Image generated from Meta Al
Good day, people of Hive! Welcome to my blog. Today's topic is "Just Another Trader," so let's dive in.
As consumers, we interact with countless traders daily. Whether it's buying groceries, clothes, foodstuffs, etc. Some of these encounters leave a lasting impression, while others make us wish we had never stopped by their shop. Today I'll share my best and worst experiences with traders and the lessons they taught me.
My Best Experience
My best experience happened last year when I went to the market to buy foodstuffs. It was the time our sisters sent money for me and my brother to buy our foodstuffs. I took a tricycle from our junction to the market gate, and as I arrived, I saw a Hausa man selling rice and beans outside the market, though he has his own shop outside the market gate. Instead of going inside, I decided to patronise him.When I asked for the price of a module of rice and beans, I was surprised because his prices were much cheaper than what they sold inside the market. I even asked again to confirm if he wasn’t making a mistake, and he said no. He also mentioned that he knew why I was surprised because his prices were cheaper than those of other traders inside the market. I told him I wanted to buy a big bowl of rice and three modules of beans, and he agreed. As he was about to sell, I noticed one particular type of rice that looked really nice, and I told him that was the one I wanted. But he told me he would rather sell another type because it was of better quality. He even assured me that if I didn't like it, I should stop patronising him. To my surprise, he gave me a cup of the one I wanted, asking me to cook and compare it with the one he suggested.
Another thing that surprised me was that instead of using the regular measuring module, he used cups to measure for me, which gave me more quantity. And when I wanted to pay him the full amount, which for example was #33,500, he told me to pay #31,500 instead and keep the balance. His kindness shocked me. Since then, I have continued buying from him, and each time, he uses cups to measure and even reduces the price for me. He also advises me on which type of rice and beans are good, and he’s always smiling and cracking jokes with me anytime I come to buy foodstuffs with him, which makes me feel welcome and happy.
This experience taught me that not all traders are only after profit; some genuinely care about their customers and want to build trust. A simple smile and honest advice can turn a one-time buyer into a loyal customer.
My Worst Experience
Image generated from Meta Al
Not all my experiences with traders have been good. I remember last semester when I had a bad experience with a woman selling buns and puff-puff in our school shop.That day, it was very hot, and I had three lectures. Before the last lecture started, I decided to buy some buns to eat because I was hungry. I went to her shop, bought buns of #300, and left for class. When I got to the lecture hall, the lecturer was already inside, so I kept the buns to eat after the lecture. After the class, on my way home, I decided to eat them. I don't know the spirit that even said I should divide the first buns into two because when I divided it, to my surprise, the inside was spoiled and sticky. It was obvious the woman didn't fry it well. I couldn’t eat them, so I threw them away. The next day, I went back to tell her about it, but she denied selling them to me. I was really angry because we both knew the truth. Since then, I stopped buying from her.
From this experience, I learned that it’s important to always check what I’m buying, no matter how much I trust the seller. Some traders only care about making quick money rather than providing quality products.
Lessons learned from both experience
These two contrasting experiences taught me valuable lessons about trust and awareness when dealing with traders. My positive encounter with the Hausa man for the first time showed me that good customer service and honesty can go a long way in building relationships and earning customer loyalty. Meanwhile, my negative experience with the buns woman reminded me to be more cautious and not take every trader's word at face value.
In conclusion, while some traders are simply out to make money, others genuinely aim to provide quality service. And our role as consumers is to always support those who value honesty and loyalty while being cautious when dealing with those who don't.
This is my entry for the Hive Learners Featured Content Week 150 Edition 01
Thanks for reading💞💞💞💞.