Chapter 1209: Never Offend a Customer
Though surprised, Yun Yao reacted quickly. She looked at Yang Haoran, her face a mask of bewilderment.
“I say, Mr. Honest Man, are you messing with me? If you're the boss of this apothecary, why are you queuing behind me, asking all sorts of questions? Are you out of your mind? ! ”
Yun Yao’s words were as direct as ever, but the current situation differed from just now. A moment ago, Yang Haoran had been alone when she confronted him. Now, however, Gu Yi and Ban Kui stood beside him.
Thus, when Yun Yao's extremely displeased words left her lips, Yang Haoran, naturally, remained his usual self, a faint smile playing on his face. But the expressions of both Gu Yi and Ban Kui turned grim, for they believed Yun Yao’s words were utterly disrespectful to their boss.
However, both could tell that Yun Yao must have some connection to their boss; otherwise, the two wouldn't be standing so close. So, despite their unpleasant expressions, neither of them spoke out rashly.
“Heh heh, Little Sister has misunderstood. I wasn't messing with you. It's just that I haven't been back for quite a while, and seeing the long queue at the entrance made me curious. That’s why I wanted to ask someone what was going on, and you happened to be at the end of the line, so I approached you. ”
Yang Haoran feared Yun Yao might misunderstand, and even more so, that she might get the wrong idea, having seen her do so before. Thus, he quickly offered his explanation.
“Could you perhaps discuss your private matters later? We are still waiting to appraise our items, and delaying everyone’s time like this isn't very good, is it? ”
Hearing this, Yang Haoran turned around. His gaze swept over the scene: there were still eight people in the queue outside the entrance. It seemed they were all here to have Gu Yi appraise their items. So, he beckoned to Ban Kui, who was beside him, and leaned in to ask in a low voice,
“Coming here for appraisals, there should be a fee, right? ”
“Yes, there’s a fee. The amount depends on the value of the appraised item. The higher the value of the treasure appraised, the higher the fee, and vice versa. ”
Ban Kui answered honestly, also lowering his voice.
Yang Haoran nodded, indicating to Ban Kui that he understood. Then, he cupped his fist in a polite salute to the queue at the entrance.
“Heh heh, everyone, I am Yang Haoran, the owner of this Stillness Apothecary. I apologize for having delayed you all for a short while just now due to some minor private matters. As a token of my apology, all appraisals conducted at my shop today will be free of charge. ”
Originally, these few individuals harbored a degree of resentment. After all, none of them wanted to waste too much time standing in line, which was somewhat beneath their status, so a little resentment was inevitable.
However, the moment they heard Yang Haoran’s words, the resentment in their hearts instantly vanished.
Yang Haoran’s decision allowed them to save a sum of Underworld Currency, which felt like found money. But this wasn't the main reason for their resentment to dissipate so quickly; the primary reason was Yang Haoran’s attitude and way of handling things.
“Heh heh, Soul Transporter Yang is quite skilled at handling affairs. With an owner like Soul Transporter Yang, it would be difficult for this Stillness Apothecary *not* to flourish. ”
The man who had spoken earlier spoke again, but unlike before, his voice was no longer cool; instead, it held a note of appreciation.
“Heh heh, I am deeply grateful for everyone’s patronage of my humble shop. Furthermore, the delay just now was entirely my fault, costing you valuable time, so it’s only right that I offer some sincerity. There’s no need to be polite, as long as you don’t find it beneath you. My main reason for returning to the apothecary today is to restock it. The medicines I’ve brought back this time are not only diverse in type but also plentiful in stock, so I hope everyone will continue to show their support in the future. ”
The saying, "He who accepts a favor is beholden, and he who eats from another has a soft mouth," holds a certain truth, and this moment was a prime example. The instant Yang Haoran's words finished, the others immediately responded.
