The welcome mat is out

I saw a story in the news this morning about a specialty grocery store in Australia. It seems they are tired of folks coming in their store, looking at their products, and then leaving without buying anything. So, they have put up a sign saying there's a $5 "just looking" fee.If you buy, that will be subtracted off the total.

Ok then. Wonder how they feel about the backlash they have received world wide? This is just the type of thing that spreads through social media like wildfire.

I had a customer tell me one time that she had gone in a shop in our town "just to look". When she left, she heard the owner say to an employee, "I don't know why she comes in here. She never buys anything". My customer was understandably upset about that, and said she would never go in there again.

I'm sure we all have been "just lookers" at some time in our life. Maybe often times. What's wrong with that? Nothing.

Some of my best advertising has come from "just lookers". Mary Jane may not need a thing. But she has friends and family. And she may mention to them something she saw in my shop. And, it may be just what they have been looking for.

The old adage that word of mouth is the best advertising is so true. I'm afraid that specialty grocery store in Australia is about to find that out the hard way!

I extend a heartfelt welcome to all of you who come in my shop. Whether you buy. Whether you don't. The welcome mat is always out....... for everyone.

8 seconds

George and I had a new adventure last night. We went to a PBR event. In case you don't know, PBR stands for Professional Bull Riding.........

I have no idea why anyone would want to do that for a living. Or for a hobby. Or for any other reason. But they do. And let me tell you..... those cowboys are tough.

8 seconds may not seem like very long when you are going about your daily routine. But 8 seconds on the back of a bull? An eternity. And it only ends one way. With that cowboy being thrown off. One way or another.

 

But they come back for more. No idea why. But they do. And, they put on a very entertaining show in the process! We really enjoyed it. We've seen it on TV, but that's not quite the same.

 

We've never been to a rodeo either, but it's on our bucket list.

 

Have cowboy boots. Will travel.



Oreo Cows

Oh, how cool are these cows? Not just any cows...

 

OREO COWS!

 

Well, technically they are Belted Galloways. But look at them! Black on both ends with a white belt down the middle.

 

OREO COWS!

 

 

They belong to Kevin & Katie who traveled most of the way across PA yesterday to buy them and bring them home. They will be going back in a couple months to pick up the heifers they also bought who are getting bred soon.

 

The 4 they brought home yesterday had never been off their farm before. They were just leading a peaceful life of eating grass and hay. Then Kevin & Katie showed up with a trailer, and the cows went from going about their daily business to riding on the highway for several hours.

 

They were not impressed.

 

So, understandably, they are also not impressed with Kevin & Katie right now. Or me & George. How did I get close to them to take their picture? I didn't. Camera zooms are lovely little devices are they not?

 

Most of the day, this is what we saw if we got remotely close to the beautiful Belties:

 

 

There were lots of opportunities to get shots of their backsides. With the zoom.

 

But by the end of the day, they were getting somewhat used to us. Somewhat being the operative word. But there was progress.

 

And that's a good thing.