As an independent Usborne Books & More business owner we have a choice whether or not we choose to sell a particular title!!  :-)

This is actually BETTER than working for a book store - because as the owners, WE ultimately decide which books can be purchased.  We certainly would not be able to do this employed at someone else's bookstore, (or any other establishment)!!  As although we could push/promote our favorites, if they came up with a book on the occult we would still be forced to sell it to them.  So...
 

Ultimately, economics influence what books Usborne Books & More will carry in their line.  Your promotion, lack of promotion or never ordering certain titles will influence its longevity in our catalog.  Obviously, if a title does not sell it will not be reordered and if it does sell it will be reordered. 

We choose not to sell certain titles at our booths/shows and on online because they go against our personal beliefs.  So when someone wants to purchase these titles we let them know... 

"I'm sorry, but that book is not available through me."

Most are satisfied with that response but if they persist then it gives me an opportunity to politely stand up for my beliefs and explain that the book is not available through me because:

"I am choosing not to sell that particular title because..."

But the point is we have the choice to do that which we would not have in any other type of employment!  If you find some titles  "objectionable" you don't need to sell them - if you find none that you find "objectionable" you can sell and promote them all!  As a person who likes to think independently this is what I love most about Usborne Books & More - FREEDOM OF CHOICE! :)
 

And whether we realize it or not, ALL of us influence what books UBAM will carry or not carry - even if they aren't considered "controversial" titles.  We all do this simply by what we order or do not order for booths, book fairs or what we bring and talk about at shows.  With over 1400 titles there are a few other books which aren't my favorites - not necessarily because of moral issues - but rather because in my opinion I may think...

• It is poorly written
• I don't like the story line
• It is something too easily damaged at booth events
• Is too "putsy" in my opinion
• I don't feel is is a good value for the customer
• It doesn't sell well at booth events
• I don't like how it is illustrated
• I don't like the topic
• The book is an old title so it looks too dated...
   

So in reality I am also in a sense "boycotting" all the other titles which aren't my "favorites" by the mere fact that I never or rarely order them!! :-)  

In fact, with a few books, I'll tell the customer honestly why I wouldn't recommend that particular title if we feel it would not be a good fit for them - and recommend an alternative Usborne book instead.  Over the years we have found that customers really appreciate our advice - even when they know it is based on our personal opinions - if we present our opinion respectfully w/o using inflammatory words or statements.  We may lose some sales but as there are so many other awesome books to choose from this is usually not the case.  Instead we have seen just the opposite...
 

Customers now intentionally look for us at booth events or online because they want someone knowledgeable about the product who is honest enough to give their personal opinions about a book that we feel would not be a good choice for them - even if it means losing a sale or they may not agree.  They trust us because they know we are there to serve them and best meet their needs - not just make a buck.

Celebrate and be thankful for your FREEDOM OF CHOICE with Usborne Books & More - you won't get that at any other type of employment.  Yes, there may be books in our line that you or customers may deem "controversial".  But you can feel free to join me in "boycotting" any Usborne titles you don't like... because you probably are anyways. ;-)