0 Small business ethics

As a customer don't ever feel like you have to continue to patronize businesses that display poor business ethics. You set the standard for how you want to be treated as a customer.

Whether you're a customer or business owner being involved with a business that doesn't follow these simple "rules" can set you up to waste money in the long run.

1. Consistency. A company that is constantly changing the formula for products, may show that the owner doesn't know what he or she is doing. Even though, products may be homemade/handmade making a thick batch of lotion one month and a runny batch of lotion the next, is inconsistent. 
2. Pricing. Make sure you're not paying too much for products. Just because a product is homemade/handmade, doesn't mean you have to pay outrageous prices for it. Remember, if you continue to pay outlandish prices, companies will continue to charge outlandish prices. Don't let business owners rip you off.
3. Customer service. On a weekday during business hours, a "receipt of payment" notice should be sent within 24 hrs. Orders on instock items need to be shipped within 48 hrs. I don't understand why the processing time on some homemade items is over 2 weeks long. If a company is using the proper preservatives, they should be able to make a product in large batches and ship them out as needed.
4. Packaging. Bad packaging is a huge pet peeve of mine. Products that are going to be exposed to moisture NEED to have waterproof labels. The name of the product needs to be clearly written on each label along with the ingredients. 

As a customer you are paying for the above services each time you purchase a product. You're paying that person for their packaging, shipping and handling and for quality ingredients. All of these factors are factored in when a business owner sets the pricing for an item. Make sure you're getting your money worth.