# Legitimate Business Strategy in Modern Commerce

Over a decade ago, my friend accumulated his initial capital through wood floor essential oil.

With a cost of just a few dollars and selling for tens of dollars, the profit margin was extremely high. However, when he started door-to-door sales, he barely closed any deals in the first two months.

Later, he implemented a "give first, gain later" strategy:

First, he partnered with wood floor retailers to provide a complimentary box of essential oil as after-sales service to families who purchased wood flooring. The retailers were naturally delighted, and he gained precise access to all customers.

When visiting, he demonstrated the product in the most visible areas, buffing the floors until they gleamed—creating a striking contrast.

The key was: the free essential oil wasn't nearly enough. If customers wanted their entire floors polished, they had to buy from him.

He then advised clients that floors needed maintenance every six months, locking in repeat purchases. He even made additional revenue from on-site service calls.

No hard selling, no gimmicks.

He traded free product for trust, used results to drive purchases, and leveraged service to secure long-term clients.

This is the most powerful business model: give first, then gain, and let people willingly pay you.