BookFool.com » People

Scenes from Buyback Spring 2010

Luke — Wed, 05 May 2010 19:40:57 +0000

Buybacks are rocking this semester. This promises to be our biggest semester yet! Here are some early shots coming in from around the Buyback Map.

Bottles hanging over Emory Univ. in Atlanta.

ARROOOOOOOOW!!!

ARROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!

Underground Coffeehouse. Searcy, AR.

Special Buyback Helpers at Harding.

The Harding Billboard Car.

The Harding Billboard Car, part 2.

Sewanee Rock Pose!

The NEMCC buyback team posters their car in response to the Harding team.

What do you think?

We would take more pictures but we’re too busy buying books!!!

Is it Time for Plan B?

Luke — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:28:49 +0000

Revert to Plan B (cc) Flickr user mringlein

This American Life did a fine show last year on Plan B:

There’s the thing you plan to do, and then there’s the thing you end up doing. Most of us start off our lives with some Plan A which we abandon…switching to a Plan B, which becomes our life.

Conan O’Brien got bumped to Plan B a few months ago. A lot of good people have had to revert to Plan B during this recession, and all the animals at the shelter are waiting for their Plan B to begin.

But Plan B doesn’t have to be a bad thing. How many of you have found that Plan B led to a better life than you ever imagined under the original plan?

I asked the Fools to share their plans for their lives before BookFool. It was an open-ended question, so we had a wide variety of responses. I’ll kick it off with my short entry:

Luke

My plan went Motorcycle Driver > Chef > Radio DJ > Teacher > Videographer > Marketing/Strategy. When I was a kid, I thought that people driving motorcycles up and down the highway were being paid to ride. Then I planned to be a chef and talked about that plan a lot, so much that people I knew then still ask me when I’m going to culinary school. I guess now I’m on Plan F.

Kris

I’m on Plan B.

Plan A: Play in the NBA.
Plan B: Entrepreneur, which started when my father gave me a huge wooden desk around age 6 or 7.

Accountancy was the best avenue I saw to make Plan B work. From age 6 to 14, I went back and forth between Plan A and Plan B.

Like this, only much much bigger! (cc) Flickr user H is for Home

The Story of the Desk
My father’s office of Arthur Young was closing in Fayetteville, AR, I think around 1987. He chose not to move to Austin for the company. The office was giving away all the furniture and my mom pushed my dad to take something. So he snagged a desk. He didn’t take the nicest desk nor did he take something small.

The desk landed in my tiny bedroom and quickly became the fixture of my dreams. I would site behind this tectonic slab of wood and play “store.” I had old checks from my parents I kept in the drawers that felt like real money. There’s no telling what else I had in the drawers. I know I stored my basketball card collection there.

This is the desk I use today. The desktop needs refinishing, and I’ve never had a key to lock the middle drawer, but I hope to use it for many more years.

Casey

Still on Plan A.

Nicole

Jet Fighter > State Senator > Political Legislative Assistant > Human Resources Manager > Customer Care. I thought I was going to join the Air Force and be a Jet Fighter. Then I wanted to be a SENATOR only to find that the Political World was too harsh for my kind heart, but I fell into HR, which has led me to Customer Care and I couldn’t be happier!

Lou

Well, it kinda went like this:

In High School I wanted to be a starving artist.
At the end of High School I was starving and in love!
Married and had a child soon after graduating high school.
Entered the Air Force where I would live my life with my family and the military…Plan A.

Plan B Happened….

Marriage ended in divorce.
Was introduced to Lisa, my current wife, who was also in the Air Force.
Left the Air Force to go to college for Advertising Design (starving artist related!).
Started a wonderful career in that field and progressed to management.
Landed on BookFool.com mountain and am loving every minute of it.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

YOU!

How about you? What’s your Plan B?

We Have the Best Customers

Luke — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:21:52 +0000

Businesses are made up of individuals. Obvious, right? But how often do we forget this?

