Thrift Harbor — Local services in Claremore

This past Monday, I found out about this place via the favorable reviews, so I decided to drive up ( 80 minutes round trip) to visit. I was helped by a nice worker named "Shy" when I visited on Tuesday.

When I got home, a few of the items I couldn't fit, so I decided to drive back up to Claremore to exchange for the correct size. When I entered the store, I showed Shy my receipt and she kindly stated that all sales were final; she pointed to a small sign behind the cash register that said, "All sales final". We both laughed at how small and indiscriminate the placement of the sign was.

Due to our previous conversation on my initial visit, Shy was aware that I drove over 40 minutes (80 minutes round trip) just to come to this thrift store, so she asked her boss if a one time exception could be made, since I was buying more items too.

A woman named "Anita" approached from the back & asked me to "explain" my situation. I told her that I live over 40 minutes away, and that I needed the shirts for work. I told her that I would be buying more tops as well (which I did buy more). She looked over the clothes & looked me over, and asked: "You just started this job? Is it new? What part of Tulsa did you come from? How many items are you exchanging? You drove over 40 minutes? Etc." After she questioned me, I was optimistic that she'd be gracious since I didn't know that there was no exchanges. She then stated, "I see your dilemma, and I could make an exception, my heart [which would mean your humanity] is telling me to cut you some slack, but my head [flesh] is telling me no. Sometimes you have to learn the hard way. I'm sticking to no."

It would have been more palatable if she just stated, "I do apologize, but we are required to adhere to the policy under all circumstances." Instead of literally questioning me for nearly 20 minutes, in earshot of other customers, only to tell me, no. I kindly asked to speak to the owner. Miss Anita arrogantly said, "I'm it. I'm the boss. I'm the highest you can go. There's another lady [Kim] but she's my assistant." Anita then walked off.

I was turned off and embarrassed by her sharp demeanor and attitude.

About 30 -40 minutes later, thankfully, I overheard Anita say she was leaving and wouldn't be back for the day. I then asked Shy for her "assistant manager" Kim. To my surprise, Kim told me that Anita is not the owner or head boss, as she had arrogantly claimed. In fact, Kim has been with the shop over 11 years. Kim seemed to be more gracious & integral. Although she stated she would prefer to stick to the policy as well, she did give me the personal cell number of the director, Dirk.

I called Mr. Dirk and left a vm explaining my situation; after my experience with Anita, I assumed Mr. Dirk would be curt and passive aggressive as well. Thank God I was wrong. He was gracious & called me back a short time later. He apologized immediately for any frustrations that I may have experienced & he reiterated the all sales final policy. He wanted to adhere to the policy, which is totally understandable; after I explained my situation, he actually listened to understand and didn't listen for response/rebuttal (As Anita did). He made a one time exception for me to exchange my work shirts. Mr. Dirk ended the call by stating that he hoped I had a great rest of my day. Boom! Great customer service 101!

Whomever is the supervisor over Miss Anita, PLEASE train her on soft skills and empathy, especially in her line of work. I too work in customer service, and one of our goals is to solve small dilemma's without the need to escalate to a supervisor, unless absolutely necessary. This was a very miniscule situation that could have been resolved without the escalation to the Director, had Miss Anita shown a little grace; which is what the organization stands for.

**I am willing to amend this low star rating should Miss Anita be coached on this matter. I do not desire to negatively reflect on this mission in any...

The store is nice, but the manager that was there in Sat. Sept 28th was so very unprofessional!! They had a sign in the window for 50% off clothing, I picked out a pair of overalls for my son and when I got to the counter they wanted to charge me full price. They called the manager a surly elderly woman to the counter who said "oh thats not included" take it leave it". I tried to tell her that coveralls are considered clothing and if not they should have put "all clothing except coveralls" I paid for my items and wheeled the cart to the area where the carts are by the door and she came around the counter and jerked the basket out of my hand and start throwing my bags at me hitting me in the face with a bag that has shoes and 2 muffin pans in it.saying "you're not taking my cart out!" Which I had no intention of doing! I was already taking my bags out of it. I just had surgery on my mouth on Friday and the bag she threw at me really hurt! I had to call the police on her for assaulting me! Needless to say i will never go back! So BEWARE OF THE MANAGEMENT AT THRIFT HARBOR, and the FALSE ADVERTISIZING, that's the sign they...

I really like this store because of the selection of items and good prices. However, I will not be going back. The experience I had Saturday, July 3, left me with a bad feeling.

They had a cash only policy with no bills larger than $20, which I did not have a problem with. But, my husband and I were going to buy a piece of furniture and other items. When I tried to pay, I was told they could not take the $100 dollar bill which made no sense to me because our change would have been less than $10. I totally understand if I had needed change for a small purchase, but this wasn't. Needless to say, we left with nothing.

I hope the person who told me they couldn't take the bill just misunderstood the policy and will not turn down future sales when the change back is very minimal. Or, maybe someone in management can explain the policy to me when it's a...