The Edison phonograph monthly (Mar 1903-Feb 1904)

EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY. PRINTED MATTER. We do not seem to be able to make Dealers understand our position with reference to sending out printed matter. Most Dealers have no direct connection with the company, and it is not possible to send them printed matter with their goods. In most instances the quantity of printed matter supplied to Dealers is not large enough to make a freight shipment. Therefore, only one 'other way remains, to get the matter into the hands of the Dealer, viz., to send it by express at his expense. Instead of having Dealers ask us to do even this, we prefer that they get printed matter from their Jobbers. We endeavor to keep the latter supplied, and they should be able most of the time to take care of the wants of the Dealers. If a Dealer cannot get this attention, we are willing to do whatever we can to assist him, but it must be understood that such orders for printed matter can only be sent by express at the expense of the Dealer. The printing in sheet form for the use of the trade of the Comments on new Records from the Phonograph Monthly continues to be popular. A number of Dealers have written that they would like to use these sheets if they could get them. All such and otners interested may have these Comments mailed to them by remitting to the Advertising Department postage stamps at the rate of 20 cents per hundred for the Comments and 8 cents for postage. The amount is so small that we must ask Dealers to send postage with their order. We have had printed a quantity of gummed stickers ixi finches in size, printed in gold on black paper, for the use of such Dealers as will agree to stick them on envelopes, packages or any other matter going out of their stores. The different forms of these are as follows : EDISON GOLD MOULDED RECORDS. Richest, Smoothest, Most Brilliant. EDISON GOLD MOULDED RECORDS. Sustained by their Reputation. EDISON GOLD MOULDED RECORDS. No Scratch. No Changing Needles. EDISON GOLD MOULDED RECORDS. They Praise Themselves. Hear Them. These can be, sent out by mail, and we shall be glad to furnish small quantities to all Dealers who will agree to use them to advantage. A new Dealers' Discount Sheet was recently mailed to the entire trade. This contains but few changes. The only change of importance is that of straightening out the matter of discounts on Model B Reproducers, which was not clear in the former Discount Sheet. We have also cut out the discounts on some accessories that we are no longer carrying. A new Record Catalogue will be issued about March 1st which will contain all Records listed to and including March. If the trade finds that the Advertising Department is cutting down orders for the present catalogue it will understand that this is being done in order to make the present edition last until March 1st, and because we do not want the trade to have many of the present catalogue on hand when the new one comes out. The last of the series of colored hangers, Form 433, was mailed to the trade in January. New designs are under consideration and will be sent out later in the year. Catalogue of Parts, Form 371, has been superseded by Form 515, but the latter includes no new matter and no changes of any moment. Dealers who have catalogue Form 371 on hand will find it quite as reliable as the new edition. We are reprinting Form 427, a booklet on the Art of Making Phonograph Records. This is a booklet that might be used to advantage by all Dealers. The Record-making feature is one in which the Edison Phonograph excels all others beyond a question of doubt, and it should be made more of a talking point in the sale of machines than is now done. Then, too, many individuals who now own a Phonograph, but whose interest in it has waned, may be induced to take a new interest if given this little booklet on making Phonograph Records. CHEAP RECORDS AS AN AID IN SELL= INQ EDISON RECORDS. Campello, Mass., Jan. 18, 1904. I have put a man on the road, selling and advertising Edison Phonographs, and his principal work, together with mine, is taking in the shoe factories at the noon hour. The city of Brockton is one of the largest shoe cities in the world and employs about 12,000 operators in that capacity. Now, our method is to call at the factory, set up our machine, and give them a concert during the noon hour, at the same time giving out circulars and advertising matter to each and every one. We find that this is a fine idea, and we have made lots of sales this way, together with lots of advertising. I put in a stock of Records. I have been slow not to put them in before, for I am certain that they will be a help in selling Edison goods. Lots of people realize that the .looks very similar to the Edison, but when they hear the two it gives them a very different idea, and I find that I am right in this respect. I have sold a great many Edisons to people who have come in to buy . One particular instance I would like to mention. A gentleman called at my store the other evening and asked if I kept Records, and if he could hear some. I played about a half dozen of the , and he picked out two of them. Then I put an Edison in without his knowing it. When the piece was played he said, "That is the finest Record that I have ever heard; you can save that out for me." I then informed him that that was an Edison, and he said: "What did you do that for?" I replied that I simply wanted to show him the difference. So I put the Edison back on the shelf, and put on more 's. After the next was played, he said: "I want that Edison Record you just played if it costs me a dollar." George J. Donahue.