Fair Dealing with Customers, Workers, and Vendors

What You Will Learn

• Apply the Golden Rule to business relationships
• Treat customers fairly, including complaints
• Explain biblical principles for paying workers
• Deal fairly and promptly with vendors

Lesson Notes

The Golden Rule in Business

At every decision ask, If I were on the other side of this, would I call it fair? Fairness is not being a pushover. You can set prices, enforce policies, and say no, honestly and respectfully.

Customers

• Explain prices, timelines, and policies before the sale.
• Never pressure people who are vulnerable or desperate.
• Listen to complaints first; make it right when you were wrong.
• Keep customer information private.

Every customer is a neighbor God loves.

Workers and Helpers

The wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning (Leviticus 19:13). Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven (Colossians 4:1).

• Agree on pay and duties in writing; pay on time, as promised.
• Get professional guidance on employment and tax rules before hiring.
• Treat helpers with dignity, including family.

Vendors and Suppliers

Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee (Proverbs 3:28). Pay invoices when due, communicate early about problems, and negotiate without lying about other offers. Fair supplier relationships are a hidden strength of small businesses.

Key Terms

In-Class Activities

Both Sides of the Counter

For customers, workers, and vendors, write one way people get treated unfairly and how a Kingdom business would do it differently. Keep details as general as you like.

The Complaint

Role-play: a customer's order was late and wrong. Practice four steps: listen, acknowledge, offer a fair solution, follow up. Switch roles.

Assignment: Fair Dealing Commitments

Write three short sections for your future business, each with one Scripture:

• Customers: your refund policy in plain words and how you will handle complaints.
• Workers or helpers: how you will agree on pay, when you will pay, and how you will show respect.
• Vendors: how and when you will pay and handle problems.

Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.

Reflection Journal

Think of a time someone treated you fairly when they did not have to. How did it affect you? Who will be on the other side of the counter from you one day?

Prayer focus: Ask God for a fair heart toward every person your work touches, and courage to make things right when you are wrong.

The Other Side of the Counter

Most of us know what it feels like to be treated unfairly: overcharged, ignored, paid late, or spoken to without respect. Jesus turns that experience into a rule for life: as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise (Luke 6:31).

Every business decision has people on the other side. A customer needs clear prices and honest answers. A helper needs to know what she will be paid and to receive it on time. A supplier needs her invoice paid when it is due. Scripture speaks to all three.

Fairness is not weakness. A fair business owner can set prices, keep policies, and say no. She simply does it in the open and with respect, so no one is surprised or exploited.

Carmen remembered waiting weeks for a paycheck from a boss who always had excuses. (Carmen is a composite example.) When she started her cleaning business, she made one promise to her helpers before anything else: you will be paid the day the job is done.

Think About It

1. When has someone treated you fairly when they did not have to? ______________________
2. Which relationship (customers, workers, vendors) will be hardest to keep fair? ______________________
3. What promise will you make to the people who work with you? ______________________

Daily Devotions for Week 4

Likewise

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.— Luke 6:31 (KJV)

The Golden Rule turns every business choice into a question of love.

Reflect: How would you want to be treated in this situation?

Pray: Lord, help me treat others as I want to be treated.

Do: Do one unexpected kindness for someone today.

Do Justly

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?— Micah 6:8 (KJV)

Justice, mercy, and humility belong together, in business and in life.

Reflect: Which of the three comes hardest to you?

Pray: Lord, teach me to do justly and love mercy.

Do: Show mercy to someone who owes you something.

Worthy of Reward

The labourer is worthy of his reward.— 1 Timothy 5:18 (KJV)

Workers deserve fair, prompt pay. One day you may be the one paying.

Reflect: How will you honor those who work for you?

Pray: Lord, make me fair to every worker.

Do: Thank someone whose work serves you.

The Things of Others

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.— Philippians 2:4 (KJV)

A Kingdom business looks out for the people it serves, not only itself.

Reflect: Whose needs have you overlooked?

Pray: Lord, open my eyes to others' needs.

Do: Ask someone how you can help them this week.

When It Is in Your Power

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.— Proverbs 3:27 (KJV)

Pay what you owe and give what is due promptly.

Reflect: Is there anything you owe that you can settle?

Pray: Lord, make me prompt to do good.

Do: Return or repay one thing you owe.