Around Again — Local services in Sequim

Literally, what is the point?

I was excited to try this store, someone had recommended it to me. Walking thru they had a little of everything and I was impressed at the whole "recycle, don't waste" idea. I have had mixed results, and one terrible experience that left me with a bad taste in my mouth. So, I thought... sharing is caring.

Selection is pretty good; however, I did notice one annoying thing... a lot of objects and materials I really have use for are marked as "not for sale". They hoard everything really useful or practical, but still keep them in plain view? Is this a flex? I don't get it. Clearly they're pre-screening the haul to take all the good stuff for themselves, it removes the fun of trying to find hidden gems. This is what Goodwill does, and I'm still sore about that.

Second, prices are practically the same as retail for things that for all intents and purposes were once destined to be someone's garbage. Except for old items, which are priced like antiques. There's not really any thrift or economy in any of it. It feels like a mandatory donation is added to each item, which IMHO is self-defeating because that reduces sales overall, thus failing in the implied mission to get this stuff put back to use. Again, this is stuff that people would have thrown away... think "Free" on the side of the road.

And finally, customer service. Mostly nice people, patient but I encountered an individial on my last (and final) trip to this business who can only be described as someone, for whom I can only assume that being joylessly curt and contentious is a personality type. I'm not sure if it was just rote manifestation of the typical anti-male sentiment or if everyone is entitled to such wonderful treatment, but they have a saying, and it goes 'rudeness is the weak person's imitation of strength'.

You don't have to be nice if you don't want to; after all, it's a free country. But I also can shop elsewhere. Something it seems too many small businesses are...

Great stuff here, especially if you are mechanically inclined. However, at this point, anything mainstream is grossly overpriced. The only time I ever get any deals is because I go there so often, and every once in a while somebody will price something differently.

Because of this, inventory is not moving, and the place is becoming PACKED. At this point, it seems like they are just hoarding some of it.

A key part of this operation is haggling on the prices. At least half the items are unpriced, so negotiation is required. Critical to this is the cashier. Sometimes we reach a deal easily. However, especially with this one lady whom is characteristically rude and unfriendly, I have trouble.

One time I tried to buy a damaged light.

I asked how much she wanted for it.

She said 20. WAY too much.

So I offered 10.

She did not even budge. So I walked away to put it back and she mumbled that I should go talk to this other guy who I did not obviously know by name as she thought.

He was more than happy to sell me the light for 10 bucks. Was she unable to conceit so had be go to somebody else? It's not like I was getting a steal if a deal here, just a normal price; this is am uncomfortable business practice.

Another time, I donated a lawn impliment. She asked if it ran and I said sort of and asked if she would like me to show her, to which she replies:

"No, we know how," in perhaps the most undeserved voice of sarcasm I have ever experienced.

Wait for a friendly cashier before buying an...

I like that you can find a lit if giid things here. However, the staff isn't always the friendliest and at times you can stand inside waiting for someone to help you check out. They have a button to push that rings a bell when they are not near,yet it isn't very effective. I have had at times had to hunt down someone and told them what I had wanted to purchase and offered an amount to leave inside and some are good with that while others actually become extremely rude and almost annoyed that I have even walked up to...