This is an actual interaction with a person who walked into the gallery this week…….
I'm thinking about writing another how to book.......
Customer: I’m looking for Ian Russell. Is he in today?
Me: No, but can I help you. My name is Rich and I’m Ian’s partner here.
Customer: Well, I saw Ian’s brochure on print reproduction at another shop. I’ve written a story and I have photography to go with it. I want to publish it as a book. You can’t help me with that, I need to speak with Ian.
Me: Actually, I do the print reproduction work here. The brochure was for R.L. Charpentier Photography, right?
Customer: Yes, that was the brochure, but you can’t help me. Ian does that.
Me: Well, I’m the one who does the computer work and print setup. But we don’t do book publications. I do have a few suggestions for self publishing if you’d like me to write them down.
Customer: The brochure said you guys produced books.
Me: In my mind of course……The brochure says nothing about book publishing.
Customer: Do you know anyone who does that in town? I’ve got the story and pictures. I need someone to put it together.
Me: Nobody to my knowledge. But I do know several online companies that help authors self publish, and the costs are extremely reasonable.
Customer: So, I’d give them the information and they could make it?
Me: Well, you’d lay out the book and upload it to the self publishing company. It’s pretty easy. I’ve done it before……….at this point I got cut off.
Customer: Well, that sounds like work. I just need someone to put it together and lay it out for me.
At that point she excused herself and headed out in a huff……..
Man, I can’t wait until Mercury Retrograde is over!
Comments 7
You do get some characters that find their way into your establishment !! Isn’t retail great ? Some people just expect you to do all their work for them.
Author
I think the “meeting characters” is a total feature of retail. I’ve met more characters in the past few years. Back in the wireless engineering days you’d meet a few characters but not in the proportions I now meet them. 🙂
Hey Richard – I’ve got an idea for a photo shot & putting together a wireless network… Is Ian around?
Hey Ian – great blog post. You should pass this tip on to Rich! LOL 😀
Author
Hmmmm……Self Help Guru eh? Sounds like a flimsy cover for some wireless dude out of Florida. I’ll pass the message on to Ian.
And Jason……great dig for the morning too. You and SHG must be coordinating! 🙂
You should post this at http://notalwaysright.com/
You’ll have to redact all the personal info, but I felt like I was on their web page for a moment.
Author
Ha! I just checked that site out! Wonderful and funny. Another addition to my RSS reader!