Lately I haven’t had time—or heart—for our chat group. I’ve been wrestling with a disastrous order for mugwort powder (ai fen), and it turned into a complete mess. Everything has a way of working out eventually, but I’ve definitely taken a hit this time. Live and learn!
I really wanted to trust a friend and let them help close the deal, but in the end the buyer would only accept my mugwort powder (ai fen) and refused theirs. It was awkward. I even had to eat the shipping costs. What I hoped would be a win‑win turned into a lose‑lose! Now I’m wary of teaming up with anyone—because I know my own products inside out and can stand behind them. Their powder looked fine when they showed me the sample, but their warehouse was poorly managed and their packaging shoddy, so the buyer couldn’t even unload the goods. Apparently, products from Henan really do get pushed aside in this industry. Brand reputation is everything, and theirs got ruined beyond repair.
Lately, so many customers tell me: “Your moxa sticks (ai tiao) are great—I love them—but they’re expensive. Other brands are so much cheaper…” Frankly, it leaves me speechless. Business is a free market; I set my prices. If you think I’m gouging, you’re free to shop elsewhere.
A friend joked, “Haiyan’s getting stingier by the day. Before you became a boss you were so carefree—went out splurging multiple times a week! Now you barely have time to grab a meal together in months. Every time I suggest eating out, you say it’s too pricey, so we should just cook at home!” And they’re right. I’ve tightened my belt. Back then I only worried about myself and the kids. Now I have nearly ten staff to pay, I’m tying up years’ worth of raw materials in storage, expanding warehouses to ensure top‑quality mugwort leaf and moxa floss—and that costs money. There are printing bills, electricity for processing, and construction costs for the new facility, which won’t be fully ready until next fall. Right now I need to set aside sales revenue to buy fresh mugwort leaf again at Dragon Boat Festival next year.
If you want truly aged, authentic moxa sticks—think of it like free‑range chicken—you need time. Let the chickens roam and grow happy. Sure, factory‑farmed chickens look good fast, but the flavor tells the difference. My pressure is immense, but for friends who love my products, I’m willing to give my all. If someone insists on free‑range taste at factory‑farm prices, I simply can’t sell. Free‑range supplies are limited, so I won’t sacrifice price or shipping just to appear generous. If you don’t buy, I understand.
For those who do understand, I’m happy to send small gifts your way! But if all you care about is haggling over price, I’m truly at a loss.