Walking into either of the Fat Jack's locations for the first time one can't help but think they're in a back-issue heaven ... That is until you realize how hugely inconsiderate the customer service and overall social interactions are; you feel as though you're in an alternate universe of miserable comic book ego boys.
When visiting the Philadelphia location, you can find the 2-3 employees face down at the check out counter or in the back room listening to sports radio (in either instance ignoring you, the customer). I've spoken to the owner of both locations and I am 100% convinced his only concern is covering costs rather than building relationships for future business or creating a sub-par (let alone good) first-time buyer experience. I spoke to him after an experience at Oaklyn, which is explained in detail below.
At the Oaklyn location, you may find yourself elbow deep in cat hair/vomit/boxes if you're thumbing through back-issues. Again, huge selection of back-issues but terrible, absolutely terrible customer service and social interaction. From one working professional to another, assuming you have a job where one has responsibilities to people, this place should be the flagship store of "how not to treat people" (the word "customers" doesn't even apply as it would presume you would receive some type of welcoming or helpful service for wanting to give the store your money and business). I've witnessed the shopkeeper at this location berate a first time shopper for asking if a price is negotiable.. And this was after he condescendingly accepted the question and wanted to negotiate. The guy simply could have said "Unfortunately, we don't move on prices of our books." But instead we received a "You're crazy, that's just ridiculous, go somewhere else and try to haggle.. May be a bigger store like Walmart, why don't you go buy your books there." The comments were absolutely uncalled for. As the first time customer began leaving the store expressing he didn't need to buy the books - the shopkeeper then followed him to the front and continued to scold the first time buyer.. From this experience alone, I can say that there is a group of consumers who expressed they will not be visiting this store again. To give you additional details, Fat Jacks lost 4 individuals future business in 2 of their locations because the shopkeeper and owner was SO RUDE about a discussion, which could have been avoided, regarding a LESS than 25% discount on 4 books (a $15 purchase instead of a $19 purchase.... Yes, a $4 difference). So instead of making a sale, where the buyer would have been more than willing to pay full price, they lost a sale and future sales.
Again, the shop keeper could have said "Unfortunately, no we don't negotiate.". It's not about negotiating the prices of books, it's really about the customer interaction and how they treat people. It's almost like these stores go out of their way to treat customers like this.
In conclusion, I've been to both Fat Jack locations and will never step foot in either of them again. If you do purchase comics in the South Jersey / Philly area - go to Frankenstein Comics in Woodbury, CrossRoads in Pitman, The Comic Book Store in Glassboro and finally Ron's Comic World in Lumberton. I've been to my fair share of stores in the area but these stores, by far, have the best customer service and overall best selection... From their walls to their back issues and paperback trades - you can find amazing books and even better customer service. I hope this review was helpful! read more
