Unfiltered Story #250580

(I am at a chain bookstore with two names, the second name being the plural another word for “aristocratic.” It is surprisingly disorganized, in my opinion. I’m seeing a few sections of books that are unlabelled and a few that are in the wrong section, like notebooks are under calendars. I chalk it up to “I’m sure they’re just in the middle of a store reset.” I notice a table with meditation books and the likes, with a sign saying “FREE TOTE WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY TWO BOOKS.” No fine print is listed except “See a bookseller for details.” I decide to pick up one more book and head to the checkout.)

Bookseller: “Did you find everything alright today?”

Me: “I did, thank you! I did have a question about this book though. On the site, it is $6 less than here. Do you price match in store?” *Gestures to book I specifically came for, about organizing based on joy*

Bookseller: “Unfortunately, I can’t match to our site, but you can purchase it online, which takes about 5 minutes, and pick it up within the hour. I’ll just hold onto this one and give it to you once the order comes through.”

Me: “That sounds great, thank you.” *Clicks Add to Cart on my phone and begins the process as the clerk removes it from my in-store order.* “I do have another question, I saw a sign that said ‘Free Tote with the purchase of any 2 books,’ but it didn’t have any other terms. Will it apply to this transaction?”

Bookseller: *clearly confused* “What sign?”

Me: “The sign on that table over there.” *points to the table.*

Bookseller: “Show me.”

(She walks around the counter and walks with me to the table. I can see a line has started forming but luckily the other cashier is handling it fairly quickly. We see the sign and the bookseller pages over the headset while returning back to her post. I finish the online order.)

Bookseller: ” So, unfortunately, the sign is only for books on that table. Also, we don’t even have the totes, so I couldn’t give you one if I wanted to. This is actually the first I’m hearing of this.”

Me: “Really? It’s almost 8 PM? I’m surprised no one has caught it. So, that is the incorrect signage?”

Bookseller: “It would appear so. I’m sorry about that.”

Me: *tempted to push back but doesn’t want to be -that- customer* “It’s fine, not your fault. But I’d get someone to change that signage soon, as it’s false advertising.”

(We finish the transaction and I get a coupon for a b1g1 free cookie from the cafe. I meander over there to wait for my online order and treat myself. Then I browse a little more while I wait. Once the order comes through 35 minutes later, the bookseller lets me know and we finish up.” When I left, the sign was still up. How can a store not know what signs they have up? You would think that would be a specific job for an opening employee?)