CHAPTER 8 – The Struggle for Customers

With his business permit secured, Noah finally felt like a real entrepreneur.

But just as one problem ended, another one began.

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It was Monday morning, and Noah set up his food stall outside the school as usual.

He arranged his snacks neatly, preparing for the rush of students.

But something was wrong.

No one was buying.

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Noah frowned and looked around.

A few meters away, a new food stall had appeared.

A group of students crowded around it, buying snacks from someone else.

Noah's stomach dropped.

"What the hell…?" he muttered.

He squinted to see who the vendor was.

It was a woman

middle-aged, wearing a yellow apron, and smiling as she served the students.

Noah's hands clenched.

Someone copied his business.

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As the day continued, more and more students ignored Noah's stall.

Even his regular customers went to the new vendor instead.

Noah overheard a conversation:

"Wow, this one is cheaper!"

"I heard she gives free extra toppings."

"And she has more variety than Noah's stall."

Noah felt a painful twist in his chest.

He was being outmatched.

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Noah gritted his teeth.

Was this really happening?

He had worked so hard to get legal permission, and now someone else was taking away his customers.

His first instinct was to get angry.

But then, his System Notification appeared.

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System Notification

> [New Business Challenge: Customer Loyalty]

Your customers are choosing another vendor. Find a way to bring them back!

Tip: Success in business is not just about having good products, it's about keeping your customers engaged!

Noah exhaled slowly.

This wasn't just bad luck, it was a test.

And he wasn't going to lose.

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Understanding the Problem

Noah decided to observe the new vendor closely.

What was she doing differently?

1. Pricing – She was selling her snacks cheaper than his.

2. Promotion – She gave freebies like extra toppings.

3. Variety – She offered more choices of snacks.

Noah sighed.

She was playing the business game smart.

And if he didn't do something, he'd be pushed out.

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That night, Noah sat at the dinner table, thinking hard.

His sister, Claire, noticed his frustration.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

Noah sighed. "Someone copied my business and took my customers."

Claire raised an eyebrow. "And?"

Noah blinked. "What do you mean, 'and'?"

Claire smirked. "Are you just going to sit there and give up?"

Noah clenched his jaw. "Of course not."

Claire leaned forward. "Then fight back, but be smart about it."

Her words sparked an idea.

And suddenly, Noah knew what to do.

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The next morning, Noah arrived early at his stall.

He put up a handwritten sign that read:

"LOYAL CUSTOMERS GET A REWARD!"

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Step 1: Customer Rewards

When students passed by, Noah greeted them cheerfully.

"Hey! Did you buy from me before?" he asked one of them.

The student nodded.

"Great! Today, returning customers get a free drink with their order."

The student's eyes lit up.

"Really? That's awesome!"

Word spread fast.

Soon, students who had once bought from Noah started coming back.

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Step 2: A Unique Selling Point

Noah also introduced a new item

Customizable Snacks!

Instead of just selling pre-made food, he allowed students to mix and match flavors.

"Pick your own toppings! Make your own unique snack!"

This excited the students.

They felt involved.

And best of all, no other vendor was doing it.

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Step 3: Community Engagement

Noah also engaged with his customers.

He asked for feedback, listened to their suggestions, and even remembered their names.

It made the students feel special, like they were part of something.

And soon, they became loyal to Noah's stall again.

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A few days later, Noah noticed something.

The other vendor's stall wasn't as crowded anymore.

Her customers were slowly coming back to him.

She noticed it too, and approached him.

"You're smart, kid," she admitted.

Noah smiled. "Business is all about adapting."

She sighed. "You remind me of myself when I was younger."

Noah raised an eyebrow. "Then why did you try to outcompete me?"

The woman chuckled. "Because that's just how business works."

She extended a hand. "No hard feelings?"

Noah shook her hand.

"No hard feelings."

Because he had won this battle.

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System Notification

> [CUSTOMER LOYALTY CHALLENGE: SUCCESS]

Reward: +2 Business Acumen, +1 Negotiation Skill

Noah grinned.

His business knowledge was growing.

And he was ready for the next challenge.

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End of Chapter 8

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