(Minghui.org) In 2009, I opened a small store of about 20 square meters (~215 square feet) in my residential complex. Prior to that, I had seen a lot of business owners picking the pockets of their customers. My purpose was to run a business in the way a Falun Dafa practitioner should, which would demonstrate the goodness of Falun Dafa.
I have been running the store for seven years now. I make sure that I have quality products and sell them at reasonable prices. I try think from my customers' point of view and provide a variety of products that meet different needs. My patrons do not haggle with me over prices because they know that Falun Dafa practitioners are trustworthy.
There are always those who are not trusting, and they would try to gain a small advantage through each transaction. I understand where they are coming from, as life is not easy in China, where people have to fight for even the smallest gains and where moral standards have declined so much.
Teacher told us,
“If you always keep a compassionate heart, and a peaceful state of mind, when you run into problems you’ll handle them well because it will give you space as a buffer. If you are always compassionate and friendly to others, if you always consider other people when you do things, and whenever you have issues with other people you first think about whether they can take it or whether it will cause them harm, then you won’t have any problem. So, when you cultivate you should follow high and even higher standards.” (“The Fourth Talk,” Zhuan Falun)
I follow Teacher’s principles closely and really provide the best value for my customers. They usually trust me no matter how wily they are in other aspects of their lives.
One day, a customer wanted to buy an undershirt. She spent a lot of time going through the items. When she was ready to pay, she wanted me to reduce the price. When I refused, she said, “I know your price is not outrageous. But I didn’t ask for a big discount. Can’t you just give me a break by taking off 10 yuan? If you are so inflexible, who will come back to your store?” Then she walked out.
Shortly afterward, she came back with a smile on her face. She picked up the item and paid the full price for it. I said, “I treat all my customers the same. I will not overcharge you, and I can’t give you a different price. You can count on me to be trustworthy.” From then on, she became a friend and never haggled with me again.
Another time, a customer forgot a bag in my store that contained many valuables. I found his cell phone in the bag and called one of his relatives to let him know that I had the bag. When the customer called me, I had already left the shop and was at home, making dinner. As soon as I heard from him, I put aside what I was doing and went back to my store so he could pick up his bag. He brought some strawberries to thank me.
I declined his gift and told him that I was following the principles of Falun Dafa. He was very grateful to me and said, “Falun Dafa is good.”
Incidents like this happened many times. One customer who had forgotten his wallet in my store said to me, “I wasn't worried, because I knew you would not keep the wallet, and I could pick it up anytime. Falun Dafa practitioners are not like what the Communist Party said.”
I told my customers that I was not all that special. Had I not been following the teachings of Falun Dafa, I would probably be very selfish, too.
I felt that Master has been looking after my small business, as many things are resolved smoothly. Despite the weak economy, I am able to make a living through my store.
My customers can feel my kindness, which I think everyone needs.
I am honest with my suppliers as well. For example, sometimes I am sent more goods than I had paid for. As soon as I discover such a mistake, I would call the supplier to let them know. They were all touched. If I was shortchanged, I also let them know. They would trust me with no questions asked.
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