DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have an online shop and am able to keep a high rating due to reviews from customers who are, thankfully, very kind. It’s important to keep the highest rating, as that attracts buyers to my shop. I am also rated by the selling platform in several areas, one of which is how quickly I answer messages. I can usually figure out something kind to say to my customers. However, every once in a while, I get someone who just wants to rant, mostly about the prices of goods in my shop. I guess these people don’t understand that I have to buy the things I sell, and can only sell them cheaply when I can buy them at a very reasonable price. When that doesn’t happen, some people want to unload their anger on me. I get hateful messages asking who I think I am to ask such outrageous amounts. I would just ignore them, but to keep my top rating, I have to answer. I want to be polite, but I am sometimes tempted to reply, “No one is forcing you to buy this. If you don’t like the price, you are free to shop elsewhere.” I would prefer something firm — some of these people want to start a fight and keep fighting.
GENTLE READER: “Do you know other shops that are able to get these items and sell them for less? Because I’d love to ask them how they do it.”
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, [email protected]; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)