Well I have a rant today. I’m an avid reader of everything and anything. Almost all of my books have only been read once. In the past I have left them into Booksmart in Ballymote, which has been great as I get credit for other books…mind you nine times out of ten I lose my credit slip so only manage to get one or two books in exchange.
Anyway I had two boxes to leave in today. All books in excellent condition. If anyone knows Ballymote you’ll know it’s a pain in the arse to park in. I had my mum with me as well. So I had to double park the car and carry the boxes upstairs. I said I would call back to get my credit note (and I wanted some more books), when I parked the car properly.
So I went back to the shop and was completely gobsmacked at the way I was spoken to. I was told ‘Don’t you ever leave me boxes of books again’. This was said because ‘They now only want to exchange books’. I couldn’t believe it. I’ve never had a problem before and I really didn’t think to phone to check although this was what I was told to do in future. I apologised and said I would bring the boxes back again. The gentleman said no. I also got 4 books that I wanted. I wish I had stood my ground and taken the books back. I’m sure a charity shop would have been glad of them.
Needless to say I will never darken their door again. I’d rather put the books in a recycling bag and I will stick to the library in future. This is their B&B site….if you look you will see I supplied photos for it for free…just to be nice. I don’t like being spoken to like dirt. If he didn’t want the books he could have told me politely ‘Sorry but I don’t have any room’. It costs nothing to be polite.
it’s a real kick in the teeth when a friendly exterior beocmes so sour, leaves a nasty taste for a long time to come doesn’t it. Well, the local charity shops will be very glad to see you Val, and you can start to advertise for them through your blogs and links, and while you’re at it, I’d change the term ‘gentleman’ to something else entirely. I’d like to think he’ll become aware of your page in time to come, sooner rather than later, and fingers crossed he’ll become all the more aware of how many folk will take your words of wisdom to heart and steer clear for the sake of their ears too.
Why don’t you send an email and request they take your pics down? you could it politely if you really feel the need.
I will let him have the photos. I sort of feel it would be ‘playground’ behaviour if I ask him to take them down.
Hi! Val
Just popping by to say hello.
Oh dear! Perhaps Mr Bookseller was having a bad day but whatever, he’d no right to speak to any customer like that.
I thought you were going to say that you got a parking ticket for the pleasure of leaving your books in so I’m glad at least that wasn’t the case.
I’d love have an ‘exchange’ book shop nearby like that but only if the owner was polite!
Hi Steph,
Hope you are keeping well.
I know people have bad days, but it’s the whole tone of voice he used and the fact there was someone else in the shop that got me. I was just so embarrassed and felt very stupid.
We have a bookshop in Lismore that would probably exchange books or take/buy books I’ve run out of space for if I could bear to part with them! What was the problem with this guy – he is rude to you and then refused to give you back the books? I don’t think I’d be keen to go back. Our post office here has second-hand books and they sell for 2-3€ and it all goes to charity organised by the postmistress it is good and well supported.
I loved Jono’s bike btw! Great to see him so happy with it! Any more concert plans? Will there be a winterjam?
Love Catherine
Hi Catherine,
I never keep books I’ve read. I would run out of space.
The post office idea is good one.
Jono is delighted with the bike
Apparently there is a Winterjam
Love Val