James Cash Penney's Quotes

A store's best advertisement is the service its goods render, for upon such service rest the future, the good-will, of an organization.

Clock watchers never seem to be having a good time.

Determine to do some thinking for yourself. Don't live entirely upon the thoughts of others. Don't be an automaton.

Do not primarily train men to work. Train them to serve willingly and intelligently.

Exchange ideas frequently.

I believe a man is better anchored who has a belief in the Supreme Being.

I was long brought up to think that it was nothing short of a crime to miss a sale.

It is the service we are not obliged to give that people value most.

It was always my practice to train salespeople under my direct supervision, and to treat children with the utmost consideration.

My definition of an executive's job is brief and to the point. It is simply this: Getting things done through other people.

No business can succeed in any great degree without being properly organized.

No company can afford not to move forward. It may be at the top of the heap today but at the bottom of the heap tomorrow, if it doesn't.

No matter what his position or experience in life, there is in everyone more latent than developed ability; far more unused than used power.

Salesmanship is limitless. Our very living is selling. We are all salespeople.

Salesmanship, too, is an art; the perfection of its technique requires study and practice.

Selling is our No. 1 job. Never get away from selling a lot of merchandise personally. The more you sell the more you learn.

Success will always be measured by the extent to which we serve the buying public.

The best of merchandise will go back to the shelf unless handled by a conscientious, tactful salesman.

The disciplined are free.

The keystone of successful business is cooperation. Friction retards progress.

The problem with the bronco is to get on and stay on. This is the problem with the Golden Rule-to understand and apply.

The thought in my mind was that I must be a good merchant. If I were a good merchant, the rest would probably take care of itself.

The well-satisfied customer will bring the repeat sale that counts.

Theory is splendid but until put into practice, it is valueless.

Too many would-be executives are slaves of routine.

We can serve our customers well only if our buying jobs are right. You cannot sell if you haven't ordered wanted goods into your store.