Today I am stopping the busy Wednesday work to write a note to both say goodbye to someone and a little more. A casual customer named Sam has moved away due to changes in his life. Though these are good reasons, it brings a sadness to me as another small piece of my life is leaving to.
I wanted to say thank you, wish him the best in his journey and also extend a hopeful welcome that he will visit again given the opportunity.
A little more… Comic Book Store workers are people. We often grow comfortable with customers and sometimes even consider them more friends or acquaintances than patrons. A tough line to walk as things can often change both for reasons like Sam’s, or instances happen that do not go so well. I mention this as Sam was kind enough to stop in during a busy day prior to departure just to say goodbye and thank you. That actually is very important to myself, the staff here and I think most small businesses in general.
I’ve been at this for 20 years, I like to think the service is only the beginning of our combined journey and that if it does end, for good or bad reasons, it isn’t with just a disappearance act. 39 people in the past 20 years have left without “goodbye, you s***! or I have to quit because…” and one has past away. I can tell you that number because I remember you all for who you are as I am sure Jon, Keith, Jaime or whoever your past or current Comic Dealer is.
Take care Sam! Hope to see you soon.
Jesse, first off Happy Holidays!
I decided to check out your blog as I was finishing up selecting my title for my pull list and when I read this post it struck a chord with me.
I’m grateful that you put in all the hard work, take the financial risk and burden of running the store where we buy comic books. I’m amazed that you find the time out of your busy schedule to talk to us when we come in.
Over the years that I’ve been coming to the store, I’ve gotten to know you and your family. And I know its hard to put yourself out there to make those close connections with your customers when you know that they could just up and disappear never to be heard from again. But please keep it up, it’s what makes coming to the store so very much enjoyable.
So I just wanted to give a heart felt thank you to you.
Thank you Greg. I wish I had a button I could push to stop the rest of the world and focus on the person in front of me. I value you as well and am always glad you take a minute to talk and hang around. Good conversationalist are treasured.