I had an interesting conversation with a thrift store owner today:
I was looking for some VHS. He had some. So I ask him how much they were. He says, $3...$4...maybe $5. So already I can tell he's looking to take me for a ride, but I keep it to myself and keep looking around.
I find some old Fangoria magazines. I ask him how much they are, he says they're marked on the back. So I look: $8.95 and $9.95...no freaking way am I paying that for some old magazines. So I politely say no thanks, and put them back. He asks me, "What's the problem? Too pricey?" I say, "Yeah, a little." He asks me, "How much were you thinking?" I say, "Honestly, I thought you were going to say a $1 or $2." He says, "Well then I wouldn't make a profit. That's the price they go for on eBay." So I respond with the obvious, "Then I can just go to eBay." He replies with, "Yeah, so you can just sit there and do nothing and get what you want on your little computer." At that point, I'm a little dumbfounded and I say, "Yeah, exactly, why would I bother with going to thrift shop after thrift shop if I can get it for the same price by doing nothing, like you said." He says, "You can help your fellow neighbor out." At that point I just say thanks, and walk out. He's still ranting about something as I'm walking out, but I can't make out what he's saying anymore.
Just, wow. I mean, I can understand trying to make as much profit as possible, but to try and shame your customers because they don't want to pay full price is pretty outrageous.