East Village Bookshop — Local services in Sacramento

While this bookstore is cute and local, the customer service is terrible. I've had this ongoing/recurring issue with this new change from the $25 yearly membership to the $25 one time fee for 20% off. When that new membership came up, I immediately went and bought it. I made sure as well that I had the membership and that it would be applied online as well. But every time I logged onto my account, it only brought up 10%. So I emailed them. They replied back saying I had to place an order first for them to manually go in and change it to 20% off. They said it was just for the first order, and after that, it would be applied. So I did that. When I went to pick up my book, it was only 10% off. I told them it was supposed to be 20%. We fixed it right then and there with a cash refund for the difference owed to me. They said they would bring it up to the manager. After about a week, I sent an email asking for an update because my online account was still showing me 10% off only. Another week or so passed by and I sent ANOTHER email. Still no responses. So I started calling because obviously my emails weren't getting through. Each call, someone would say "Unfortunately, I'm new but I will bring this up to the store manager so they can get back to you as soon as you can." In total, it's probably been about 2-3 weeks I've been dealing with this. I went in yesterday to pick up some more books I placed a pre-order on and when they rang me up, they told me it was 15% off. I told the supervisor "I paid for 20% off." Then she tried to gaslight me and proceed to tell me that it was only 15% off when they updated it on the Instagram page. So I went through the page and did not find any update regarding this new change from 20% to 15%. Only the paper one in store that did NOT say "revisement" or showing that it was going to be changed. The paper and in the store simply said "Pay a one time fee for 15% off." Nothing about a change. So then I tried to talk to the lady, an older woman with thick black glasses and she kept giving me attitude and saying "Well Idk what you want me to do about it" when I proved her wrong and was asking her for help with this. She just kept shrugging and proceeded to cross her hands, rest her chin on her hands, and just smile at me like I was stupid and a nuisance to her. All I was trying to do was get help and she treated me like I was a problem. I've been trying to deal with this as patiently as a I can, but if this is how I'm going to be treated as a customer, I no longer want to be associated with this store. That 20% off membership fee was such a scam and blindsided changed when there were no emails or updates on their Instagram page indicating that they were lowering the 20% to 15%. Not to mention, I haven't been getting the 20% off with any of the online orders I placed and it's always a hastle trying to...

After a couple of experiences now, I've felt I'm not super welcome there. I came in a couple times when they were new, but then not so much until this year.

I happened to pop in during a week when local bookstores were sponsoring a scavenger hunt to visit different shops all over town. They wouldn't give me the stamp or sticker without a minimum purchase. I had made a purchase, but it just wasn't over 20 bucks and I just didn't have the time or interest to shop more. Same day, they seemed to forget to mention everyone who bought something got a popsicle. A friend asked my favorite flavor, and i had no idea what they were talking about.

Recently, we had a holiday bookstore crawl, which I heard about at Capital Books. I went to get a kid gift and see what's up for the gifting season. I logged the minimum purchase for a stamp that time! But they didn't offer. I asked if I could have a cup for the (supposedly free) hot tea or cocoa. The staff person looked right through me. Ok whatever. As i was straightening up my coat and bag, I overheard the same worker, unprompted, tell the next customers about all the shop's cool perks and membership program- never offered to me! I would like to participate in something like that, but this shop probably won't be in my rotation anymore! But it's a nice spot, and I think the collection is thoughtful, and I'd like to help them stay open! So yeah... IDK. Medium...

Such an absolutely lovely bookstore! 💕

Don’t be fooled by its size — they not only have a great selection of all genres of books, they also buy & sell used books, beautiful cards, funky merch (the hand painted notebooks they sell are gorgeous!), games, handmade soaps and much more. One can custom order any book and have it delivered for free (within 2 miles) or a small fee.

Sabrina, the owner is helpful, without being overbearing and the place has ample space for reading for both, kids and adults. Every neighbourhood in the world should have a charming, quirky, comforting and welcoming bookstore like this. Yes, Libraries and bookstores save democracy! 👊🏻💪🏻

Thank you East Village Bookshop 🌻 You are one of the highlights of my trip...