(cc) Flickr user Archie McPhee Seattle

When we complain about unfair treatment, we start off mean and super-aggressive, shaking our fist and raising our voice, as if that’s the only way to get our way. And then when we get what we want, we never go back to say thanks, even if it was our own mistake that caused the problem.

We forget that it’s a real person we’re complaining to on the other end of the line.

The textbook industry has notoriously bad customer service, which is something we’re trying to change. But considering how poorly our customers have been treated by other sellers, I’m always surprised by how generous and good-humored they are to us.

Just last week, Jenise and Ashley came by to pick up a book and brought cupcakes for the whole crew so we could help them celebrate their birthdays. Happy to oblige!

Last night, I received the following email from Aundrea:

I just wanted you to know that I have been using your service for quite some time and I am VERY pleased. This semester I bought all my books using the BookFool.com service and it saved me around $500!!! I also love the buy back service that comes around to my school. When I used it two semesters ago, I was able to buy my books for the next semester with the money BookFool.com gave me for my books! Again Thank you so much for your service!!!

Last week, we received this message from Alexandria:

I love bookfool.com! You’ve been to my school to buy back books. And I love it. And I’ve ordered my books through you guys for this semester. I’ve saved about $150 so far because of bookfool.com. Continue with your greatness! Thanks!

Needless to say, receiving compliments out of the blue really makes our day. Apropos of nothing, these customers (and many more) have taken a few minutes out of their day to send us a virtual cupcake. We forward them around the office, print them out, and then work extra hard to be worthy of such praise.

Question of the Day: Who should you send a virtual cupcake to today? I guarantee you will make their day.

(cc) Flickr user Bev (Sugarbloom Cupcakes)

Dormology Chapter 2: How to be a Roommate

Luke — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:35:27 +0000

[Series Table of Contents: The Fool's Guide to Dormology]

Chapter 2: How to be a Roommate

By: David, Intern to the Stars

Headphones: Good for everybody. (cc) Flickr user AndYaDontStop

I have found that it is in your best interest to be a good roommate. Often by being a good roommate, you will encourage your roomie to do the same, thereby creating an atmosphere of mutual goodness crucial to enjoying dorm life. During my freshman year, this is the kind of relationship I had with my roommate. We never really spoke, aside from the occasional “where are the paper towels?” but the mutual respect made dorm life quite pleasant.

Of course, there are other times when one might prefer to be a bad roommate. For instance, being a bad roommate can be the perfect passive-aggressive approach to convincing your roommate to move out.

Good roommates shower (cc) Flickr user dotbenjamin

I have three friends–let’s call them the powderpuff girls–who used this approach quite successfully. The powderpuffs were living in a suite-style dorm, which means two rooms are connected by one bathroom. Thus, one dorm room has four occupants, rather than just two.

These three girls requested to live together but were placed with another girl they didn’t know. They wanted to get rid of that girl. So they each played the “bad roommate” card (see the second list below). The fourth wheel simply couldn’t take living with three bad roommates and moved out. I’m not saying it was right, but it was a great victory for the powderpuffs.

Because different situations call for different responses, I have created two lists. The first will help you to be a good roommate. The second will provide tips on being a bad roommate. Use the one that suits you best.

How to Be a Good Roommate:

Shower. Body odor is generally quite undesirable in a roommate.
Do your laundry. The reasoning behind this is similar to the reasoning in #1.
Buy some headphones. When sharing a room, headphones not only provide an escape from the noise of your roommate, but they also prevent you from being the obnoxious noise maker.
Learn the appropriate time and place for long and intense telephone conversations. Hint: your dorm room is not the place and the middle of the night is not the time.
Smile. But not too much. That would be weird.
Wash your dishes rather than leaving them in the sink or elsewhere to attract bugs and create foul stenches.
Take out the trash on occasion.
Plan to go out of town every now and then.
Try not to wake up Roomsie when you come in late.
Don’t tell your roommate when you begin to notice their “freshman 15” happening.

