They’re saying I have to buy ten boxes to start.
The client suddenly raised the minimum order to ten boxes. Even three boxes were a stretch, and from that night on, the numbers looked different.
A small business owner who sold goods in batches of three suddenly has to shoulder both the order quantity and the money left over when the client raises the minimum order.
The Client representative raises the minimum order to ten boxes. Jieun stops before ordering just three, and when the same condition repeats the following week, she begins to look at the order quantity and remaining money separately in counseling.
When business money feels heavy all at once
When you see all the money invested in the business as one burden, fear grows. When you separate the flow of money coming in and going out, the next scene becomes easier to see.
What is the first number you check just before deciding on a business expense?
The scene stayed with me: facing the words that she had to buy ten boxes for the next shipment, the hand that chose three boxes looked like the hand blocking her own business. I saw that she was carrying not only the size of the payment, but also the order quantity, the money left, and the days until the next sale—all at once. If you’re going through a similar night, it’s okay to tell me how you’re looking at the conditions in front of you.
Scenes
- 01 · Ten boxes to start Ten boxes to start — The Client representative slides the invoice onto the packing table and says that, starting with the next order, the minimum quantity will be ten boxes. Jieun: Ten boxes? Client representative: Yes, starting with the next order, the minimum is ten boxes.
- 02 · A night of three boxes A night of three boxes — Jieun enters three in the quantity field and leaves her finger hovering. Beside her are seven empty boxes that haven’t been folded yet. Jieun: I can’t order ten boxes.
- 03 · The same condition again The same condition again — A week later, the Client representative says over the phone that if this order is only three boxes, it will be difficult to release the next shipment. Jieun stands motionless beside the packing table, phone pressed to her ear. Jieun: This time too? Client representative: If it’s three boxes again, it’ll be difficult for us to release the next shipment.
- 04 · Laying it out in three spaces Laying it out in three spaces — Jieun places the two invoices on the table. Dowon lays three blank sheets beside them and points to each one in turn with a fingertip. Jieun: Where do I write down what I can afford? Dowon: Shall we put that in one space too and look at it together?
Stories by Dowon
- Dowon
- After getting the kids to bed, I wonder if I’m ready to date someone new.
- After a gathering, I need to be alone
- As I get ready for work, should I start by fixing what I’m lacking?
- You realize the whole morning is gone, and blame yourself for the day again.
- When I get back after a meeting, the money I gave my family is the first thing on my mind.
- I couldn’t tell my husband, even though I’d gone to the interview.
- Even over dinner, I wonder if this is the right work for me.
- After I call Mom, I feel like I’m the one who has to take care of things now.