“Don’t worry, Soul Transporter Yang, as long as the efficacy of your medicines is as impressive as your appraisals, I will definitely frequent your business. ”
“Heh heh, that’s right. Not only will I patronize Soul Transporter Yang’s business, but I can also help promote your Stillness Apothecary, raising its reputation even further. ”
“Soul Transporter Yang, this Stillness Apothecary of yours is already quite famous. I imagine even without deliberate promotion, it will only become more popular. ”
Yang Haoran listened to these voices, and the smile on his face deepened, for the reactions of these individuals were precisely the outcome he desired.
He decided to offer them free appraisals, not because he had more money than he could spend, but because he had other considerations.
Customers are like one’s parents, the source of one’s livelihood; one should avoid offending them whenever possible. In the situation just now, he knew the customers were displeased, so as the boss, he naturally had to resolve the issue and not let them leave harboring resentment.
If customers left with resentment, it would inevitably bring negative repercussions to his apothecary. Not only would the individuals themselves likely never return, but their friends might also follow suit, for often, offending one person means offending an entire circle.
Therefore, he could not allow customers to depart with ill will. Even if it was just a small issue, he absolutely had to resolve it, because if minor problems aren’t dealt with promptly, they are likely to spread through word of mouth. Some words, some events, change as they are passed along, transforming what was clearly a small issue into a major problem.
Conversely, if a small problem is handled well, its merits can be amplified to a certain extent through the customers’ personal recommendations, enhancing the shop's reputation.
Yang Haoran covered the cost for these individuals not merely to retain them as customers. He also hoped to keep their respective circles through them. Even if these two goals ultimately failed to achieve his desired outcome, as long as these individuals didn’t go out and tarnish the reputation of his Stillness Apothecary, it would still be a good thing for him.
It was precisely because he considered these factors that he was so generous in paying for them. Otherwise, he would rather spend that money on his own people than give it away freely to strangers.
As for why he introduced himself to them, apart from wanting to show his respect, there was another reason: he wanted more people to know that he, Yang Haoran, was the owner of the Stillness Apothecary.
His purpose in doing so was not to satisfy inner vanity, but to find a reasonable excuse for his rapid increase in strength.
If everyone knew that Yang Haoran was the owner of the Stillness Apothecary, and that the Stillness Apothecary was doing good business and earning a considerable amount of money, then no one would question why his strength had increased so rapidly; instead, they would find it perfectly natural.
“Gu Yi, please first appraise the items my friend has brought. Be careful and ensure there are no issues. ”
Yang Haoran said with a smile to Gu Yi. Gu Yi had already moved to Yang Haoran’s side when he apologized to the people in the queue. Now, hearing his instructions for her, she showed no resistance whatsoever and immediately agreed with a smile.
“Yes, Boss! ”
As her words fell, Gu Yi looked at Yun Yao, who had emerged from her surprise, and politely gestured for her to follow.
“Esteemed One, this way, please. ”
Yun Yao did not stand on ceremony and followed Gu Yi towards the counter area. Meanwhile, Yang Haoran turned his gaze to Ban Kui, who was standing to the side.
“You don't need to worry about the front of the shop for now. Go and guard the back of the queue. If any more customers arrive, tell them that we are doing a large-scale restocking today, and things will be very busy, so we are temporarily closed for business. Ask for their understanding. Speak politely, and don't argue with the customers. ”
“Yes, Boss! ”
Ban Kui bowed in acknowledgement, then quickly hurried to the end of the queue, guarding the very rear as per Yang Haoran’s orders.
Yang Haoran's gaze shifted from Ban Kui to the people still waiting in line at the entrance. With a faint smile on his face, he once again cupped his fist in a salute to them.
“Everyone, appraisals must be done one by one. Too many people talking at once can affect the appraiser’s judgment, so I hope you all can understand and wait a little longer. ”
By this point, the individuals had developed a considerable liking for Yang Haoran, so their attitudes towards him were not at all hostile. Upon hearing his words, they immediately responded cheerfully.
“Don’t worry, Soul Transporter Yang, we are all people who understand rules and won’t cause trouble. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be patiently queuing here. ”
“Heh heh, that’s right. Soul Transporter Yang, your concern is a bit excessive. For such a short wait, we can certainly afford to. After all, the one thing we have no shortage of is time. ”
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