(Minghui.org) Many small businesses find it hard to make a profit nowadays due to higher rent, competition from popular e-commerce companies, and the overall economic slump.

I have two booths inside a supermarket that continue to do well despite the fact that many others have closed down due to financial difficulties. I believe this is because I practice Falun Dafa and conduct my business according to the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

Some merchants sell counterfeit products to seek more profits, while others lie to get customers to buy their products. One time, a customer was looking for a pair of kid's shorts, and the merchant next to me tricked him into buying an adult sized one instead.

Many of the merchants who were eager to make quick money soon closed down their booths.

I have never thought of selling fake goods, and I am strict with whom I buy my supplies from. I sell my products at a reasonable price and, sometimes, I have to set higher prices due to inflation. Still, my customers do not complain.

I have gained many loyal customers over the years and befriended several returning ones. A customer once said, “I notice your products are better and more reasonably priced. So, I do not go anywhere else and just buy what I need from your booth.”

While many merchants have let go of their shop assistants due to slow business, I still have an assistant. I have thought of letting her go to save costs, because I can handle the business myself. But I could not bring myself to do it.

I knew that her husband was unemployed, and her child was getting married. She was also no longer young. So I treat her kindly, let her take any complimentary gifts and allow her to leave anytime.

These days, people distrust one another. Most merchants closely monitor their shop assistants. However, my shop assistant and I treat each other with respect. She is conscientious and does her best to take care of the business. We take shifts to work, and it has saved me a lot of time to do the three things asked of practitioners.

As society has become morally corrupt, Falun Dafa has guided me on how to be both a better person and a successful merchant!