How to Be a Bad Roommate:

Significant others make bad roommates. (cc) Flickr user Elmo Alves

Get a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Spend the majority of your time in the dorm talking sappy with your significant other. This can take place either over the telephone or in person.
Borrow your roommate’s stuff, specifically food items and hygiene products.
Party hard. Every night.
Invite someone to move in with you for a while.
Secretly tell your RA whenever your roommate breaks a dorm rule.
If your clothes are dirty, feel free to wear your roommate’s.
Follow your roomie when he/she leaves the room.
If you break something that belongs to your roommate, quickly hide or dispose of it.
During times of boredom, read your roommate’s mail or journal.

Scenes from Buyback Fall 2009

Luke — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:36:26 +0000

And now, a few of our favorite scenes from this year’s many Buybacks.

The Freed Hardeman Fool Crew @ Besso's

Buying for Ouachita Baptist and Henderson State at Dino's Main Street Cafe

Buying at the excellent Underground Coffeehouse in Searcy, AR. FUN FACT: Two of the full-time Fools attended Harding Univ. in Searcy.

Buying at Something Brewing in Conway, Arkansas

Getting Foolish with the water bottles at Hendrix.

Books at Dino's Main Street Cafe

Foolin' it up at NACC, Rainsville, AL

Making it rain in Searcy!!

Buying at Freed Hardeman. FUN FACT: One of our Fool's parents went to FHU.

And finally, a short video from our visit to Calhoun Community College in Tanner, AL:

Get Well Soon, Zach

Luke — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:44:39 +0000

We’re thinking about you, man. It won’t be the same around the warehouse until you’re back in action.

Manager Training Fall 2009

Luke — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:00:21 +0000

We want to say a big Foolish thanks to our managers who made it out for manager training this Saturday. You are now prepared to free students from the monopolies that pay them so little for their books!

Here are a few shots from the day:

The night before, everything ready for your arrival.

The big screen.

Some of us had to attend live via Satellite.

Trying to get the hang of these signs.

The view from the stairs.

And finally, a short clip from the day:

Casey: Tech Fool

Luke — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:03:10 +0000

Just when you thought we couldn’t grow any more, we’re adding our fifth full-time Fool! Casey developed and maintains BookFool.com and will be leading our tech dept. into the 21st Century. In his own words:

I’m thrilled to be the latest Fool! It’s really exciting for me to be able to join a team like this knowing that I’ll be able to have an impact from day one. I don’t think I could ever say that at any of my other jobs.

So, who am I? Well, I’d like to think of myself as an undercover nerd. At first glance, I might not look like a hardcore code jockey, but when caught off guard, one can often find me with my headphones on, listening to some of my favorite tunes, and coding up a storm in Notepad++ or Visual Studio. I consider myself multi-lingual when it comes to software development; whether it’s coding with open-source languages such as PHP or even (dare I say it?) Microsoft’s ASP.NET, I just like to use the right tool for the job.

More important than all of that is the fact that I’m a husband to my beautiful wife, Mary Beth, and a father to my two sweet boys, Caleb and Josiah. I take my roles as their husband/father very seriously, as I believe they are the most important jobs I will ever undertake.

I’m also passionate about adoption. My wife and I recently returned from Ethiopia, where we adopted our youngest son. Faith is a huge part of my life, and I believe there is no better physical metaphor for the gospel of Jesus Christ than adoption. When I look at my youngest son and think of how much I love him, I am overwhelmed to know that my Father loves me even more and has brought me into His family as His own son through the sacrifice of Jesus. You can read more about our adoption journey on our family’s blog.

Finally, following in the footsteps of a recent BookFool blog post, I’d also like to share my top 5 movies of all time:

Bottle Rocket – The Wilson brothers before they were popular.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy – I told you I’m a nerd.

Braveheart – FREEDOM!

