Why I trust everybody.

Bill Martino

Bill Martino

Joined
Mar 5, 1999
Messages
34,096
As all my customers and most forumites know we march to a different drummer at Himalayan Imports. And, in keeping in step with this unusual drummer one of the things we do is extend trust and credit (when we can afford it) to almost everybody who comes our way.

For example, of the 14 or so village models I recently sent out none were prepaid or shipped COD, including the one I sent to Andre in Australia. I received payment for all 14 except the one I sent to Cliff for destruction testing. It was too ugly and flawed to sell.

I do not ask for up front money on special orders. Of the Ang Khola Bowies, Salyans, and other special orders that are currently being manufactured I have been paid for none.

I have operated like this from the beginning 11 years ago and I can count on the fingers of one hand the times I have been cheated. One man who cheated was a doctor, another a rich businessman, one I believe may have died before he was able to pay me, and a couple of others maybe that I can't remember.

Many people have asked me why I operate in this unusual fashion and do not operate as most businesses do so I have decided to post the answer to that question here in the forum for all to read. It will save me time.

When I was studying Oriental religion and in the process of inadvertently converting to Buddhism I had a guru. I had been cheated badly several times when I was young and I asked the guru how I could fully forgive those who had cheated me. Here is what he told me:

"You have never been cheated so you have nothing to forgive. The man who cheats only cheats himself. He robs himself of honor, and adds sin to his karma which he must pay sooner or later. The man who never cheats cannot be cheated."

Then he added this statement as he always did to every lesson he taught, "If you do not understand this then you are not ready for this lesson so keep it until you are ready."

So now you know why I trust everybody. And, I have come to believe that trust breeds trust.

Uncle Bill
 
Uncle Bill,I've been visiting your boards for a couple of months now.But your kindness,generosity and honesty still continue to amaze me. A debt is a debt of honor and I wish for the days when a hand shake meant something. Right now I'm deciding on what model will join my 18" WW2 probably an Angkola.This board is great!

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Bill P
 
Hi Bill:

I am not sure, Bill, maybe knife customers are different but I have a hard time getting anybody to cheat me. And, I'm thankful for that because I'd certainly hate to change drummers and the march tune at my age.

Uncle Bill

[This message has been edited by Bill Martino (edited 05 July 1999).]
 
Uncle Bill- I don't care how hard you try, you'll never get me to cheat you. So you can just stop trying so hard.
wink.gif

Mike K.
 
Being cheated is in your own mind.I have a friend who owes me a substantial sum.He can not cheat me because, I would have given him the money.He will pay me when,or if, he is able, but I am not the bank.It is not my job to think of such things.
 
"Trust breeds Trust": A fine, honorable way
to behave in life, Uncle Bill.

Just purchased an Ang Khola from shop #2 and am eagerly anticipating its arrival at the
local post office tomorrow morning. Uncle
Bill e-mailed me notifying me that he sent
out the blade. Along with the notification,
he attached an offer to purchase a Hanuman/
WWII hybrid along with picture of product.
As I typed out a negative respose due to
lack of discretionary funds after buying the
Ang Khola, I came up with the idea that I
might possibly lay a down payment and pay
off the balance in 4-5 weeks, with Uncle
Bill holding on to the blade until it was
paid off. Not only did Uncle Bill accept the
idea, he e-mailed me to say the blade was
on the way and that my idea was okay by him!!
Personally, I feel honored that he would
simply send out a beautiful and valuable
knife on trust alone. Uncle Bill, Thanks and
as they say: the down "CHECK'S IN THE MAIL".

The downside of maintaining Uncle Bill's
trust is that I might take advantage of it
and end up buying TOO many Khukuries!!!
Life's tough, no???

Frank
 
Your getting the blade makes more sense, so long as payment is made.Why should Bill store it?

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In reply to trust breeds trust, Bill is the only maker/dealer that I have ever asked not to send me out a knife because I didn't have the money right away (he did anyway). How radically different is that from the normal procedure.

While it might strike you as pretty amazing when you first hear about it, Bill's shipping policy would be expected if you have talked with him for any length of time. There is a strong sense of honor about him that is readily apparent.

-Cliff
 
This is still normal in rural areas.There is a downside.I just turned on the news and saw fat,ugly people.You are not going to see that in L.A.These people are not going to the beach and have no reason to change anything.Cest la vie.Cest la guerre.

------------------
 
Ghostsix,
What the hell kind of post is that,; and what does it have to do with anything, anything at all?
Dan
 
Dan K, I think that Ghost's point was that people like he and Bill are talking about accept and can live with themselves and others warts and all, unlike LA & the Hollywood culture where everybody is a wannabe someone, anyone else. The good side is these are people comfortable with themselves, with others, and make good friends. The bad side Ghost is pointing out is ( for me ) fewer babes in short shorts with half their buns hanging out causing me me to trip over my tongue. I do agree with you Dan, that Ghost should have included the customary knife reference. Occam's razor maybe?
 
It seems that people who visit and participate in this forum have a strong sense of honor. You can see it in the posts. I can see it beyond this in my dealings with them. Because of the trust we extend to one another we become friends and comrades.

I have standing invitations to visit the homes of probably 200 customers cum comrade and friend. To me this is of great value and one of the reasons we march to that different drummer.

Dan, ghostsix pointed out the wisdom of my old guru and he also speaks in metaphors many times. You must read between the lines to get at the real meaning of what he is saying.

Uncle Bill
 
Bill,

I think I can hear the drums. It's music to my ears. When I read your post, I also felt refreshed.

Thank you.
smile.gif


p.s.

I may even start calling you Uncle Bill one of these days.
wink.gif
 
Bob, my guess is I am certainly old enough to qualify as uncle so feel free -- and thanks for your kind words.

Uncle Bill
 
Bill is a realy pleasure to deal with. He is really easy-going (true to Buddhist teaching) and wants you to be happy with your purchases. He has tolerated me waffling and changing my mind an awful lot. I appreciate his trust. Where else will someone send you a product to evaluate without a deposit or even shipping?

I am just very glad to see there are still people like Bill conducting business this way. Seems pretty rare these days.

Uncle, it is a joy to do business with you.
 
Thank you, Clay. Don't forget all the wonderful gifts you have sent my way. You did not mention these. Life is a two way street.

Uncle Bill
 
I can be a bit arcane.I once replied to a post by saying the camel is in the tent, refering to a Bedouin proverb.If you let the camel stick his nose in the tent, soon you`ll have the whole camel.A few heads were scratched on that.I had to go back and explain it.

------------------
 
As distasteful as it is to one who seeks harmony and kindness toward all things, long experience has taught me that the most compassionate response to the camel's nose in the tent is immediate, sustained application of a branding iron to the camel's nose. As the camel gets to gaze upon the results in his reflection every time he takes a drink... need I say more?

Oh yes, 19" Chainpuri handled Sirupati rec'd. And "the check is in the mail", of course. OK, so it's a money order. Sounds better the other way. And just coincidentally I recently purchased a white panama hat with black band which the crossed khukuri pin fits on perfectly. Thanks.


[This message has been edited by Rusty (edited 06 July 1999).]
 
OK, Rusty:

Sounds like the mail service is still working for us at least. But, Ron hit the jackpot as we say in Nevada and I think two khukuris got to him today -- finally!

Uncle Bill
 
Thank You Uncle Bill. The blades continue to serve me well.

[This message has been edited by Zensho (edited 06 July 1999).]
 
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