2nd & Charles — Local services in Jacksonville

I had the most unpleasant experience at the 2nd &Charles St John's Town Center Jax, FL. My teenage daughter loves to read and has accumulated many books over the years. She's in an economic class in highschool and decided she would sell some of her books and deposit the money in her savings account. I thought it was a fantastic idea entrepreneural idea. We went to 2nd and Charles so happy until we encountered the cashier at the book exchange counter. She didn't seem happy to be serving my daughter and I, she seemed short on words or greetings. I dismissed it at first. It was our first time ever exchanging books for money so we were a bit hopeful for guidance. The cashier however, offered none and her body language discouraged me from asking anything of her. She refused to offer me service because I didn't have my driver's license, I presented my veterans ID card but she refused. I stayed calm because I understand that proper ID mattered to her, so I left the store, went back home and retrieved my driver license and returned to the store. She offered zero small talk and seemed even more upset that I returned. I was desperately trying to keep a smile on my face as this was a learning opportunity in finance for my daughter, I didn't want to ruin my daughter's excitement. The cashier told us that we could only turn in 3 books at a time and only 1 exchange per day. So my daughter and I chose 3 books and presented my driver's license. The cashier asked for my email and telephone number with a demeaning tone of voice and zero friendliness. I wanted to walk out but it would ruin my daughter's learning. So I held it together. Finally the books were turned in for evaluation, the cashier turned her back and walked away from us while mumbling something. Of note, the cashier was wearing a black cloth face mask, the entire time, so it was difficult to hear her although her body language and eyes spoke volumes! About an hour later, I received a text stating that the books were evaluated and I could cash out. I hoped the entire drive back to 2nd and Charles that the unkind cashier would be on a break and we'd get someone different. But, there she was, talking to another client only that client had a bin filled with books in it and the cashier accepted the bin! That's when I lost my patience and empathy for her. When it was my turn, she shoved the receipt towards me, did not greet me, she said to take the receipt and go to the other cashier. I didn't say a word to her. I waited patiently in line at the other cashier and when I was attended to I asked for a manager. The cashier#2 said that he was the manager. I told him my experience and even pointed out others turning in bins filled with books. The rude cashier said that she told us it was 3 bins of books and denied that she told us only 3 books. Perhaps the face mask may have muffled what she said but there was no mistaking her aggressive, unfriendly, unhelpful body language and tone of voice. Of note my daughter and I are women of color and the cashier is white. I have racked my brains for another reason she would have to have treated us so poorly but found none. If you are a person of color, please be aware of this location branch of 2nd&Charles. Horrible...

DO NOT GO HERE! OR SELL HERE! Literally had the worst experience trying to sell some books here. The day I dropped off the girl told me I’d be a little over an hour so I went across the street to Costco came back waited in the parking lot for an entire hour because I haven’t gotten my text message yet, finally went in just a check and she was just twiddling her hair and talking to her boyfriend at the far counter instead of doing my order. So I said, “is there anyway that you will be able to finish today, I don’t live very close to here.” She said not likely I’ll have to come back tomorrow. Mind you it was only 6 PM. So I said, OK that’s fine. I called the following day just to make sure my order was ready because again I never got a text message when it was, the girl on the phone told me it was and I can come pick it up. I get there 30 minutes later, and their systems had just shut down and so they could no longer do buy backs. That was pretty frustrating, but I understand because it’s out of control. However, their attitudes were horrendous. There was a gentleman and a young girl working and the attitude they had even though they were the ones who could no longer service me, although I had just called and they told me to come and pick it up, was outrageous. But again the issue with computers was out of their hands, their attitudes, however, were definitely their own responsibility. In fact, there was an older woman they’re looking for Nicholas Sparks books, and again the girl behind the counter, had such a bad attitude with her. She was unwilling to help her. She just pointed in an ambiguous direction and said “they’re over there.” She was so rude to this older woman! Anyway, I go home and decide to try again the next day. This time I go, and they lowball me pretty bad, which was expected. But again a new group of girls was working and the attitudes were horrendous. They forgot to include one of my items in the payout price they offered, and when I asked if they could check on it now before I leave, they said no that I have five orders in front of me. Which is crazy because this is day three since I dropped off, so wouldn’t my order technically be in the front of the line? And they said that they forgot that item because they almost miss, placed it because it wasn’t with the rest of my things. And then when I got my stuff back because I decided not to sell because of all of the horrible experiences thus far and for the lowball offer, they lost one of my items. When I said OK, well you made me give my thumb print and fill out a Jacksonville police report to come in yet you lose my item and you’re not responsible for that? And she said “exactly.” so if you bring in your stuff and they lose it, it is on you. When you first get there and you have to sign in, you are signing away all of your stuff. There is a very small sentence at the end of that sheet where you sign in that says “we are not responsible for lost or stolen items” which is just insane because they are the ones who lost it! I’ve attached a picture of the form below. Trust me for the penny’s they offer you, it is not even worth your time bringing it in. This has literally been the worst experience I’ve ever had at a Store in my entire life. I 100% will...

We went last night. The free book bins at the front is a neat idea. I grabbed a book for my son and I for later and its in great like new condition! When we first walked in it was a bit overwhelming. There are little pockets of "gimmicky" stuff everywhere and if I were going to this store for a particular book I think it'd take a while to find. They sell instruments here which i thought was neat. After we got our bearings I enjoyed the variety of products. Especially if you like Video games/Anime. They have a wide assortment, but the prices are retail. Look on Amazon first. Unless you can find used, then the prices are fairly cheap/reasonable. Numerous employees EVERYWHERE. This wouldnt be a bad thing if they werent looking at me like I was trying to steal something. rolls eyes. The clearance section(s) had some hit or miss prices/things. Their favorite price in that store Ive noticed is $3.00 lol. After an hour or so a soft spoken employee approaches me to tell me they will be closing in 30 minutes. Their intercom doesnt work. That was only the start of the downhill slope of an experience here. We make our way to the front to checkout and they have two cashiers. Usually wouldve been fine, but the people who were checking out in front of us had stacks and I mean stacks of comic books each. There was a third register empty (in between the two that were being used). Two and I mean TWO employees (one appeared to be a manager) were behind the counter and made eye contact with me multiple times. Were they going to come check us out? Nope. We waited nearly ten minutes. When we finally were able to check out, their card machines werent working in the sense that you insert your chip/slide your card. Instead I had to type out ny entire card number, exp date, and cvv code to complete my purchase. This wouldnt of been an issue or even a bother if I hadnt already been agitated by my unneccessary wait.

In conclusion: Jacksonville needed a store like this. Reminds me of Half Priced books back in Texas. I dont believe they were ready to open yet (card issues/Intercom issues/ Organization issues). Another week wouldve done them good. We'll try again in a couple weeks. Hopefully the kinks will be worked...