A Little Story from the Clinic
There’s a small therapy room inside the community clinic where I used to go for acupuncture treatments. I once gave them a few boxes of my own moxa sticks. After that, they occasionally reached out to buy more. Gradually, it turned into a monthly order.
Even after the therapist was replaced, they continued to use my moxa. I later found out it was because the clients specifically requested my product — if they were given something else, they weren’t happy about it. That’s when I realized: it wasn’t just the therapists who preferred my moxa — the customers trusted it, too.
A Thoughtful Reminder
As Yuan-Yuan had hoped, today was indeed quite a busy one. But I still made time to meet his new teacher. After a short conversation, my heart felt at ease — this new teacher is clearly experienced and capable, so I no longer have to worry.
The moment I got home, things picked up again. Four customers reached out wanting to buy full boxes of moxa sticks. On top of that, there were a few smaller orders that naturally took time to handle. It’s always a good feeling when business is going well.
One of the customers, though, was quite new to moxibustion. I was concerned she might just be making an impulsive purchase, so I asked her, “Are you sure you’ll stick with it? Do you really like my moxa?” She gave me a firm yes, saying, “I feel really good after moxibustion. I enjoy it.” Only then did I agree to the order.
I’ve seen too many people give up on moxibustion halfway. If she buys a bunch and ends up not using it, it might lead to dissatisfaction or complaints later. Even if I make a sale now, a bad experience wouldn’t be worth it.
For people with years of experience in moxibustion, buying by the box makes perfect sense. Just last month, I had customers order several boxes at a time. But for beginners, I always recommend starting small — try it first. If it works for them, they can always come back. If it doesn’t, there’s no loss.
I’ve come to accept that not everyone will stick with it, and that’s perfectly okay. That’s why I never expect a new customer to buy a lot. I just hope they come to enjoy it at their own pace. Only when someone truly embraces it can the habit last.
Just yesterday, I was chatting with a friend — we call him “the Hermit.” He told me one of his customers almost returned my moxa sticks without trying them. He encouraged her to at least give them a go. She did — and loved the scent. Needless to say, she changed her mind. That’s the thing about moxa — it has to feel right.
A Quiet Realization
Looking back at all this, I’ve come to a simple realization: don’t set expectations too high. Just focus on doing your part wholeheartedly. Whether it’s your spouse, your child, or a customer — give them respect, give them space, and support them as best you can. Don’t push, demand, or take. Just do your part with sincerity.
It’s funny — when I stopped having expectations, I started receiving more understanding and support. People can tell when your intentions are truly for their benefit, not just your own. And that’s more than enough.
Having no expectations… feels surprisingly fulfilling.