Comic Book University

Reviews 3

ST

Steve K

This poor customer service story is why there is a famous saying, "when you assume, you make an ass out of u and me." I spent all week telling my son and two of my friends about this book, and that I would get them one. I was thrilled to see this store still had 6 of them this late in the week. This was on a Sunday so the book had already been out since Wednesday. I left 2 on the rack. I was told "Im not going to let you buy that many copies" in a very discourteous almost angry tone. Then he pulled two and threw them aside. I said ok I guess I get it but why dont you just put up a sign if you want to control inventory? I was trying to get at I dont particularly like being scolded at the register in front of everyone. I didnt get that part out yet. Heres the amazing part. He said "if I wanted to put these online and sell them Id do it myself. I dont get too many poachers like you so I dont have to put up a sign I can just tell you at the register." He almost looked proud of what he said. Wow. So in the course of 30 seconds of trying to buy more books and give them more money, I was admonished publicly, he assumed that I am some kind of a "poacher" and that I am selling them online. I was so shocked I didnt even defend myself and tell him what they were for. Not that I should have to explain it to him. My wife couldnt believe it. He said he would rather make two other people happy. Well his assumption and treatment of me made me incredibly unhappy. The more I thought about it the angrier I got on the way home. A comic store is supposed to be a good experience and not one that makes you feel like you did something wrong or makes you angry. There is a reason this is not common practice at comic stores. Because its incredibly foolish even if well meaning. So I left with two copies one for my son and me, I had to tell my friends they were sold out. Its not the end of the world but thats not the point. The point is that customers should be treated with respect and a competent system should be implemented to control inventory so customers dont have to be insulted. Im pretty sure the guy who did this was the owner too. Thats the craziest part. I wont be back. Ever. I dont stand for poor customer service and their back issue selection is really really bad anyway. Even if he said something more like "Im very sorry but we have to limit the quantity of these to x amount of books" or something more professional like that, or duh put up a sign like the other stores do, this could have been even a positive review. But to get an attitude, make an assumption on someone, and be less than courteous to someone trying to buy books for their friends and family? Maybe I should have explained myself. But I was shocked. And should I really have to? Even if I was a "poacher" and those were there on Sunday, and the pull lists have been cleared, it should have been fine. Forget it. You got your last dime out of me, and I dont have to leave your store embarrassed even though I did nothing wrong ever again.

ER

Erin Cramer

One of my favorite places for all things geek...BUT...sadly one person can ruin an entire experience and both times I have dealt with Rob, the owner, I have been made to feel completely unwanted. I do see him be fun and outgoing with others, so I do not doubt he has the capability, but he seems to have his favorites. As another comment stated, "...its the small things..." The first time I dealt with Rob I asked to see some Magic cards. No one was there who knew Magic and Rob told me no one could help me. I had a tournament the next day. When I asked if he could just please look in the box marked with the set I knew it was in, I was told VERY rudely that he had already told me he could not help me and then he completely walked away. I didnt see him for a very long time and then yesterday I was in looking around. Woman was getting old cards priced out and a total Magic geek approached excitedly and asked her about her collection and if she had more. He was so excited! Yes, he was in the wrong, but he was excited. Instead of calmly explaining that this wasnt appropriate, Rob ended up yelling and accusing him of trying to steal a sale and threatened to have him removed from the store. For being excited? For asking a fellow Magic geek about the REST of her collection at home? Guy immediately apologized, but Rob was having none of it. Even the woman selling the cards was upset with Rob. He was so far out of line it was ridiculous. The guy apologized. For Gods sake. Eli and Dare are absolutely amazing, but CU has lost my business for the day if I walk in and see Rob behind the counter. He was already treating an older couple poorly when I walked in, so this was just the icing on the cake for me. This place is great, but not when he is around. Geeks are passionate about what they love, like the guy excited about seeing old cards. Geeks back each other up and understand how exciting it is to see the holy grail of their fandom. For me, an original Luke Skywalker would be mine. For this guy it was old Magic cards. Hey Rob..what do you geek? Anything? Youve made it clear to me that unless you are a comic book fan, you personally dont have time for us. You apparently know nothing of Magic or most of the game type stuff around the counter. Instead of politely sharing that, you are rude. Beginning to think all you geek is money as your treatment of the woman with the cards was equally as bad. Those were her babies and all you kept asking Eli was, "Anything we want? Anything worth it?" Youve lost site of your geekdom. I left. The woman left WITH her cards (pretty sure that says it all). The Magic Geek left. Betting he is a mixture of embarrassed and angry. I know I would be and am. I will not do business any longer with Rob. Only with Eli or Dare. They are quality staff at a great store. Its sad that the owner is the only one with an attitude problem.

A

A Private User

This is the only store left in town that has the feel of a neighborhood store rather than a franchise outlet with indifferent employees. The owner himself is there most of the time and he remembers my name and what type of books I read. The store is *much* better than it was a few years ago under a different owner. He always seems to have plenty of the new comics and the back issue selection is among the best in the city. And if he doesnt have it he will make a real effort to get it for you from another store or from off-site stock. The back issues are not automatically put in a bag and priced a quarter more than cover after a month or two on the new shelf. Ive even found some recent back issues for less than cover. Im not in to gaming, cards or action figures, but he seems to have a pretty good selection of these as well. Even if you are not on the south side, it is worth the drive once a week for this kind of friendly atmosphere and service. And no, the owner is not my cousin or anything. :) Im just a very satisfied customer.