An Interesting Day at the Bookstore

As many of my readers know, I work at a small, independent bookstore (aaronsbooksonline). Most days, I work with one or the other of my two bosses, the owners of the store. But there is the occasional day when I work alone. Today is one of those days.

I have to say, it's been interesting so far. I opened the store at ten to find a shipment of books outside on the doorstep, and a customer waiting. I brought both inside. While taking care of customer, phone rings - it's the boss with some notes for me. Listen to him, finish with customer, check "to-do" list. Enter new customers. Work on shelving new books while customers browse. One older couple and I got to talking. They were visiting our small town from Devon, England where they lead book groups. They must have stayed here an hour, browsing and chatting - and even buying. Including one of mine! When we were talking about signings, I mentioned about mine last week - and one thing led to another... :)

To be honest, I'm a horrible sales person of my own stuff because I tried to talk them out of it. Okay, not too hard, but still, they were hugely into mysteries and literary books, not YA fantasies. But they insisted, so I didn't argue. After all, the customer is always right. Right?

During that time, I also had a customer in from Connecticut, and a couple of locals, all getting something. (yay!) And a call for a special order. And a box of trade ins. And the new book order to receive. And still the to do list to get to.

In other words, not a break until now. But this is good. Grab my lunch while I check my mail and blog, then back to the to do list. I might even be able to get to it this afternoon. :)

All this on a cold, rainy day. Think I'll go find a good book to read.

Addendum: Just had a couple in from Australia looking for books on green living, ecology and sustainability - which we have. Such a lovely chat with them. Such an interesting day.