I’ve just had a quick look at eBay, and today doesn’t look like it’s going to be too busy. We certainly won’t be having any customers in the shop (that’s still two weeks away) but we may get phone calls. The one’s I really marvel at are the ones that say “I was just checking to see if you were open.”. It’s as if a year of lockdown ha passed by them without making any impression. Either that or they see a coin shop as an essential service.
They assume that because we are in the shop we are open, which, in a sense, we are. It’s like (as if you can’t tell from the title) we are in the position of Schröedinger’s cat, being both alive and dead at the same time. We are clearly open because I am answering calls on the business number, and am actually sitting in the shop. But we are closed to the public (a) because we don’t want to be responsible for transmitting the virus and (b) because breaching the rules can lead to a fine of up to £10,000. As a dealer in London was recently fine £8,000 for selling a £5 medal to someone who entered his shop uninvited while he was doing admin, it’s not a risk I want to take.
Tyhe long, narrow shop.
I’m expecting a lot of activity when w do actually open. We are already taking bookings, and have a few in the book for 12th April week. People don’t like planning too far ahead, so there will be more appointments made in the next week or two and there will be a lot of people who ignore the sign and website and come in without an appointment.
The shop is long and narrow and, with three sets of customers in, is soon crowded.
Just to think, a year ago a crowded shop was considered a good thing. Now it’s considered a health risk.
What a difference a year makes…
I hope that your customers learn to behave in a way that lets them and you do business smoothly. It is going to be a tricky restart.
They are mostly sensible,and the others are just a bit thoughtless.
I don’t think there will be any going back to the way things were, even after vaccinations. But as Laurie says, spring is here, and I am looking forward to the warm season.
Keep writing and getting those acceptances! And those beautiful photos. All good hings that are going forward, even though there are plenty of other troubles in the world.
I certainly feel like I will be taking fewer chances with my health in the future. I have seen three grocery delivery vans in th street in the last two days – we didn’t see that many in a month two years ago!
You sure got that right! It has been the year of years, with fits and starts, going forward, going backward. But spring is here, anyway.
Yes, Spring is always good! 🙂
My daughter and I went actual movie theater yesterday. It was unseasonably warm in nyc yesterday and as we walked we saw people in line for ice cream, little kids hopping along the sidewalk, frat guys doing shots at outside bars….I saw hope. Sharp difference from exactly one year ago today when we all began our state of depression
A year ago I imagine it was a bit like a war zone – I remember the reports from NY. Nice to know it’s turning a corner.
Hope….
🙂
Very wise, Quercus. I bought some printing inks recently because I had ordered them before lockdown and the woman in the shop was there for admin and telephone orders only. The door was locked and I went by appointment
It’s been a tricky time for shops. It’s a good thing we have ebay.