Way Back When Antique & Collectibles — Local services in Margate

Update: I got a reply, then the review was once again deleted. Below is my original review, followed by my response to the initial reply.

Let me preface by saying I typically don’t write reviews, but I felt it was necessary in this situation. The store is really well put together and the collection of items is overall awesome. Would give 5 stars if the owner didn’t act the way he did today. I collect vintage masks. I walked into the store and he asked what I was looking for, I said masks. He then proceeded to show me all the masks in the store, then informed me they weren't for sale. No harm, no foul. I continued to look around a bit, then went to look at the masks once more. Now, I'll admit, I shouldn't have done this, but I reached up to lightly touch one of the masks. Once again, shouldn't have done this since he told me they weren't for sale. I'll cop to that. He must've been watching me like a hawk, because the second my finger grazed it, he came at me like a maniac in front of other customers. Sounds harsh, but that’s the only way to describe it. The way he reacted you would've thought I took the mask off the shelf and hocked a loogie in it right in front of him. He said some seemingly arrogant and somewhat cringey stuff that really made him appear as if he thought he was better than everyone else, as if we're not all just a bunch of misfits and nerds who hoard plastic and rubber. I was pretty stunned, walked around for a few more seconds, then left the store. I had never experienced anything like this before in any sort of retail establishment. I Would've called him on it right then and there, but just being realistic the dude was twice my size, in my opinion had a threatening aura, and could've broken me in half with one finger if he wanted to, so I swallowed my pride, remained silent, and didn’t take the risk. Us collectors are a very niche part of society. When people act like this in the community it really makes us all look like absolute dunces. Saying "hey, I'd appreciate if you didn't touch that" would suffice, and would’ve been, at least in my mind, much easier. If that's how it went I would've apologized, most likely bought something, and went on my way. But that's not how it happened, unfortunately. Maybe he was having a bad day, I don’t know. You never know what’s going on in someone’s personal life. Regardless, this is far from a professional way to run a business and interact with customers. I was absolutely flabbergasted, humiliated, and just short of appalled. I cannot emphasize enough how aggressive this reaction was. I was quickly approached, cornered, yelled at in an accusatory manner, and I’d almost say berated. In hindsight, yes I made a faux pas, and yes, I apologize sincerely for not having the foresight to see that what I did was not acceptable, no matter how minute it may have been. However, being treated as if I committed a crime against humanity was a bit much. Way out of pocket. I wrote a much more patronizing and scathing review on Yelp earlier in the heat of my anger, but have since deleted it due to having time to cool down and collect my thoughts, and most importantly to express this in a more professional and tasteful manner. Hope all is well, and I guess this can be taken as a learning experience for all parties involved, however I can’t in good conscience not share my experience at the store. We’re all in this hobby together. We’re a very niche group and would greatly benefit from cooler heads prevailing in many aspects of this incredible interest we all share.

I appreciate the reply, however it fails to acknowledge any of the content of my review. In my opinion, it even seems to imply that I’m making things up. I apologize if I’m incorrect about the intention, however this leaves an even worse taste in my mouth. Regardless of other positive reviews, my experience was my experience. All I’m asking for is acknowledgment of the situation, an apology, and assurance that this will be made right. Not necessarily by me but by interactions with future...

i wanted to start off this review by saying that lol i’ve never actually done this before but as a nerd and a lover of all things media and culture i’d like to say the store was genuinely so beautiful, i was so impressed with the collection from the amazing 70s vinyl records, 80s-90s cartoon and tv memorabilia, comics, and all kinds of video games from multiple generation. it was beautiful, i just feel like the owner doesn’t do such a great job making his store feel very inviting, he would get defensive every time you’d question the prices, then proceeded to ask me what my most expensive game was and i answered like 180 or something and he’s like “well you wouldn’t sell it for 50 bucks would you?” all for legend of zelda ocarina of time (grey cart) which online tends to be around 30-40 bucks but was selling it for 60? he then proceeded to say that “i don’t treat this place like im a businessman i treat it like a collector just someone who loves what he owns” and it’s like lol i think you should be owning this place as a friend. we’re all here for the same reasons, we like the same thing, there’s no real reason to brag to me about how you’re on some netflix show or when i asked “is it possible if we can connect one of these consoles up before purchase to confirm?” and you’re like “i wouldn’t be selling it if it didn’t work” and it’s like bruh i just wanna see with my own 2 eyes as a collector if this works. the place was super far from where i live and then to just be lil bro’d the whole time was kinda lame. i did see some decent prices for some gamecube games and i did purchase, i had been wanting them for a long time so i went ahead and as well helped a local business owner. i love retro stores and i want them to strive and i want to support this business but this dude was just not the nicest cup of tea. even other friends of mine who went by the store said the same thing, again its truly wonderful and an amazing collection i just don’t think you should have so much pride and should be more inviting, everyone who walks through your door should be a friend. we just want to find a place where we can feel like wow this is for me but you just made it feel like it wasn’t even possible cuz of how much attachment you have for all your toys and games lol, i respect how knowledgeable and passionate you are but damn u treated me like a lil jit to be honest and i don’t know bro i thought that was lame, not really sure if id go again cuz it was so far from me, but it really was a cool store, anyone who lives in the area and is passionate about this stuff you should come check it out, i truly truly love the set up, just felt like dude wasn’t incredibly friendly. im a nice guy tho im always going to be kind, i wanna love this store and i want it to succeed cuz we dont have many places like this in soflo but that was just my personal experience, by all means if you love this stuff, check it out, just wanted to share my thoughts...

Up until recently I would visit way back probably 1-2 a month during my ventures to other neighboring shops, but this most recent experience will be my last. During my latest visit I overheard the store owner Joey bad mouthing another local store to another customer. Prior to that I stopped by during their stores flea market event they held last month and I was told about their YouTube channel which I gave them a follow and viewed a few videos. I don’t think Joey realizes that the people who actually watch his videos are the same ones who visits his store. Bragging about giving someone $200 for thousands of dollars worth of collectable toys? This is right after he opened the video up stating how he was here for collectors. Then there’s the video where he bashes another store. This is where the conversation I overheard came into play because i knew exactly who they were mocking in the video. It’s sad that I had to find out who he really is this way. The owner Joey is very unprofessional, childish, and obviously has a need for attention. It’s crazy because the older gentleman Dale and his wife Nilda are so nice not too sure I would want a business partner like that.

Update after his response: Nice response! It’s only 150 5 star reviews because you call people to bury the negative reviews like you did to mine but that’s ok people will still filter it. Not everyone that leaves a bad review is harassing you maybe you need to look to improve your attitude and not be so unprofessional. I am well aware that nilda is your partner as I stated that in the review. I never complained about Del he’s always been helpful. Bragging about taking $200 for a massive collection is not respecting collectors regardless of...