I am updating a previous 5-star review based on recent experiences. Please note in my previous…read morereview how I specifically address the fact that the business owner is willing to negotiate on prices and commonly gives discounts on large quantities. This is important for the information below
Quick take: If you decide to try Hi-Bred, I hope you have deep pockets. And don't forget, the owner is always right, never the customer.
Back story:
I have shopped at Hi-Bred nearly two dozen times over the past 9 years. In the past, when the owner (Shawna) was located at her previous space near Walnut Hills, I really enjoyed visiting her. The selection was good and the prices were fair. Nearly every time I purchased with her she would negotiate on bulk sales and willingly offered discounts for items that had issues; loose buttons or tiny tears. As is common with vintage clothing stores in Cincinnati (Pixel 19 vintage, RAD OTR, etc.) the more clothing you purchase the more willing they are to offer a bulk discount... some places even advertise this.
The last few times I had been to Hi-Bred I left disappointed with the selection, the prices, and inclusion. However, I kept returning in hopes I was visiting on an off day. As the operator of a small family owned business myself, I understand the stress of an operation such as this... and we all have bad days. I get it. However, I also know this is the career I picked and that fair prices, patience, and kindness are the ingredients to success. Sadly, these critical ingredients are now missing at Hi-Bred.
More details about the owners communication:
The last three times I had been in, Shawna seemed very unwelcoming. I totally understand having an off day and was sad to see her so distant. I hoped that she would return to her friendly self in time. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case. On my most recent trip I brought up a trench-coat I wanted to buy and asked for the price as the tag had fallen off. I soon realized that I had seen the tag on the floor and brought it up to the front. The tag was indeed for the coat in question, it was $150 which I communicated to her. She then proceeded to print out a new price tag and re-labeled the jacket for $200, $50 more than it was when I walked into the store. How does math like this work? A customer is interested so you raise the price?
I have spent a lot of time and money here. I would estimate that I have made a dozen different transactions at this establishment since my first visit in 2015.
The vast majority of these transactions saw some sort of discount for one or all items. She was always willing and happy to negotiate when I purchased several items at once. So on my most recent visit I attempted to once again negotiate, as we had always done, to buy four items.
Some Buttons were coming loose on a cardigan so I hoped that she may discount the item accordingly. However, before I could finish speaking she cut me off and told me that I was being rude for even asking. She followed up with stating that she wouldn't come to my place of business and ask for a discount.
I found this extremely distasteful. Shawna has no idea what I do for business. In fact, customers come in all the time asking for discounts, samples, free goods, etc.
In the real world, negotiation is the definition of business. We negotiate our insurance rates, supplier fees, royalties, contract prices, and much more.
Shawna continued and carried on stating that the cost of rent was so high where she was located and the pandemic was extremely challenging for her... As if she had been the only person to go through it. And how am I, a customer, supposed to know your rent rates?
Shawna isn't the same friendly person I use to do business with. I understand recent struggles as a small business owner, but one thing I would never do is take my frustrations out on my customers! Why bite the hand that feeds you?
The owners comments about the cost of living and the cost of rent were extremely tone deaf and hypocritical. The customer isn't responsible for your rent rates, you signed the contract.
Sad to see Hi-Bred is a shell of what it use to be. Best of luck, I hope you can bounce back
