Golden Apple Comics — Attraction in Los Angeles

Like depression, it's not just one thing, but rather a build-up of a few, that will trigger the snap. Today...I have been triggered.

To the cashier with the glasses and red mask (you're working right now), I must say that you make it very difficult to want to shop at Golden Apple. I mean it's already difficult enough that you guys seem to remain uninformed on how the small-knit comic community works and what is actually happening within it. But, today, it just felt as if your co-worker(maybe) was more important than helping me resolve an issue. You pointed out a new card system implemented as the reason why a birthday gift-card would not work. You DID NOT follow up with management or attempt any troubleshooting to be sure. You, instead, recommended an ATM, so I could use a different card, as if that was the problem. You guys have remained consistent in how you perceive yourselves, amongst your competitors, but just to ground you a bit, you guys are far from our favorite, and let me break down why:

Communication- You guys are unwilling to do the legwork within the culture of comics; We don't JUST collect, or JUST read, as one must be informed of what's to come, or what's past. When I have called you guys in the past, regarding a comic, most of the response, was someone asking for more detail about the comic I am searching for. While that isn't such an issue, it's the degree of how much more I need to provide for you to find it. Despite how massive comic releases can be, do you realize I have never had that issue at "Revenge of" "The Comic Bug" or "Secret Headquarters." Even when "A shop called Quest" was around, they were new, but INFORMED.

Supply/Demand- Not once or twice, but too many to want to count has someone from my village put in a request for a comic through you guys. After a week or two, WE always call, just to find out that the comic has BEEN there, despite you guys saying that you will let us know when it arrived. Despite how many people may be requesting comics, do you realize that when a friend or I has had to order from somewhere like Mega City One, they call when the comic arrives.

Cost-Comics can/will appreciate/depreciate with time. We often have no say in which way that goes. The one thing that does not change are the bags/boards we use to keep our comics pristine. On average, a majority (I did not visit all) of the comic shops will charge 10 cents for bag and board. Except you. You ask for 35 cent per comic bag/board. This may not seem like much, but it adds up to any who believe they're saving the slightest amount by shopping with you.

I, alone, won't deter the coverage/love you get, but a wise man once said, "I'm what the culture's feeling." We don't like how you choose to spotlight the comic community yet hire those that seemingly no nothing of it.

Lastly, to the owner- I see that you go out of you way to apologize, up here, to those who have had bad experiences at your store. While commendable, how often are you actually resolving the issue WITHIN your store? What is an apology without true change to follow it. I don't want your apology. I want you to fix the problem in your store. And no, that doesn't have to mean firing someone. Perhaps communication is a good...

Another bad experience with this sham of a store. I have been straight lied to about them buying all comics. Now I am told only on certain days when the buyer is in. Ok wow, that would have been useful information before I brought my box all the way there. Now I am told they aren't interested in my comics because I am rude. Also the sensitive man on the phone didn't like my tone because quote I sounded angry. When you lie to people's faces they have a right to be angry. That's on you Snapple Comics not me. I was nice and friendly both times I came in but I am not a floor mat for entitled comic nerds to play games with. I am a casual collector, and I'm tired of clutter so I am selling my collection, hundreds of comics. This was one box. They wouldn't even look at my comics which is the opitome of rude. I have a low tolerance for abuse and that is what I am getting now. I asked the cowardly man on the phone who tried to hang up on me if I came in when the buyer was in if I could sell my comics. He said we aren't interested in your comics. Boom flat out dicrimination now. So it's personal and that is somehow not rude. I told the ginger dude off and I am not proud I lost my temper. Most people with low self esteem would just take the abuse and say ok thank you. I have already been there twice so I am about done being treated like trash. Ginger deserved what he got and kind of asked for it. I was a ginger as a boy so it's ok and I have a reddish beard but I am generally one of the nicest people until I feel like I am being attacked for no reason. Ginger said employees have the right to refuse a buy. Fine. I just wanted a straight answer not a garbled lie and omitted info. Some of the comics I bought from them! So liars and sensitive people are this store and largely the comic industry now as some other stores are the same way. We aren't interested? Why? Is it because I am a white straight male? But of course oppression of white people is acceptable now. A store in Torrance took a bunch of my comics and paid decently. Torrance is far but I guess I cannot work with most folks on the West side when it comes to selling decent comics from populat titles. Yeah Golden Apple, more like Rotten Core, I hope all of you read this. If you don't want hostile customers maybe treat them with a modicum of honesty...

This was my first experience with Golden Apple Comics. I spend quite a bit on Comics every month and my first order with them was for $300+. I ordered several different covers of one particular book, along with duplicates for a friend. All were shown to be released in September. When that date passed and there was no movement on “Shopify”, I had to reach out to GAC for my order status. I was informed that the publisher delayed the release until early October. This is fully understandable, but in my opinion, there should have been communication from GAC advising me of the delay. More than a week after the October release date (and after seeing everyone else with these books in hand), I had to reach out, again, to ask the status of my order. I found out that my order was being held due to one other book that is delayed. They did offer to split the order, but said they would have to charge an additional shipping charge. Not thrilled after I spent $324, but I agreed. When the invoice arrived, I noticed they had charged sales tax on the shipping charge as well… and then tried to justify it. Just a side note: I found them to be extremely expensive on their variant covers. In fact, I paid $50 for a book that I found in one of my local shops for $10. I know, I know, It’s my fault. I was just impatient, hoping that I would have it before others… Boy, did that backfire! I was hoping to use GAC for all my comic purchases, but unfortunately, due to this experience, I’ll be purchasing elsewhere. The lack of communication, regarding delays, is concerning and I definitely don’t want to be nickel and dimed just to get my books in a timely manner. It just felt like my business wasn’t important (as though their online customers are an inconvenience) to them. Perhaps their online ordering system is just a backup for their in-store customers. In either case, I could never recommend GAC for...