The Edison phonograph monthly (Mar 1903-Feb 1904)

EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY. PAYS TO CARRY A FULL LINE. A Jobber recently related to us an experience he had with a Brooklyn Dealer which will show to many Dealers in Edison Phonographs why they do not make a great success in selling these goods. Like many other Dealers, the Brooklyn man bought a few machines and a small stock of Records. He ordered in a small way from time to time, and finally said to the salesman of the jobbing house: "I do not seem to make much of a success of this business and think that I shall give it up entirely." The salesman replied : "Unless you conduct your business in a different manner than you are doing, I agree with you that it will be better to give it up entirely. Unless you feel able to put in a larger stock and carry a complete line of Records, it is really hardly worth while trying to make much of a success of it." The Dealer asked a number of questions and then agreed to think the matter over. The outcome of the conversation was an order to put in every Record in the entire catalogue and a larger supply of machines. In telling of this Dealer's experience, the Jobber said that the Dealer is now doing one of the best businesses of anyone in the line in Brooklyn. He carries a complete stock at all times, and his customers are sure of finding what they want when they enter the place. This experience is the same as many Dealers throughout the country have had. They buy one, two or three machines and two or three hundred Records, and endeavor with this outfit to carry on a Phonograph business. It is an even chance that when they are asked for a certain Record they do not have it in stock and if they get it at all they are compelled to send to their Jobber some distance away, occasioning a loss of time, or, in many instances, failing to make a sale at all. The successful Dealers in this line to-day are those who carry the entire stock of Records as shown in the catalogue. All Dealers, like the Dealer in Brooklyn, would do well -to think this matter over. GET AFTER THE Y. M. C. A.'S. In every city of size in the country there is a Young Men's Christian Association. Every such association is constantly devising means of amusement for its members and those who frequent the rooms of its buildings. Every such association, therefore, should be ready to meet a Dealer half way in an effort to sell it a Phonograph and a supply of Records. Of all musical devices that might be placed in a building of this kind, the Phonograph is unquestionably one of the most popular. Its simplicity of operation makes it possible for anyone to operate without injuring it. Our lists of Records includes numbers of airs which are popular among young men. Altogether the Phonograph is an ideal instrument for Young Men's Christian Associations, and every Dealer should make every reasonable effort to sell one to the association in his town. STOCK UP FOR HOLIDAYS. Dealers would do well at this time to look over their stock of Phonographs and Records and make up an order so as to have a full •supply of both in the holiday season. The experience of past years has been that the demand for Edison goods is greater at the holiday season than at any other time in the year, and Dealers who do not have a large stock on hand fail to get the business. There is no risk whatever in stocking up in this manner, for prices are not to be changed and our goods will be just as saleable in January and February as in December. It will only mean a little more outlay of money in anticipation of business, but it cannot fail to pay in the end. RETAINED PHONOGRAPH LITERATURE. Ilsen & Company, Jobbers at Cincinnati, report a similar experience with advertising matter concerning Phonographs distributed at a fair as was written about last month by H. E. Sidles Cycle Company, of Lincoln, Neb. Ilsen & Company made an exhibit at a recent fair in Cincinnati and they state that after the close each night they purposely looked around to see whether or not circulars given out by them had been kept or thrown away. They were able to find very few of them, showing that in nearly every case the recipient of these folders and cards took them away, although the floor was strewn with printed matter of almost every other exhibit. We have received a supply of Binders for the Edison Phonograph Monthly and will take pleasure in sending one prepaid to any Jobber or Dealer upon receipt of fifty cents. These Binders are neat in appearance, and are lettered with the name of the publication. They will hold copies for one year. DOING BUSINESS A PLEASURE. Lacona, Iowa, Oct. 10, 1903. I have just received your October 1st list of Suspended Dealers. It is a pleasure to do business with a firm who makes it possible for the retailer to get full prices. S. A. Ralston.