Why?

Why is it...

That I run an After Christmas Sale every year and every year it gets harder and harder to get people to participate in the paying it forward aspect of my sale. 

I give an overly generous discount if you bring things for the local food pantry.  I honestly have people coming through the door and are put out with me when I won't give them the discount without a contribution to the food pantry.  

If you buy Christmas Items you don't have to bring anything to get the discount on those items but I always say that it would be greatly appreciated if you did.  Nope, Nada, Nothing.... People walk through the door, buy Christmas Items, and don't care that they could help someone less fortunate then them... It is always the same... What can you do for me?  It bothers me to no end.  Seriously, you cannot bring anything, not one thing.  And then you can be pissed off at me when I won't give you a discount on your non Christmas Items if you don't have a donation... Smarten Up Idiots!!!!  I don't have to give to you if you cannot follow the rules.  One canned good, bigger discounts if you bring more.... these are not hard things.... 

When did this world of ours become so self centered?  When did we all become so all about what we want that we can't see the reward in helping others?  When did we decide that we would take full advantage of going out of business sales when we never set foot in the door while they were in business? 

Christmas will be leaving my store quickly so that I can get back to not doing anything extra for the people that treat me bad.  I am generous to a fault.  It will probably put me out of business some day, but at least I will go down doing for the people that shop locally, that support my small business and helping the people that are LOYAL to my business. 

If I ever have to have a going out of business sale....don't worry, I will be calling all of my loyal customers first to get the best deals for they are the ones that deserve them.  

Don't get me wrong, if you can't afford to bring things for the food pantry I understand.... but when you can spend $30, $60, or hundreds of dollars on Christmas things, you should be able to bring a couple of cans of vegtables for the food pantry.  

Exhaustion!!!!

This time of year, for any shop owner is exhausting.... 

Please don't be offended by this blog, it is written strictly as a way to vent, a way to let go of the things I cannot change.. It helps me to not be in tears with every little thing that life throws at me as a business owner.  It is written so that others can get a good laugh ( or cry) and enjoy a smile, sometimes at my expense, sometimes at the expense of others. Read it, enjoy it and let it go...

All we can hope for is that we have chosen well, so if you think we have please tell us.... because in truth, you have no problem telling us when you are unhappy with the choices we have made.  

You tell us by your eye rolls, your sighs, your statements of you used to carry 2 years ago... 

If you only knew how hard it is to run a business in this economy and this day and age.  

We continuously run sales and take out of our profit to give to you, because you demand that we keep up with the BIG BOX.  You let us know that you can get it cheaper online. You KNOW, or at least you should, that WE (the small business owner) does not pay the same price for things as AMAZON, WALMART, TARGET or THE CHRISTMAS TREE SHOP.  I know it is easy to shove your head in the sand and think that you are  a thrifty shopper, that you are getting the best deal for your family.  I understand the tough times... more than most of you do.  I haven't taken a paycheck for years... I haven't been able to buy new clothes for myself, literally I am wearing today all items that I have had for at least 4 years.... the shoes, the pants, the shirt and the fleece.  And that says nothing about my underwear...   I know TMA but the truth hurts sometimes and when you come in here and try to get me to give you things for less then what I even paid for them... maybe this is the info you need to grow a conscience.  Maybe you should realize that some are STRUGGLING business owners that need to make choices for our families too.  Walk in my shoes before you judge me because I say NO to you for wanting to much from me.  Put yourself where I am (the exact spot) when I have to wonder where the money is coming from to pay for all that you are looking around at in my store... It didn't come free, I am not sure what makes you think I pay pennies on the dollar for these items.  I am sorry that I no longer can carry all the items that you are picking up at the bargain stores.  I am sorry that you need that one other ornament that you couldn't find down to the discount store but we had to stop carrying them because the BIG companies are selling off their overstock to discount stores instead of to the people that have kept them in business all these years... (about then you roll your eyes) because you don't care about a reason....you just care that I don't have what you want..... Learn some patience people, because over the years we have had to have some patience for you too....  

We have tried to tell you where you can find things, because small business owners are helpful and kind, that isn't enough.  Your tired and exhausted and worried about how you are all going to pay your bills too.  How your going to come up with the money for Christmas, or how you will heat your home all winter, pay your mortgage, buy food.  SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS have those same worries too.  So please put your happy face on and play nice... because the world is bigger than just you.  If you can't do that than don't be surprised when we give back at you the same as you are giving towards us.