The Daily Telegraph

THE WISE BISCUIT WHOLESALER AND THE NEW SHOPKEEPER The Shopkeeper was impressed by the Wholesaler’s support

Businessma­n and writer Mark Price shares his workplace fables – true stories from the business front line that can teach us lessons about career success

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The Wise Biscuit Wholesaler was out in his van when he noticed a shop being opened on the corner of a side street. He pulled up and walked in. A young man surrounded by boxes was putting up shelves.

“Good morning,” said the Wise Biscuit Wholesaler. “Are you opening a grocery?”

“I am, how can I help you?” asked the Young Shopkeeper.

“I supply biscuits and I’d like to work with you,” replied the Wise Wholesaler.

The Young Shopkeeper explained he didn’t have much money to start his business, and would need to wait until he could afford to add biscuits to his order.

“Don’t worry,” said the Wise Biscuit Wholesaler. “You can take some boxes now and pay for them when you have sold them. I know what it’s like to start out.”

“That’s kind of you, but I don’t want to take a risk on buying lots, and them going out of date and needing to be thrown away, until I know I can afford to take the loss,” said the Young Shopkeeper.

“I understand. How about if I give you some half boxes to try. Again you don’t need to pay me until they sell.”

The Young Shopkeeper thought it a generous offer and agreed. The Wise Biscuit Wholesaler wished the young man well, and said he would pop back in a few weeks’ time.

When the Wholesaler got home and began to unload his van, he realised he had inadverten­tly shortchang­ed his customer by one packet. Instead of thinking he had made a bit more for himself, as his error hadn’t been noticed, he drove back to see the Young Shopkeeper, who was impressed by the Wholesaler’s support.

As the Young Shopkeeper’s business grew from one to many shops, he continued to buy from the Wise Wholesaler, even though he could have got better prices elsewhere.

Moral of the tale: Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Mark Price is author of Workplace Fables: 147 True Life Stories (£10.99, Stour Publishing). To order your copy for £8.99 plus p&p, call 0844 871 1514 or visit books. telegraph.co.uk

Share your Workplace Fables and learn more about Mark’s aim to improve workplace happiness at engaging.works/ideas

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