Amazing Grace – William Wilberforce was an amazing man.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? – The most quotable movie of all time. “We thought . . . you was . . . a toad.”

Want to know more about me? If so, follow me on Twitter!

Welcome, Pickers, to the BookFool.com family!

Nicole: Customer Care Fool

Luke — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:16:44 +0000

Please join me in welcoming our newest Fool. Nicole is our first full-time Customer Care Fool, which means her #1 job is making customers happy. We’re thrilled she’s joining us on our mission. And now, in her own words:

I come to Nashville from Alexandria, VA, but for brevity sake I’ll say DC. Before DC there was college at Purdue where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. (It is too a science!)

Long before college I spawned from two children (my parents were 18 & 20) growing up in a small town named Elkhart, Indiana in the 1980s. I was raised on good, NO, GREAT, music: The first cassette I ever owned was Pink Floyd’s The Wall. Following that with a deep love of The Muppets and The Grateful Dead. The first real MOVIE I ever saw was George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead; my parents are HUGE horror nerds.

In high school I aspired to be an astronaut, a Senator, a fighter pilot, and a video game tester; a school trip to DC led me to study Politics in college.

While in College, I partook of an internship (everyone needs at least one on their resume) where I worked for the Indiana State House of Representatives and had an amazing time but also learned that a life of politics takes a stronger backbone than I have. I realized in my latter days of college that I had a knack for making people laugh and feel great about themselves, especially because their happiness led to an extremely happy me. I decided to find a job where I could help people all day, and I’ve been working in Human Resources for Marriott since graduation. Although HR was something I “fell into,” it has been good to me; I’ve learned a lot and have had some amazing experiences.

After graduation and my move to DC, I fell in love with the raddest guy…which led me to Nashville (where a Country Music Roadie must reside), and I’ve been here ever since. In my spare time, you’ll find me playing video games, watching movies, reading, and attending concerts. I’m an avid gamer on all platforms though my favorite is Xbox360. Said Roadie and I have a kitten named Hitchcock who will talk your head off, and the two of us are an awesome duo at Halo3. My favorite book of all time is A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess.

All in all, I just want to be happy, have fun, and make sure my happiness rubs off on all those around me. I am thrilled to have been chosen as the first Customer Care Fool and I am SO ready to start a new career (still helping people!) with the ever impressive, awesomely fun BookFool.com!!!

Documentary: The Copper Basin Story

Luke — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:30:32 +0000

[Ed. note: We asked Davis, a talented filmmaker and long-time Friend of the Fool, to share one of his recent documentary projects with us. Here's what he had to say about it:]

The Copper Basin comprises Ducktown, Copperhill and McCaysville (GA), three small towns located in extreme Southeastern Tennessee about 60 miles due east of Chattanooga. Gold prospectors discovered copper in this area in the mid-1800’s. With the advent of better transportation and improvements in mining technology, the area boomed for more than 125 years before beginning a gradual decline in the late 1970’s. With industry shrinking and many core families fleeing the area, the residual people of the “Basin” are now often alone and forgotten.

These mountain people are further isolated in a county composed of more than 70% national forest, and by a dangerous two-lane road through the famous Ocoee River gorge. Polk County consistently ranks as the one the two poorest counties in Tennessee.

Today, like many other coal-mining and gold-mining sister towns scattered throughout Appalachia, the Basin reels with abject poverty, functional illiteracy, lack of jobs, and minimal human services.

My cousin, Andrew Brown, grew up in the Copper Basin roaming the hills as a young man, graduating from Copper Basin High School in 1991. While he didn’t know it at the time, he would never really “leave” the Basin. In the last 15 years, cuz has led multiple volunteer teams back to his hometown (with his organization, Catalyst Missions), seeking to make a long-term difference in the lives of the people both spiritually and physically.

He invited me along to help tell the story. Below is the trailer. The link to the full project is here.

Untitled from saul burke on Vimeo.

