Have you ever thrown away a precious gift? Say, like the diamonds your great-aunt gave you?
Or a question like this on your Facebook page?
“What kind of furniture do you have in your store now? My boyfriend is moving to the area and is in need of stuff for an apartment.”
My goodness, what a wonderful question to have posted on your page. Imagine how you could answer it. With a list of the merchandise you have in the shop, from sofa to bedside tables, dishes to pots and pans. You could even mention that big old framed poster you despair of ever selling, the one of muscle cars from the 70’s.
Heck, you could even do a Facebook album, showing what the boyfriend could buy for his apartment, and showing the total savings.
A precious gift. Alas, however, the shopkeeper who was given this gift simply answered in generalities. “Are you looking for a specific item? We have tables, end tables, dishes, glassware, pictures, decor. I can not remember what we have. . .”
There go the diamonds, down the drain.
PS There’s no law says you can’t ask a buddy or your sister-in-law to post a leading question on YOUR Facebook page, is there? That would let you showcase some aspect of your consignment, resale, or thrift store. Questions like “What can I wear to the Admiral’s Ball?” “I have 5 kids, how can I keep the winter coat bill under $125?” “Tell me how to make over my coffee table decor before my snooty cousin comes to visit!”
Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 
Staci, great answer. We like to try and keep a large selection, but alas, sometimes we don’t have what they think they want. We do show them items in the same type of thing they want. But if all else fails, we to have a “wish List” and we will call the customer when the item arrives.
Then I will put a call out to my consignors for the items on the wish list. Works great and lets customers know we care and are helpful.
I have explained this concept to my team as well. When a customer comes in asking, “do you have….” and we do not, the answer is always something like this, “Currently we don’t have “XYZ”, but what we do have is “ABC” (hopefully it is related to the item they are seeking). They are instructed to move from behind the counter as they are saying this to show the customer the wonderful “ABC” item. Many times, if we don’t do this, the customer just turns and walks out because we don’t have what they are looking for. Many times they don’t purchase anything (sometimes they do) but they do leave knowing we are helpful, friendly, and our store is fabulous. :+)
Staci @ Nifty Vintage & Consignment