NOT ALL GOOD DEEDS GET PUNISHED
Last week, as I was doing the final cleaning on one of my vintage lights, so it could be packed and shipped to the buyer, I was horrified to discover that the bowl-shaped glass shade had developed a 2-inch crack on the bottom, to the side of the mounting hole.
FUCK!
What to do? What to do?
I could cancel the sale. But that would likely upset the buyer, right? I could offer a refund. But how much? 10%? 20%? 50%?
Then I thought: Ross, the fixture was only $220! Refund the whole damn purchase price!
However, I added a 3-inch brass disk on the bottom, covering most of the crack. This sits just above the original small brass disk, and original finial. I thought the fixture looked better, actually!
So, I shipped the fixture, sent the buyer a nice note, and gave her a full refund.
Today, my email suddenly started going PING and PING and PING and on and on, alerting me to a flurry of new emails. Why was I getting so many emails all of a sudden?
The buyer of the cracked light? She purchased SIX lights from me today, one after the other. And very good lights!
She didn’t respond to my email from last week, and sent no messages today. But I can’t help feel that my being generous with her last week resulted in her purchases today.
With all that’s going on in the word, I’m a little awed and moved by this. In a small town in Kansas, something wonderful happened today.
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Karma.
You were so kind to the buyer and they rewarded you with more purchases!!
You are so wonderful Ross! Also very kindhearted.
I’m sure the new purchases were because of your kind gesture. I think she will tell friends and acquaintances about the great lighting dealer she did business with. You’re such a nice guy.
I guess integrity is worth more than gold. Something that’s seen less and less today
❤ love this! The heaviness our the world needs these gestures.
Positivity begets positivity. Thank you for sharing Ross. You are an inspiration.
This is because you are an honest shop keeper. You didn’t want to disappoint the buyer who if they are anything like me wanted it and would have figured out a way to make it do, even with the crack. You also didn’t prorate the damage. Also something I am not keen on. You were rewarded for your good character and fair judgement.
If I had been treated like that I would have done the same thing. When you find such people you keep them in your circle and become regular customers. I’m sure not only will she continue to do business with you but will also spread the word to all of her friends and online. That $220 hit has become an investment and money well spent.
Not being able to govern events, I govern myself. -Michel de Montaigne, essayist (28 Feb 1533-1592)
Thank you for this post. It is almost a shame that stories like this bring a tear to my eye. This should be the norm. You are a wonderful man and your kindness was rewarded. I’m sure she was so moved. 🙂
You are a good soul.