Too Often the Case⤒🔗

At a recent conference the owner of a Christian business commented that Christians were his worst customers because they are the hardest to deal with, and misunderstandings occur so easily. Surprisingly, an audience of Christian business folk agreed with the remark.

When this account was related to me, I had trouble accepting the truth of the statement so I asked numerous Christian business entrepreneurs their views on the subject. I was disconcerted when many of them told their own stories in support of the statement. Some of the comments were as follows:

Christian customers are often more ill-mannered than non-Christian customers.

Requests for a discount for cash deals (circumventing taxes as well) often come from Christians.

There's no way I'm working for any Canadian Reformed people – I have to wait too long for my money.

My Christian boss was terrible to work for. He often 'lost it' and made his employees feel like dirt.

My Christian brothers drive the hardest bargain in wanting the lowest price; however, they are often the first to complain when things don't go exactly right.

Don't worry about a thing. Of course he'll give us a deal. We go to the same church, don't we?

Why?←⤒🔗

A caution against generalizing is in order here, particularly as there are also many documented exceptions to the contrary. Christian business people among our readership will attest to that. But the above comments indicate that in too many cases a Christian is not always the ideal customer. Why is that?

I suggest two possible reasons. One is the expectation among Christians that like-minded individuals know how costly it can be to meet all the financial obligations for Christian causes. As every Christian businessman is expected to know, there are church contributions, Christian education costs and numerous other worthy yet costly causes. Therefore, many Christian shoppers assume Christian businesses will take this into consideration when purchases are made or work is being done. There is an inference that the heavy financial obligation load should be lessened by getting a break from fellow Christian business people.

Again, there should be no misunderstanding here. If a Christian businessman wishes to give a discount to someone in his community, that's fine. The point is, however, that a deal should not be expected simply because dealings are with fellow Christians, nor should badgering a Christian businessman into a special bargain take place.

A second reason is because there is often a misunderstanding by customers how prices are set in the marketplace. Entrepreneurs will tell you that everything bends to the ebb and flow of market forces such as demand and supply, labour relationships and interpersonal exchanges of goods and services. Businesses believe market prices are needed for survival because they cover only their full costs including a risk premium and a competitive return on investment. The Christian customer doesn't always understand this and will therefore bring a set of different values to the process. These values are based on a special bond seen with a fellow believer and the feeling that the Christian businessman should keep that bond in mind during transactions.

Some Advice←⤒🔗

Thus there is potential for misunderstanding between Christian business people and their Christian customers. Many Christians do want that special price and give businesses a difficult time unless they get it. And businesses understand how their customers feel yet aren't always in a position to comply.

Is there a way out of this dilemma? No simple solution can solve all the problems, but some suggestions may help.

• First, Christian customers should not expect discounted prices or special deals from a Christian businessman whose livelihood depends on selling goods or services at a certain price. If the Christian customer has financial difficulties, this burden should not be involuntarily placed on the shoulders of the businessman. Any deals that are given should be suggested by the owner of the business.
   
• Second, Christian businessmen should show proper stewardship of that which they have been blessed with. A lavish lifestyle invites comments like, “He's doing so well that he can easily afford to give me a deal.”
   
• Third, Christian customers should make more of an effort to learn about the workings of the marketplace, especially as it relates to pricing of goods and services. Too many Christians see the markets as inherently exploitive and unfair. An education in supply and demand would go a long way towards avoiding misunderstandings. This would also help Christian customers realize that business is a two-way street and that not only they should gain from a transaction. Christian businessmen also have to make a living and their standards should not be reduced for someone else's benefit.