Bookish Friends...
This week, I intended to write a more upbeat letter. I don't know about you however; I'm really tired of talking about all our challenges, missteps and woes. The truth is, we're more than our trials and tribulations. We're so much fun, vivacious and eccentric. Yet, the current reality necessitates a more grim report.
Every other day, Ryan is greeted by piles of returned books. I know I mentioned this before however; I feel inclined to raise the issue again. Imagine seeing this every other day. Imagine working until 3am only to find your hard work waiting at your doorstep. Imagine searching through each order to ensure we used the correct address, seeing that we did and having to accept the reality that our government is making choices that are directly impacting the very same small businesses they profess to want to support and revitalize. Imagine seeing multiple claims for items never received although the order was placed weeks ago and the package is sitting at a USPS distribution facility waiting to be scanned.
Imagine being defenseless in the face of it all.
That's my almost daily reality as I send emails about refunds.
"The Personal is Political."
There is no way for me not to feel incensed at the absurdity that is our current administration. It's a damn joke except it isn't funny! Folx have asked why not move to UPS? The truth is, at this point, they're more reliable. For sure, they would be better for business. This is where the "the personal is political" begs me to evaluate my values. Are my personal values mutually exclusive from my business values? Some say yes - they must be separate. However, my values is what brought me here in the first place. Here's what rings in my head:
George O'Malley from Grey's Anatomy who said...
"you don't cross the picket line."
I am a person of the people, for the people and my success has been bolstered by the people. USPS is grassroots. They've been the gateway to the middle class for many working class and immigrant families including mine. They've paid for college and bought homes for folx who were too afraid to even dream of owning a piece of the american dream. They are the only couriers to rural areas and as my Brother/Friend Surendra said, "people who rely on their medications being delivered via USPS literally can be between life and death." This is how integral their role is in our everyday lives and american herstory. They are the real deal.
And, they deserve for us to fight like hell for them. To go private is to play into the hands of what capitalistic america wants us to do: privatize public, union supported, good paying, great benefits providing government jobs.
I will not cross the picket line. So, no to UPS at this point.
A message to everyone filing claims for packages not received, I totally understand. In return, I need you to understand this is BIGGER THAN YOU AND ME. There is nothing more important to us than for you to receive your packages on time and in tip-top shape. We are a small business; every customer matters and it only takes one to tip the scales. The latter is especially true for Black owned businesses. However, this situation is completely and wholly out of our control. While I'm tired of apologizing for a reality that to me feels urgent and pressing beyond my business; our democracy is under vicious attack, I do understand your concerns. So, I will continue to apologize with sincerity.
"I am sorry that you haven't received your book friends."
Our team is working hard with Ingram to track packages (oh by the way, Ingram's system to search tracking numbers has been down for over a week so we've had to call for each order. Wait time: 15+ minutes to speak to a representative + add whatever number greater than 5 to get answers). When it rains...
Listen, I did not open a Feminist bookstore because it was easy and in demand. Lol. I chose a Feminist niche because from a very early age, I somehow realized that every single thing I and the other womxn in my life were experiencing was connected to something larger. You not getting your books, as small of an issue as that may seem, is a result of larger political agendas. Please remember that when you're annoyed. I support whatever you feel compelled to do however;
just remember the intentional slowing down of mail = no book deliveries-
remember from now until November!
I know I will cause nobody messes with by books!
love always, kqd.
