I went to Mid Valley at 10am for a haircut today. My hair is just too long and I can't imagine going through another hot weekend with it so I have decided to haul my lazy ass up earlier today for the haircut. The hairdresser told me that I am his first customer for the day. His exact words were "I opened my 'door' and I have a customer. This will be a lucky day for me". As a Chinese, I can appreciate what he said as we are kinda superstitious folks and having a customer the minute you start your business is an auspicious sign.
This reminded me of a couple of incidents where I was told that I was the first customers:
In 2000, when I was in the popular market in Camden, London. I bought shampoo from the Bodyshop. The pretty girl told me I was her first customer. My automatic response was "is there a special discount for first customer?" which resulted in laughter. I didn't get my discount, but I received a very pleasant smile.
Last year in Luxor, Eg, the 4 of us were shopping for souveniers in this shop. That guy was cleaning his shop when we walked by. He invited us in and showed us all the nice trinkets, maps, fridge magnets and what nots. He was very polite and helpful and accomodating in giving us good discount. We bought a lot of things from him. When we paid at the cash register, the shopkeeper took our money, kissed it, placed it on his forehead, mumbled a prayer or two and then kept it in his drawers. He told us that he's giving thanks to God for having us as his first customers and hoping that there will be more for the day.
Funny how different cultures perform different "rituals" for having the first customer.
Any first customer stories to share? Please put them in the Comment section.
.
This reminded me of a couple of incidents where I was told that I was the first customers:
In 2000, when I was in the popular market in Camden, London. I bought shampoo from the Bodyshop. The pretty girl told me I was her first customer. My automatic response was "is there a special discount for first customer?" which resulted in laughter. I didn't get my discount, but I received a very pleasant smile.
Last year in Luxor, Eg, the 4 of us were shopping for souveniers in this shop. That guy was cleaning his shop when we walked by. He invited us in and showed us all the nice trinkets, maps, fridge magnets and what nots. He was very polite and helpful and accomodating in giving us good discount. We bought a lot of things from him. When we paid at the cash register, the shopkeeper took our money, kissed it, placed it on his forehead, mumbled a prayer or two and then kept it in his drawers. He told us that he's giving thanks to God for having us as his first customers and hoping that there will be more for the day.
Funny how different cultures perform different "rituals" for having the first customer.
Any first customer stories to share? Please put them in the Comment section.
.
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