He prefers short credits to long ones; and cash to credit at
all times, either in buying or selling; and small profits in credit
cases with little risk, to the chance of better gains with more
hazard.
He is clear and explicit in all his bargains.
He leaves nothing of consequence to memory which he can and ought
to commit to writing.
He keeps copies of all his important letters which he sends
away, and has every letter, invoice, &c., belonging to his business,
titled, classed, and put away.
He never suffers his desk to be confused by many papers lying
upon it.
He is always at the head of his business, well knowing that if
he leaves it, it will leave him.
He holds it as a maxim that he whose credit is suspected is not
one to be trusted.
He is constantly examining his books, and sees through all his
affairs as far as care and attention will enable him.
He balances regularly at stated times, and then makes out and
transmits all his accounts current to his customers, both at home
and abroad.
He avoids as much as possible all sorts of accommodation in
money matters, and lawsuits where there is the least hazard.