Dead People's Stuff "Architectural Antiques + Design" — Local services in Oklahoma City

No one likes to be bullied, that’s a given. But it’s unacceptable when you’re a polite paying customer.

I purchased an inexpensive vintage chair on October 20th. I’d finished paying and loading it—with no offer of assistance even though it had to be carried through the store to a far side entrance because the front door access was blocked—when the manager/person-in-charge walked out to my truck and told me that he couldn’t let me purchase it. It had been mistagged—this was later disputed by an employee—and it was part of a set. He hadn’t meant to let them go separately even though they had all been priced separately with absolutely no indication they were to be sold as a set. (As a matter of fact, the chair did not even match the others—it was similar, but by no means a matching chair to the other three.) His approach was quite aggressive—nothing like a shop-keeper accosting you in the parking lot over a legitimate purchase. I’m not sure how things would have gone had I refused since the chair was completely my property at that point, but I went along with his demand—not a request, a demand.

I then had to stand in line while he argued with his employees over it, and then while he instructed them on repricing it and changing it in the computer for an imaginary future buyer. And then, while the cashier tried to figure out how to process my “return.” The whole thing was so outlandish, I was frankly shocked. Shocked that he would think he had the right to make a demand after I’d paid for a clearly marked and inventoried item. Shocked that he would throw away goodwill over a pittance. Shocked all the more that, as he walked away while I awaited the return process, he said, in essence, that he knew he was being a jerk (his word).

What he didn’t know was that I’ve personally spent quite a bit there in the past. He lost me as a future customer. I’ve sent many friends his way. He lost my referrals. My husband is a contractor for historic homes and commercial structures and always sends his clients there. He lost all of those referrals, and by extension, their referrals.

Goodwill is a fragile thing, especially these days. But, it is precious. And you, sir, were willing to loose it, willing to knowingly bully a customer, over a $65 chair. That didn’t even match the other three. I only lost a chair. You lost far more.

Oh—I was offered a 20% off “coupon” towards a future purchase. Which I was not given. It hardly seems...

There's some really cool stuff in here, but unfortunately this is one of those antique shops that expensive to the point of being a downright scam. Oil lamps are 300 dollars at a minimum, when typically at mom and pop antique stores they are closer to 25 or 60 at the upper end. There are items listed as "horseshoe decor" where the cost of a single horseshoe that's nearly entirely rusted away is $22. Strewn about the store are mass produced decor items like something you'd find at hobby lobby, for instance small, cheap plaster crosses that cost $60. Even in the section that's mostly comprised of broken things that can't be sold, a single tiny portion of a broken stained glass window was $27. Obviously, a lot of antique items are going to be pricy, but most items in this store are at least $275 dollars even for common items, and the prices only get higher from there. For the price of a single oil lamp here, you could get probably 10 or more lovely items in excellent condition from any mom and pop antique store. There's also no shortage of fake "exotic" decorations and fashions meant to mimic exaggerated ideas of other cultures.

I get the strong impression that this is one of those shops that scalps the best finds from local antique stores only to mark up the price by up to 700% or more in some cases. I find it very hilarious, however, that the only items less than $20 are the old farm tools and work equipment, you know... the only items in the store associated with the...

I want to express my extreme dissatisfaction with my recent experience at your establishment. Prior to my visit, I had reviewed online feedback expressing concerns, but decided to visit nonetheless. Unfortunately, these concerns proved to be well-founded.

My intention was to purchase several stamp books. However, I encountered significant issues. Multiple books were displayed without pricing, and upon inquiry, the employee was unable to provide any valuation. I offered what I believed to be a fair price for three specific books, based on my expertise as a stamp collector and an assessment of their apparent contents. My offer was rejected, and I was informed that a higher price would be demanded.

I ultimately purchased one book for $250. Upon closer examination at home, I discovered that a substantial number of stamps were missing, as evidenced by the original owner’s inventory list included within the book. This constitutes a significant discrepancy and renders the purchase price unacceptable, particularly considering the lack of transparency regarding the book's contents.

This experience has left me with a strong sense that the pricing and sales practices employed at your store are misleading and unfair. I strongly urge you to review your pricing and inventory management processes to prevent similar occurrences...