Black Diamond Antique

In a word: "Unprofessional."



I have been shopping at Black Diamond for the better part of a decade now, and I had always been pleased to find some unique, albeit overpriced, treasure within their collection, but the poor customer service record has now deteriorated to the point where I feel the need to speak up. Seeing similar complaints from through out the years reoccur on review sites such as this speaks volumes to how management addresses or rather doesn't address the matter.



While I understand that being a co-op limits the staff's capacity to be helpful regarding individual items, I have never once in ten years received assistance that didn't also come with a curmudgeonly attitude that I was being an inconvenience.. Their no photography policy is absolutely ludicrous and antiquated (pardon the pun) but beyond that, due to recent alleged shoplifting (more likely having to do with their atrocious inventory skills while making a messy move to a new location) -- it is nearly impossible to browse casually without being observed through the aisles like a would-be thief. (Yes, even after ten years of patronage.)



This proves especially true if you do not happen to appear physically in a way that the staff readily identifies with. This is no assumption, as the staff themselves tend to be rather vocal about it with each other from behind the counter. Without question, I have encountered better tact and professionalism at any number of dirt floor markets than I ever have at Black Diamond Antiques.



If I told my best friend about Black Diamond Antiques, I would say to check there for big ticket items -- out of necessity -- and to not expect a bargain by any means. Otherwise, I suggest that you browse one of the other small antique shops in Pottsville, PA and the surrounding areas, or better yet, visit one of the area flea markets such as the ones located in Leesport, PA and Kutztown, PA -- cut out the rude middleman all together.