The fact that business relations in Central Europe are very often family
and friendship affairs was to prove an almost insuperable obstacle in
government food regulation. It led to the growth of what for the want of
a better term I will call: The food "speak-easy."
The word _Kundschaft_ may be translated into English as "circle of
customers." The term "trade" will not fit, for the reason that relations
between old customers and storekeeper are usually the most intimate. The
dealer may have known the mother of the woman who buys in his shop. He
may have also known her grandmother. At any rate, it is certain that the
customer has dealt at the store ever since she moved into the district.
Loyalty in Central Europe goes so far that a customer would think twice
before changing stores, and if a change is made it becomes almost a
matter of personal affront. The storekeeper will feel that he has done
his best by the customer and has found no appreciation.
Not versed in the ways of Europe, I had several experiences of this
peculiarity.
While in Vienna I used to buy my smoking materials of a little woman who
kept a tobacco "_Traffic_" on the Alleestrasse. I did not show up when
at the front, of course, and, making many such trips, my custom was a
rather spasmodic affair. The woman seemed to be worried about it.
"It is very odd, sir, that you stay away altogether at times," she said.
"Is it possible that you are not satisfied with my goods? They are the
same as those you get elsewhere, you know."
That was true enough. In Austria trade in tobacco is a government
monopoly, and one buys the same brands at all the stores.
"I am not always in town," I explained.
I was to get my bringing-up supplemented presently. Those who know the
Viennese will best understand what happened.
"You are a foreigner, sir," continued the woman, "and cannot be expected
to know the ways of this country. May I give you a little advice?"