Read moreI've been to the bookstore a couple of times to buy books, and liked browsing, but wanted to share my experience of trading in books. I was told to put the books on the side counter, not take the bags they were emptying (because they would put books they didn't want in there), and to go browse because it would take a while. A couple of minutes later, I was summoned. I was offered $40 in cash or $60 in store credit. Most of the books they had selected were already out of sight, and the rejects were packed in bags on the floor. So at the point that I was made the offer, I couldn't tell what they had taken and what remained. About half of the ~70 books were returned (I hadn't brought encyclopedia sets, computer manuals or anything that the website says up front they would reject). You don't get to know how they arrived at the amount. I also didn't get a receipt. Some of the books (hardcover Prince Valiant vol. 1-6) were in brand new condition and even in merely "good" condition you can't get a used copy online under $15/each, in "new" condition they are $20, new they are $34. It may very well be that I got a fair price, factoring in the labor/rent-or-shipping cost that goes into resale. But I wish I had seen a review with this kind of info to figure out whether it is...
I want to give this bookstore 5 stars. Really, I do. I am a frequent patron and cat lover who has spent easily hundreds of $$ here. But customer service is in dire need of improvement.
Every single time I’ve been here (which is many), the staff have always been rude and unfriendly. Giving me attitude/dirty looks, being short with me, and not making eye contact, while smiling and treating other customers normally REALLY takes away from my experience here. Even though I want to love and support this store, I always walk out feeling like I don’t belong…
Seriously, the disrespect I’ve encountered here is palpable, and I’m not usually the type of person who particularly cares about customer service. It’s THAT bad.
Looking at other reviews, I am not the only Asian person who has experienced this. Management, I urge you to provide your employees with anti-bias/inclusivity training.
Please treat your Asian/POC patrons with basic respect and decency. It’s not that hard to not be a dick, especially to...
Read moreNot my favourite used bookstore of all time. A lot of their stock is new books and they mainly only carry popular titles. It's great just to see one at all, though, these days and I can rarely resist popping inside when I'm downtown. The location in San Jose is larger and has more personality and a much better selection. Both locations keep shop cats and they are very fond of them. The stores have cat trees and there is a section on their website devoted to the cats. I think this location may currently be going through a grieving period following the passing of their most recent cat, Bob Newhart. At any rate, it's been several months and they have not acquired a new cat yet. Prices are decent and, interestingly, they always have a...
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