Why Value and Courtesy Still Matter

My local used paperback bookstore closed this past month. I was sorry to see it go. But honestly, I was amazed it had stayed open as long as it did!

I knew the second owner who kept the store going for more than 20 years and this past winter sold the store for $1. The new owner was not happy with the profit and decided to change things. She slashed the credit given for trade ins and increased prices to 50% of original book value. But honestly, if that was all she did, she would probably still be in business. Her real problem was her attitude. She was a bit grumpy and always thought everyone was trying to take advantage of her. She rarely gave the customer the benefit of the doubt and found it hard to be courteous.

Together, the lack of value and not being polite seemed a real problem. Apparently it was! I guess that is a lesson for all of us! Give value and polite service and you will last. Take away value and be rude, and you will close.

Good lesson for both online and brick and mortar booksellers. Even if you are not standing right in front of your customer, they still want value and polite service or they will not order from you again.

You can get a free 5 day bookseller bootcamp by visiting http://benefitbookstore.com/sales and sign up on the top right.

Happy selling!