I don’t often like to complain about my job because, no matter how tough being in the retail biz can get, I feel fortunate everyday that I get the opportunity to live my dream. Not to mention I get to hang out with my best friend Miles the dog all day long. In fact, if we want to get out of the office and go for a walk on a beautiful day, we can do that without hesitation. I find that the freedom to do as I please in my work is a gift I cherish every day. 

Today is one of those days that I have to keep reminding myself of just how lucky I am because sometimes it gets difficult in the midst of dealing with a (and this is the only way I can think to describe this individual) cruel and unusual customer. I firmly believe that all businesses, large or small, have the right to uphold the policies they set in place. Policies are what make our businesses run smoothly and protect our rights as vendors to do what we do in the most successful way we can do them; in the same way that laws protect us all. Without these policies, where would we be? Just as I feel it’s the obligation of businesses to clearly post their policies, I feel that patrons are just as obliged to read and follow said rules both before and after a purchase is made. Reasonable, right? Well, apparently not everyone agrees. I won’t scrutinize anyone for having their own thoughts and opinions regarding certain matters but I do draw the line when that individual’s hostility becomes both hateful and hurtful. There’s never a need to lash out at a small business owner who’s just trying to operate their business. And there’s especially no need to predict someone is going to go out of business because you don’t like their 30 day return policy. Now is not the time to be throwing that one around when so many small companies are doing their best to stay afloat during tumultuous times. 

It seems these days that more and more big retailers are bending over backwards to keep customers coming through the door. Things like free shipping and returns and ridiculously slashed prices on otherwise expensive items are great for consumers. I know I have taken advantage of these perks on several occasions recently. But what happens is that, over time, this becomes the norm and customers actually become irate when these new policies aren’t adopted by all retailers. I believe these expectations are unreasonable for several reasons but primarily because tiny retailers like myself simply cannot afford to adopt these “perks.” Because of the nature of the business we run, the nature of the products behind that business and the individuals behind those products, it’s simply impossible. My hope is that customers will appreciate that we’re trying to do a good thing here by offering special and unique items and support and respect what it is we’re trying to do. 

Perhaps this individual just had a lot of displaced anger which I can sympathize with on some level. I mean, there is a lot to be angry about right now. Here’s my two cents, for what it’s worth: if you’re so angry that you’re going to lash out at a little shop owner just trying to do her job, take all of that rage you feel inside and write a letter to congress. Also, keep this quote in mind, (I saw it at the bottom of an email a customer sent me a while back), “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” -philo

And lastly, start reading Melissa Morris Ivone’s blog, Operation Nice. I stumbled upon it recently and have made it a daily read. Melissa is a girl after my own heart and I couldn’t agree more with her ideologies. Operation Nice is a breath of fresh air and I so appreciate the message it spreads. Reading her daily posts is one of my favorite ways to start the day. What a wonderful contribution Melissa makes to blog land. 

Now that I got that off my chest, I think I can continue on productively with my day. Yes! So, to wrap all of this up, please please… just be nice! thank you.