The empty wagon

Dear editor:

There are rules in business. Growing up in Crockett, Texas, Tom Rhoden, with Rhoden Feed and Supply, said, “You cannot sell from an empty wagon.” It was obvious that he practiced this. Customers could find anything from livestock supplies to live chickens.

This principle has existed for thousands of years and something businesses have forgotten. “You cannot sell from an empty wagon” applies to products and services. Walmart and other stores ignore this. The computer orders when the last item is sold. It may be days or weeks before it is restocked. I went to Walmart for items and they were not in stock. I searched online and one of the five Walmart stores 10 miles away had it. They are often out of something on my list. For groceries, I shop at Kroger, that stays well stocked. I do not intend to shop at one store and then drive to others to find what I need.

Consumers and employees also need to remember the Golden Rule of Business — the person with the gold makes the rules. If you do not like their rules and way of doing business, go somewhere else and I do.

Teach your children and grandchildren, “You cannot sell from an empty wagon” and that the person with the gold makes the rules. When they own businesses, maybe they will sell from a full wagon and become the person with the gold. Jerry Davis Hot Springs