Stage Buzz: K.B. Khushalani: Honesty:Trade different from other professions

2. Trade differentiated from other occupations as regards honesty.

Trade is different from other occupations, in that its, adherent is independent. It is his merit alone that counts; he is the master of the situation, controlled only by market rates. It is a profession peculiar in itself. In spite of the trader's dealings with many people of different temperaments, for whose pleasure and custom he has to strive constantly which he can do better by honesty rather than by dishonesty, he can remain independent and can maintain his self-respect fully well. Of course, there are some people always and everywhere, who can never be pleased by any means, honest or dishonest. As they are few and far between, they should never be bothered about, and it is always preferable to ignore their custom rather than hanker after them.

3. Businessman should fulfill his part of duty

The relationship of the customer and the merchant is one in which are involved the interests of both. The former wants supply of good articles at a reasonable price, while the latter is after the custom of the former; and the maintenance of the tie depends upon both the reasonableness of the one and the honesty of the other. The businessman, who wants to establish himself well, should fulfil his duty and the customer will automatically do his. Granting that men are unreasonable, yet it in no way pays the dealer to be dishonest with them, though we should consider the average buyer who is seldom unreasonable in his demands. In case a purchaser expects too much concession, it should be explained to him for an amicable deal, as few would grudge the fair profits of a dealer. It is only when a dealer sets his prices unreasonably high that he does not like to explain his position. Explaining the position is not disposing trade secrets, which are as dear to any one else, and principles of honesty do not their revelition. The position of the buyer is slightly superiot to that of the seller in the respect that the choice of choosing his suppliers is in his hands; and this is a further reason for the seller to adapt his behaviour in accordance with the likes and dislikes of the buyer. None will or can say that any purchaser ever wants his supplier to be dishonest to him. From the time he enters the shop or negotiates by correspondence, his pleasure is to be considered supreme, and it is the duty of the dealer to see that he gives no cause for any suspicion. But, as the face is the index to the mind, he cannot successfully do it unless he practises honesty. Customers are free birds, they cannot be tied down to one shop unless-there is something to attract them, and the best that the-owner of the shop can offer is his sincerity.

TO BE CONTINUED....