14/04/2026
My early days in this laundry business…
I had one customer who was a “big man.” Anytime he came, he would collect clothes on credit and promise, “I’ll send the money when I get home.” Days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months, and sometimes when he finally paid, it was not even complete.
I was scared to confront him. I kept telling myself, “If I lose him, I may lose my business.” But deep down, my shop was suffering. How will I buy detergent, starch, baking soda, vinegar, fuel for iron? How will I pay my staff? My capital was dying slowly.
One day, I went to a supermarket to buy vinegar to my greatest surprise, I saw this same man shopping heavily. He paid for everything at once with his card. I quietly hid so he wouldn’t see me. At that moment, my eyes opened. I told myself the bitter truth: “If I continue like this, I will end up in debt and close my shop.”
Two days later, he came again for his clothes and said the usual: “I’ll send the money later.” But this time, something in me refused to bow. I said:
“No sir. If you can pay at the supermarket, then you can also pay here. My service deserves the same respect.”
He was shocked. I told my receptionist:
“Please keep his clothes. Until he pays his debt and also for the new ones, don’t release them.”
He stormed out angrily, saying I had no respect and that washing his clothes was a “privilege” for me. That evening, he came back quietly, paid all he owed, and left.
That day I learnt a big lesson: If you don’t respect your work, nobody will.
To every Dry Cleaner and every other skilled workers:
Never allow fear to make you cheap. Your handwork is not a privilege it is your dignity, your sweat, and your future. Don’t let anyone use your silence to rob you of your value.
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