People often think that in the shop, we're the ones passing knowledge on to customers. The reality, after all these years, is that I learn as much from them as they learn from me.
Everyone reacts differently – confirmed every week
Whatever theory you have about dosage or expected effects, it's customer feedback that really refines my understanding. Two people with a similar profile can react very differently to the same product, and I'd never have understood these individual differences so well without hundreds of conversations in the shop over the years.
Uses we hadn't anticipated
Some customers find uses I'd never have thought of on my own: a herbal tea before a stressful interview, an oil alongside a well-established meditation routine, or combinations of products depending on the time of day. This feedback from the field directly enriches the advice we then give other customers in a similar situation.
Ask questions rather than assume
One of the most useful lessons customers have taught me is never to assume I know what they're looking for before asking. Two customers can use the word "stress" to describe completely different situations, and the right product won't be the same depending on the real context.
"I came in several times before really explaining why I was looking for CBD. Once I dared to talk about it openly, Cyril completely changed his recommendation, and it made all the difference."
Staying humble about everyone's experience
After all these years, I'm still convinced you never really stop learning about this subject, even on the right side of the counter. Every week brings unexpected questions or experiences that add nuance to what we thought we knew. That's also why I'd rather take the time to listen than recite a ready-made speech.
If you have a particular experience or question about CBD, feel free to mention it next time you drop by the shop in Yverdon-les-Bains. The best advice often comes from those conversations.