How to be a Hip Freshman in Nashville: The Know

Luke — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:34:40 +0000

[Ed. note: This is part 3 of a 3-part series. Part 1 is here. Part 2 is here.]

At this point, you know what to wear and how to act. Now you must know what to know.

PART III: THE KNOW

(cc) Flickr user Joel Bedford

Gnarly Gnashville gnowledge can be divided into a gnumber of subcategories. The following is a handy study guide. It may be prudent to keep this taped to your mirror for a few weeks.

Music:

Take a look at the city you live in. Music is oxygen. It’s important to always know a little bit more about music than everybody else. Here are some starting points:

Animal Collective is the best band ever (for the time being).
Anyone with the word “bear” in their name is worth knowing right now. See: Grizzly Bear, Panda Bear, Minus the Bear, Berenstain Bears, Bear Grylls.
You are required to adore The Beatles and Radiohead. Be prepared to discuss favorite songs/albums. (Hint: In Rainbows is not your favorite Radiohead album.)
Vampire Weekend is so last year.
Significant local bands: JEFF the Brotherhood, The Kopecky Family Band, Shirock.
Need further assistance determining which bands are cool and relevant? Make Pitchfork.com your homepage.

Movies:

(cc) Flickr user Mockstar

Independent films featuring unwashed actors with undiscovered talent and indiscernible plotlines are CROOSH.

The Royal Tenenbaums, Rushmore, The Life Aquatic…and anything else by Wes Anderson. He is Yoda.
The Science of Sleep, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the White Stripes video with the Legos…and anything else by Michel Gondry. He is the other Yoda.
Go to the Belcourt. Anything shown at the Belcourt is cool.
A note about Garden State: You need to have seen this movie, but now you must roll your eyes at it. You now realize that the film is not the triumph it was once touted to be. Zach Braff, put your scrubs back on.

Books:
Scholarliness is next to hipness, which is next godliness. Think of yourself as an artsy intellectual now. Read books.

Your first reading assignment: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. You will hear your own soul speaking from the pages. (Unfortunately, six months from now you cannot like this book anymore. It will seem “immature.”)
Once you have moved on from Wallflowerdom, you may begin Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. Make sure to quote Salinger on your Facebook.
Finally, you must familiarize yourself with the Literary Hipster Triumvirate: Dave Eggers, David Sedaris, and Chuck Klostermann.

(cc) Flickr user CarbonNYC

Sports:
Forget about sports.

Miscellaneous Tidbits:

Know who Whit Smith is. Facebook him or something.
Learn how to pronounce “Demonbreun.” (Hint: It’s not “Demon Bruin.”)
Find out where the Moran rope swing is.

At this point, we’ve told you all that we can. You’ve got the Look, the Rec, and the Know. Now, you must venture out on your own. If you get lost, lick your finger and hold it in the air. The wind will guide you.

Advice from a Loser: Don’t Wish Your Life Away

Luke — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:56:25 +0000

There was a teacher at my high school who was … there’s no other way to say it … a loser. Because of his own indiscretions, his personal life was a mess and it spilled over into his work. He was frequently unprepared for class and was easily derailed by our dumb personal questions.

Nevertheless, he was such a broken individual that he didn’t try to act like he was better than his students. We took pity on him and treated him with the cheerful deference reserved for teachers who regularly dismissed class early.

We’ll call him Mr. Pitiful.

My school had a daily meeting period we called chapel, even though it was not a religious affair. Usually a few students would give their required chapel talks, but sometimes a teacher would address the group. If a round of talks went long, it ate into our lunch time. If it went short, we got extra time at lunch.

One day at chapel, we sat in silence after the announcements and waited for our speaker to stand and deliver. We waited. And waited. Finally, Mr. Pitiful popped up, said “Oh, it’s me,” and walked to the front.

