Coins of Chester County, West Chester PA

I was extremely disappointed with the service I received today. I walk past this store daily and always notice the sign saying that the store buys broken or unwanted jewelry among several other items. I walked in and waited patiently due to an older couple being helped by the only staff member. The staff member seemed kind as he was getting to know the couple he was serving, asking them many questions about their life. After about 10 minutes the staff member yelled to me across the store with a stern look asking what I was inquiring about, and told me to come back in half an hour.

When I returned to the store I was greeted with only an irritated look and a harsh, "What exactly are you trying to do here? ". Nevertheless, with a smile, I politely reminded the staff member that I had several pieces of jewelry I was hoping to sell. He abruptly interrupted me and with a displeased tone asked "Is anything even marked? ", to which I replied yes knowing this is how they determine the value of each piece. I pulled out just 2 of the 15 pieces I had in my backpack. With only a glance he determined that I'd be "better off going to a jewelry store" because the pieces I pulled were "so light". I immediately replied with "Okay have a nice day", and left.

I was made to feel like my business was unwanted or not worth the staff members time. I knew the staff member was capable of good customer service due to watching him politely help the older couple before me with great patience. The way I was treated was not a shock due to the staff member being an older man, who most likely assumed I was a student due to me wearing a backpack into the store. I walked home feeling embarrassed and uneasy about my experience.

I have worked in numerous customer service roles since I was 15 years old (10+ years) and graduated with a degree in Business Management from West Chester. I have enough knowledge & experience to identify when I am being disrespected and receiving poor customer service.

West Chester is a college town, the enrolled students, graduates, and other young residents are largely what is helping the town and small businesses grow. This is not the first time (or last) I was treated differently or with disrespect due to being a young person in this town.

I hope by sharing my experience this store and others can re-evaluate the nature of service they are giving to all customers, no matter the age, gender, race, social class, etc.

I’ve been frequenting this store for about a year now with my nine year old son that is obsessed with all things coin related. Joe is patient and kind to my son (we have spent hours in the store at this point), and I believe fair in his pricing. We always have a pleasant experience and look forward to returning soon!