Mojo Books & Records

Reviews 3

JA

James Orr

Terrible first experience and completely unprofessional. On Wed July 20 at around 4:30ish I brought in about 150 books, (I called to make sure there was no limit, they said no), and about 20 cds. I was told to set the books on the floor, (weird), and then was complained at because I set them...in the isle...on the floor where I was specifically pointed to and told to set them, because I was trying not to box them in. Very little enthusiasm or info given, I just stood there waiting for some kind of acknowledgement. I was then just told to go browse. I brought in a lot of precisely the books asked for on the site, namely sci fi, religious, (no not billy graham type crap), classics, history, technical non fiction, philosophy, a few current textbooks, and even a rare 1978 leather bound 4 volume set on UFOs, the kind of stuff a cool kid bookstore would presumably be interested in. All non-library. I added in a few kids books as well. Many of the cds were specialty rare/unusual albums and all in great shape. After about 12 minutes they proceeded to get my attention as I walked back up, who knows when they actually stopped looking at my items, and I was informed there was nothing they would buy today....not one...out of 150 books or so and 20 cds. Now I have traded w used book stores many times, I just moved to the area, but had no illusions all or even half my books/cds would be taken. But not one? But after the listless way I saw him casually and arbitrarily eyeballing my stuff with no form or reason, I was shocked at how he described my stuff as not what theyre looking for...yet 80% was specifically what they advertised as wanted on their site. (My sister brought in a large amount as well, but I cannot account for the content of hers. But you guessed it, they took nothing of hers either) The blonde headed person who helped me had the enthusiasm of a brick wall, spoke in such a low whisper tone that I could hardly hear them, (no Im not old), I am sure they got a really thorough view of my 150 books after maybe 10 minutes, and was apparently more interested in continuing pricing the books on the shelf than anything to do with me. Completely unprofessional and acted like I brought in a bunch or romance novels and steele/grisham crap. Dont advertise you buy books when it seems you dont. If I were the owner Id make sure this person had little to no interaction with customers, unless it was just me they decided to barely acknowledge. If this kind of arbitrary and unprofessional and inefficient method is the norm than Ill just say what a terrible method, but Id have to assume my experience was an anomaly. This was especially awesome after I drove 45 min to get there. Only other thing I could say is I hope the person who was there was not the owner, or all hope is lost. What a joke.

GA

Gabrielle Miller

I went here some years ago to sell some manga I didnt want anymore. I went to the person on staff and told them Id like to see what Id get for them. He took the books and went to some backroom (to see how much the prices were for buy-back I assumed). He came back with one of the volumes I had and told me they couldnt take it and that I could either get $15 in cash or $20 in credit. I was a bit ticked off because he had already taken the books and shelved them when I had told them I wanted a quote. The price was ridiculous as well. I brought in 30 books which sold for $10 a piece at any bookstore (thats $300 worth right there). They were giving me less than a dollar a piece! I could have sold them elsewhere for more (a manga buy-back place also in Tampa) but my books were already gone. I dont know how buying from them is but I certainly would never sell to them again. Edit: So I discovered that what appears to be the co-owner of Mojos books (Drummund Danny) had hunted me down on Facebook to argue about the rating I gave the store. I just found his message today (I guess theres an "other" folder on Facebook). His response is as follows: "Hello Why would you write some negative review about something you said happened to you several years ago? Do you just have so much time on your hands. Or maybe you work at a competing store or business ? I really dont understand. Anyway no one would have shelved your books unless you accepted an offer first. You must have had regrets later. You are an adult right? so you can either take or leave any offer but dont go falsely accusing us because you had seller regrets. Also there is no back room either, just a shelf of manga we walk back to and see if we need a particular title. What is the real story here? I would really like to know." The story is that whoever was working at the time took and shelved my books before giving me an offer. He took my books, disappeared, came back with one (they had too many) and then told me what they would give me. If I had known the amount before hand I would have passed but I had felt uncomfortable asking for my book backs since they were already gone. Because of the owners very childish harassment Ive changed my review to a one star.

PA

Paul Darnell

Mojos is a gem in terms of its record and book selection, with hip offerings ranging from The Beatles on vinyl to Murakami on paper. However, their café is severely lacking in barista competency. Whoever set up the bar in Mojos is quite knowledgeable considering they have everything: a three-group Simonelli, a excellent espresso grinder, an ek-43, two yama cold brew towers, and everything youd need for an amazing slow bar (Overkill, yes. But I love it!). They also offer coffees from our local heavyweight roastery, King State, as well as Counter Culture! Ive been here multiple times and each time its the same experience. This time in particular, I ordered a Cortado from the nice girl behind the bar. After I ordered, a few people came in with some books and records, so she began helping them. I understand that she has to help her coworker, so I took my time, but after she returned to the coffee bar (10 minutes, no joke) I realized she had forgotten about my Cortado (Im the only coffee customer at this time, BTW) so I politely reminded her about it. If I had a sound file of how she was steaming this milk I would attach it along with the pictures and it would be apparent what Im talking about. It was at this time that I realized she used the shots that she pulled prior to helping everyone (10 minutes ago) because she didnt regrind or engage the espresso machine! Thats unacceptable, the milk was unacceptable, and the poorly extracted espresso was too. I dont say this to deter anyone from coming to Mojos because its great, I just think the owner of the coffee bar should be made aware that time and time again this particular barista demonstrates a lack of understanding and craftsmanship in regards to coffee. A well trained barista in this environment would be in heaven, but Ive watched this baristas development over the last few months and theres been none. The head foam on this Cortado, the terribly steamed milk, and the light coloration of the espresso in the pictures all serve as indications of my experience and Im sure that the owner of the bar could benefit from this information.