He was clearly unprepared. He stood at the podium for at least 30 seconds, gathering his thoughts amid our uncomfortable laughter. Finally he spoke in an even, measured voice:

I’ve spent most of my life wishing I was somewhere else. When I was a teenager, I wanted to be older so I could drive. When I could drive, I wanted to be older so I could buy beer.

[Long pause.]

Don’t be like me. Don’t wish your life away.

Thank you.

The place erupted in a long standing ovation. Most were clapping because his short talk meant we got an extra 20 minutes at lunch, but I like to think some were clapping for the message.

More than 10 years later, his words come back to me when I’m stuck in an unpleasant situation. It doesn’t always work, but when I think of him, I try to live in the moment and not wish I was somewhere else.

How to be a Hip Freshman in Nashville: The Look

Luke — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:45:08 +0000

[Ed. note: Eileen and David teamed up on this 3-part series of posts. Part 2 is here and Part 3 is here. The photos in Part 1 are of them and their friends.]

This is our attempt to help college freshmen acclimate hiply to the supremely cool city of Nashville. In three riveting installments, we will reveal exactly what it takes to be the coolest kid in Music City. If you are a freshman, adhere to this advice with utmost seriousness. If you are not a freshman, print this out, pass it on, help a bro(ther) or sis(ter) in need.

PART I: THE LOOK

First impressions are uber-important, especially in Gnashville. This city is a quintessential locus of hipness. In order to fit in, you must understand that what you wear is who you are. You must look Nashville, you must dress Nashville, you must BE Nashville.

The overall look to emulate is the “thrift store chic.” This means buying clothes that look like they were purchased at a thrift store, but in reality, were bought at a faux-boutique, indie outlet. Think American Apparel or Urban Outfitters. Here are some suggestions, from the bottom up, to get you started:

The Shoes:

Bros: Acquire for yourself some Vans. Multiple pairs. Various colors.
Babes: Find some flats, or perhaps sparkly Jellies. Also, have at least one pair of pseudo-ankle-boot-things. Tell people you found them at Southern Thrift.
Everyone: Buy some Toms. Forty dollars to look rad and be a good person.

The Pants:

Bros: The skinnier the better. If you can squeeze into Levi’s 510s, buy them. Cuff them.
Babes: Find some patterned tights or leggings to wear under a skirt or some shorts. Skinny jeans are also a must. It is good if they come up to your chest.

The Upper Half:

Bros: Deep V’s to help you show off your rosary (also hip in certain sectors). A vest or two. No plaid; plaid is too hip right now.
Babes: Also deep V’s. Baggy, awkwardly fitting dresses. Over-sized sweaters.

The Outerwear:

Bros and Babes: Buy at least three Am Appy hoodies in varied hues. Everyone must also own a peacoat.
Babes only: Rainboots with a fun/interesting pattern such as polka-dots, fishes, or umbrellas.

The Adornments:

Bros and Babes: Buy a million scarves. Get a new piercing. Start saving for your first tattoo.
Bros: Buddy Holly glasses.
Babes: Your grandma’s glasses.

You must hurry. Outfit yourself now, because first impressions only happen once. And as a last though, consider choosing one iconic item that summarizes your personal outlook, like maybe a feather.

Check back soon for part two in kewlnezz: THE REC.

David: Marketing Intern to the Stars

Luke — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:47:10 +0000

We have brought another capable, creative intern into our Foolish fold. David comes to us from Belmont U. and will be writing, researching, and much more. As with Eileen before him, I will let him introduce himself:

A long time ago, in the land of Kansas—a place where all things are flat, wheaty and magical, where houses fly in tornados and smash wicked witches, and where sparkly red slippers are valued over any other earthly possession—a mother gave birth to a son and named the child David, for she knew in her heart that one day he would become a king.  That child grew up to be me.  Not a king.  Oops.

