Running a consignment shop means every day is different, and you never know what (or who) might walk through the door. Some days are smooth and uneventful, while others… well, let me tell you about the pillow guy.
It started like any other day. I was at the front desk, sipping my coffee, ready for whatever came my way. Enter the man with the giant orange pillow. He marched in with all the drama of someone holding a rare artifact, exhaled loudly, and presented his “trophy” as if it were the answer to my unspoken prayers.
“I was here last week and thought I could come here and sell you THIS,” he proclaimed.
Now, let me preface this by saying we don’t accept household items at my shop. I kindly explained this policy to him.
“But this is similar to clothing,” he argued, holding the pillow like it was a Chanel bag.
I apologized again, gently reiterating that we don’t take household items. Then came the golden question:
“Do you know where I could sell this?”
Honestly, I didn’t. My shop specializes in clothing and accessories—not giant orange pillows. I admitted I couldn’t help him, and that’s when things took a turn.
“This is RIDICULOUS! How long have you worked here? How do you not know where I can sell this?!” he fumed, jabbing his finger in my direction.
Still calm, I suggested, “The internet is free; I’m sure you can find a shop, just like how you found this one.”
Big mistake.
He got madder. “Well, I am NEVER coming here again! AND I AM WRITING A REVIEW ABOUT HOW UNHELPFUL YOU WERE!”
At this point, I just wanted to laugh. How is that a justifiable review? That’s like going to Burger King, asking for tacos, and then being upset they don’t know where to find them.
As he stomped out of the store, I couldn’t help but reflect. I get it—people have bad days, and customer service workers often bear the brunt of misplaced frustration. But, dude, it was 10 AM! How do you start the day with that much energy for being upset?
My advice to the pillow guy and anyone else with a short fuse: other people aren’t responsible for your bad day. Your attitude affects the people around you, and one day, you’ll cross someone who won’t be as patient as I was.
Meanwhile, I’ll be here at my consignment shop, sipping my coffee, ready for whatever wild scenario tomorrow brings. But let’s keep the pillows (and drama) at home, shall we? 😊
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ALEJANDRA