptation!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Wasted Journey
A sweet little couple visited the shop from Totton today. That's about 45 minutes drive away (For me - probably took them a couple of hours !) They came in and announced that having seen the shop on TV - it had taken them a while to find as they couldn't remember the name of the shop or the street. While the lady of indeterminate years sat a wheezed for a while - her husband eventually came to the point. He had that particular slow and nasal voice, that has convinced me he is probably called Malcolm or Dereck.
"We thought you looked as if you liked books on the television - so we thought you might like to buy some gardening books from us"
"What sort of gardening books?" (Said I, full of energy, enthusiasm and vigour).
"I don't know really.... different sizes and colours..."
"erm... Well how many, and do you know the titles"
"Oh four of five books. One mentions begonias in the title...."
"Ok, well you've driven over from Totton - are they still in the car ?"
"No... we thought we would drive over and see if you were interested - if you want to see them, we can come back with them another day..."
"Well, possibly, I hate to cause people special journeys... Do you often come to Salisbury ?"
"Oh no.... We've only come to see you ...We'll go home again once we've got our breath back..."
Bless.
"We thought you looked as if you liked books on the television - so we thought you might like to buy some gardening books from us"
"What sort of gardening books?" (Said I, full of energy, enthusiasm and vigour).
"I don't know really.... different sizes and colours..."
"erm... Well how many, and do you know the titles"
"Oh four of five books. One mentions begonias in the title...."
"Ok, well you've driven over from Totton - are they still in the car ?"
"No... we thought we would drive over and see if you were interested - if you want to see them, we can come back with them another day..."
"Well, possibly, I hate to cause people special journeys... Do you often come to Salisbury ?"
"Oh no.... We've only come to see you ...We'll go home again once we've got our breath back..."
Bless.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Bus shelter mentality
I arrived at work at 9.30am this morning.
(Please to remember that the shop opens at 10am).
Man is stood outside peering through the window.
"Ah, at last....About time"
So I let him in, excited by the prospect of seeing some more books
(people who queue outside a closed second hand bookshop early in the morning are ALWAYS selling rather than buying).
He rushes in, and pulls a stool up to the counter and starts whittering away.
I carried on turning on lights etc: trying to open the shop, when he asks me when I am going to stop doing things and listen to him. So I sat down, and asked how I could help.
"Oh I don't want anything....I'm not going to buy anythng .... I have to leave the hostel at 9 am and have no-one to listen to me, so I thought I would come along and chat to you....."
I inwardly sobbed to myself.
(Please to remember that the shop opens at 10am).
Man is stood outside peering through the window.
"Ah, at last....About time"
So I let him in, excited by the prospect of seeing some more books
(people who queue outside a closed second hand bookshop early in the morning are ALWAYS selling rather than buying).
He rushes in, and pulls a stool up to the counter and starts whittering away.
I carried on turning on lights etc: trying to open the shop, when he asks me when I am going to stop doing things and listen to him. So I sat down, and asked how I could help.
"Oh I don't want anything....I'm not going to buy anythng .... I have to leave the hostel at 9 am and have no-one to listen to me, so I thought I would come along and chat to you....."
I inwardly sobbed to myself.
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