Sometimes I reflect on my childhood and realize that, well, I could have been a king if I had really wanted to.  In fact, I’m fairly certain that everything about me—except for maybe my blood?—is indeed royal.  The problem was that, around the age of eleven, I acquired something that got in the way of my kingship:  a guitar.  As soon as I began playing the “obnoxious thing,” I realized that I was meant to be a punk rock star.  And to be punk rock, you have to be an anarchist.  Go figure.  I couldn’t be a king anymore.

As high school rolled around, I moved on from punk rock to hardcore (that’s “HxC” in shorthand). It was a step that made my parents really proud.  High school also gave the little anarchist in me some much needed nourishment:  dystopian literature. Huxley and Orwell became two of my heroes.  I also began to realize that maybe—just maybe—books could be interesting.  A novel idea, it was.

Since my early years, I’ve migrated all over the country, finally winding up in a college where I study Religion and English because I’m a nerd.  These days, I play music, read books, ride my bike and keep a music blog.  Also, my favorite of the cheeses is Brie.

Every Foolish court needs a king, right? Welcome, David!

WANTED: Customer Care Fool in Nashville, TN

Luke — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:18:45 +0000

We’re hiring! Below is the official job ad for this position, also posted at Scribd. Please share this link with friends and family whom you think fit this description.

WANTED: Customer Care Fool in Nashville, TN

If you accidentally rear-ended another driver in a low-speed collision, could you turn them into your best friend before the police arrived to write the accident report? If you found a box of unlabeled family photographs in your grandmother’s attic, could you use the internet and your incredible powers of organization to turn that box into a fully realized family tree? Are you passionate about Customer Service in a way that your colleagues think is a bit over the top?

If you can answer a resounding “Yes!” to those three questions and you have attended college, please consider applying for the new position of Customer Care Fool. Consistent customer care is vital to our continued success. We cannot grow without you.

Customer Care in Three Easy Steps:

1) Customer Support: You will delight customers by practicing both Responsive and Proactive customer service. Responsive customer service means responding to customers’ incoming questions in a timely and brand-friendly manner. Proactive customer service means actively finding new, unique, and cost-conscious ways to delight our existing and future customers.

2) Warehouse: Because customer care happens at every point along the supply chain, you will work with our Operations Leader to ensure customers are cared for in the way we run our warehouse.

3) Buybacks: Under the direction of our Operations Leader, you will also care for future customers by helping plan, organize, and execute our textbook buyback events. This task requires an organized mind, advanced communication skills, and a solid work ethic. You will coordinate with vendors, street team members, and dozens of employees to line up locations, work schedules, and much more.

Key Attributes of our Customer Care Fool:

Extroverted, energized by interacting with people, even the occasional angry one.
Organized and meticulous, like ridiculously so.
Strong, concise communicator to a wide range of audiences.
Work well as part of a team.
Proficient with technology, especially the Internet, Office, and Apple computers.
Creative, independent, and hardworking.
Some experience in college. A degree is good but not absolutely necessary.

This is an entry-level position, so we’re more interested in finding the right person than the right set of experiences. You will report to our Operations Leader who will coordinate and guide your activities. You will also work closely with our Brand Fool to ensure your communication respects and furthers the brand we’re building.

About BookFool.com

BookFool.com makes students’ lives easier by giving them a better way to buy and sell textbooks every semester. We’re a 3-year startup with a proven business model and incredible recent growth.

We enjoy a seasonal rhythm with one super-busy time of year (Jan./Dec.), one somewhat-busy time of year (Summer), and 6 months of relative calm, during which we plan for the busy times. We don’t take ourselves too seriously but do work hard. During the busy season, we all pitch in to make sure the work gets done and done right.

Compensation:

Compensation is competitive for an entry-level position and includes some health benefits, paid vacation, support for continuing education, and a fun, laid-back atmosphere.

How to Apply:

We want to hear from you. Please send your resume and a cover letter detailing your passions and abilities to this address.

Resumes should include specific past accomplishments for each position you’ve held, not just your past duties. Interviewing begins in late August 2009.