In business, dealing with difficult customers can lead to a whole host of problems.
Just a few days ago, we had a case where we accidentally shipped 8566 chipping-resistant steel (35x100x185) instead of the requested 8503 mold steel (35x100x200). The price difference was only 348 yuan, but once he realized we’d sent the more expensive 8566 steel, he stopped answering our calls and replying to our messages.
This really gets to you. Even though it’s not a large sum—just 348 yuan—the fact that he’s making such a fuss over it leaves you feeling frustrated and baffled.
But people like this are rare. I’ve worked with over 4,000 clients and have only encountered one like this. Yet, even though it’s a minor issue, it sticks with you.
Troubles like this can lead you to misjudge people and misinterpret situations, so in business, you must steer clear of such individuals.
But when you encounter good clients, major issues become minor ones, and problems simply disappear.
Late last year, we mistakenly shipped Client A’s goods to Client B. Client B received an extra item out of the blue, worth over 20,000 yuan.
This seemed like a major issue, but in the end, it was resolved with ease.
After receiving the shipment, Client B proactively alerted us and arranged for a courier to pick it up.
It was right in the middle of the Spring Festival holiday, when most courier services had suspended operations. I was on my way home myself. What seemed like a catastrophic disaster was ultimately resolved perfectly.
Client B didn’t complain at all. Instead, they went out of their way to help us contact various logistics providers, assist with packing, coordinate the pickup, and arrange for the shipment to be forwarded to Client A.
Arranging logistics, packing, and transferring the goods were not Client B’s responsibility—he could have easily declined with a single word. Yet, he did not shirk his duties; instead, he proactively found ways to help us resolve the issue, and he did so perfectly. I was deeply moved by his actions.
This experience allowed me to witness the beauty of the world and the warmth of human kindness. In contrast to the clients who come to our door, I want to say thank you once again to you, and I bow my head in gratitude.
I believe that in business, it’s not about the size of the client, but the quality of the client.
Stay away from jerks, bad people, and naggers, and you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble.
Work with good clients more often, and the world will become a better place, your marriage will be more harmonious, and your life will be more vibrant.
*************
Wu Dejian’s tool steel, the chief of staff of the user, bought everything he had used.