The Instructor/Rules to make a good Tradesman
Rules to make a good Tradesman.
I.
ENDEAVOUR to be perfect in the calling you are engaged in, and by assiduous in every part thereof; industry being the natural means of acquiring wealth honour and reputation, as idleness is of poverty, shame and disgrace, II. Lay a good foundation in regard to con principle. Be sure not wilfully to over-react or deceive your neighbour, but keep always in your eye the golden rule of doing as you would be done unto. III Be strick in discharging all legal debts. Do not evade your creditors by any shuffling arts, in giving notes under your hand, only to defer payment; but if you have it in your power discharge all debts when they become due. Above all, when you are straitened for want of money, be cautious of taking it upon high interest. This has been the ruin of many, therefore endeavour to avoid it.
IV Endeavour to be as much in your shop or warehouse, or whatever place your business properly lies, as possibly you can. Leave it not to servants to transact; for customers will not regard them as yourself. They generally think they shall not be so well served; besides, mistakes may arise by the negligence or inexperience of servants; and therefore your presence will prevent probably the loss of a good customer.
V. Be complaisant to the meanest as well as to the greatest. You are as much obliged to use good manners for a farthing as a pound; the one demands it from you as well as the other.
VI. Be not too talkative, but speak as much as necessary to recommend your goods, and always observe to keep within the rules of decency. If customers slight your goods, and undervalue them, endeavour to convince them of their mistake if you can, but not to affront them. Be not pert in your answers, but with patience hear, and with meekness give an answer; for, if you affront in a small matter, it may probably hinder you from a future good customer. They may think you impose in the articles they want; but, by going to another, may find it not so, and probably may return again; but if you behave rude and affronting, there is no hope of their returning, or of their future custom.
VII. Take an especial care in keeping your accounts well. Enter every thing necessary in your books with neatness and exactness. Often state your accounts, and examine whether you gain or lose, and carefully survey your stock, and inspect into every particular of your affairs.
VIII. Take care, as much as you can, whom you trust; neither take nor give long credit, but at the farthest annually settle your accounts. Deal at the fountain-head for as many articles as you can; and, if it lies in your power, for ready money. This method you will find to be most profitable in the end. Endeavour to keep a proper assortment in your way, but not to overstock yourself. Aim not at making a great figure in your shop in unnecessary ornament; but let it be neat and cleanly. Тоо great an appearance may rather prevent than engage customers.
FINIS.
Printed by G Miller, Dumfries.