The first thing I do after waking up is turn on my computer. After getting ready, I noticed that the client I’d exchanged eight messages with had finally placed an order—my first sale exceeding $100. I practically skipped to dinner, only for my husband to pour cold water on my excitement: “Is it really worth being that happy?”
But I was genuinely happy! Clients have consistently praised my products. One even said, “Your 5:1 moxa sticks are better than the 40:1 ones from ×××.” Good products attract connoisseurs, and recently, I’ve gained recognition from many experts and industry insiders. Since last winter, domestic sales have steadily risen. Yesterday, I launched another store for international sales, and the one opened last December is gradually receiving orders. I’m learning as I go, relying on my experience with Alibaba. I’m confident because, from the start, I was prepared to lose money. I don’t focus on short-term gains—just on delivering quality products and service. There’s no trick or scheme to swindle people out of their money. I simply ask myself: What can my clients gain from me? If I fall short, I own up to it without evasion.
After years of painstaking effort, things are finally looking up. The business can sustain itself now, and that’s thrilling. As someone who mostly stays home, receiving orders from around the world and seeing my products gain recognition is incredibly rewarding.
Due to various reasons, a shipment to Australia only arrived this afternoon—two days later than my usual same-day or next-day dispatch. Knowing the courier closes at 8 p.m., I decided to send it tonight. I asked my husband to drive me.
I finished dinner early, but the courier picking up another package was unusually slow. By the time he left, it was already 7 p.m. I hurriedly packed the Hong Kong parcel, and by 7:20, I was ready. But when I told my husband, he said, “Why rush? It’s just a 10-minute drive,” eyes glued to his mobile game. I held my temper. Finally, he put his phone down—only to change into his basketball clothes, planning to play after dropping me off. I kept quiet. As we were about to leave, he grabbed my package but forgot his racket, then doubled back for his sports bag. Next, he remembered a hard drive he needed to deliver. I watched silently as he scrambled.
By the time we left at 7:38, he had no idea which route to take. I regretted insisting on shipping tonight—his rushing made me anxious. I was furious, fantasizing about smacking him with a brick, but he was helping me. His reckless nature is just how he is. Arguing wouldn’t help, so I swallowed my anger.
Thankfully, we found the courier without further mishap.
Outwardly calm, I was a mess inside. Why did I have to ship today? It’s not like I’d lose sleep over a one-day delay. This order barely breaks even—the courier profits more than I do. But I had to do it. Earlier, I saw an Australian client’s perfect review: full marks for product quality, communication, and shipping speed. Strangers abroad can sense sincerity. My Alibaba store maintains a 100% satisfaction rate, and that drives me to keep pushing.
While I care deeply about client satisfaction, I must also consider my family’s feelings. My husband helped despite my poor time management. I can’t blame him. Previously, when I asked him to accompany me for pickups, he complained about being treated as a chauffeur and laborer. Now, I handle pickups alone when he’s unavailable.
Entrepreneurship is a battle! As the saying goes, “An old lady raising roosters—no easy feat (no eggs to collect).” But effort pays off. Clients’ trust and support are the greatest rewards.
Last night, I rewatched Mei Lanfang and felt deeply moved. In an era when actors were disdained, Mei Lanfang cared only for his art. He embodied his roles with such authenticity that even foreign audiences, despite language barriers, were moved. Watching it, I almost wished I’d lived in his time to witness his brilliance firsthand.
Authenticity is simple: follow your heart, ignore the noise. Yes, I’m a merchant selling moxibustion products, and I recommend them because I genuinely believe in them. Let others do as they will—I focus on delivering trustworthy products. Clients will judge for themselves.
The journey has been tough, but my heart is light. Whether dealing with big clients, small buyers, picky customers, or easygoing ones, they’ve all come to trust us. A Comoros client, after ten exchanges, praised our honesty before even ordering. I’ll keep this approach, confident that my international business will thrive like my domestic one. Sincerity transcends borders.
My perfectionism won’t make me rich overnight, but it earns me credibility. And credibility comes first.
Thank you, husband, for driving me to the courier.