When the great warehouses of an extensive provision merchant were smoking in ruins, he at once made out a circular and sent it to all who were expecting orders filled, stating that a fire on the premises had caused a delay, but that the next day they expected to dispatch all the goods ordered. It required all the energies of a masterly mind to accomplish the task, and all the hands he could bring to bear upon the business, but it was done, and his many customers had the inconvenience of but a day’s delay. It was a part of the man’s religion, as well as his business science, to keep no one waiting. That was but one of his many strong points, but they were all of the same reliable character. No wonder he rose to a true and substantial greatness in his chosen line. It is very hard turning over a new leaf in this particular, so it is a good plan to begin right. Prompt, punctual boys are apt to make the same kind of men, and vice versa.
You know that you “boys” are to be the future merchants of the land, however small the chances seem for it now. “The posts of time run swift,” and soon one and another will be dropping a line to this department, telling of their small start in business on their own hook. They will be sure of congratulations and good wishes all around, which will be cheering and inspiring, and so far real help to the worker. The habits he is forming while a clerk will, however, decide more than anything else his future success or failure.
If one has fallen into careless, unmethodical habits in any of his affairs, the only safe course is to “right about face.” The earlier, the easier. Self-interest alone would prompt such a course as well as honesty towards his employer.--[American Grocer.
Though occasionally it might prove to be of value for the commercial traveller to hint in an off-hand way that he has received orders from other firms in the same town, still it would be the height of stupidity to tell the fact right out, as many of the brotherhood are in the habit of doing, that Mr. John Smith, for example, has to-day bought goods at such or such a price, and mentioning all the particulars of the sale, with the addition that the man solicited, if he will give the order, shall get the same article at a much lower rate. Any one who has an eye to business can in a moment see what this talk means. Besides, the commercial traveller who adopts such mistaken measures in his attempt to do business, will certainly lose the confidence of the man addressed, for no sensible person can think otherwise than that the agent would say exactly the same thing to a third and fourth customer as to the first and second. Without doubt a customer has the right to feel sure that the amount of his order and the price he paid for goods will not be made known to any business competitor, and he certainly would be little disposed to give his orders to an agent who shows a readiness to gossip about the affairs of neighboring merchants.