The Edison phonograph monthly (Jan-Dec 1908)

Edison Phonograph Monthly Vol. VI February, 1908 No. 2 Plan for a Bigger Year than Ever January is the rounding-up month. It is the month when inventories are taken, books are balanced, and profits are determined. It is the month when the good business man looks back over the happenings of the past year, and, taking cognizance of the good and bad things of the year, prepares to apply their lesson to his business of the new year. It is the time when plans are formed for the coming months — when decisions are reached to carry larger or smaller stocks, to extend one department or decrease another. All of this applies quite as well to Edison Dealers as to any other class of business men. We believe that with few exceptions, 1907 aemonstrated more strongly than ever that Edison Phonographs and Records comprise a remarkably fine line, either as a complete business in itself or as a department where other goods are sold. The hundreds of glowing reports that we get by mail, personally and through our salesmen, leave no doubt as to the success of the Edison line with Dealers as a whole, and more especially with those who push the business and give it the attention it deserves. Each Dealer, however, knows better than we how successful he was in 1907. He also knows, if he was properly observant, why he did not do even more business in Edison goods, and he should be prepared to benefit by his experience. If he has lost sales because he did not carry sufficient stock, he should arrange to increase it this year. If the lack of a little additional capital has been a handicap, especially in making instalment sales, efforts should be made to get more capital in 1908. If his business has suffered from lack of advertising, circularizing or other means of getting publicity, then a determination should be made to give it more attention this year. It is surprising what a volume of new business can be secured by the expenditure of a little money for advertising. If stocks have not been kept in good shape, with machines nicely displayed and Records kept in a convenient place and using a proper system, then attention cannot too soon be given to plans that will remedy such shortcomings. Keep machines clean and looking new, and carry Records in trays, so that they will make a good display on your shelves and so you can put your hand on any desired Record at a moment's notice. To know your stock is to sell it. Haven't you often admired the man who had his work at his fingers' ends and could tell you about everything in his line that you wanted to know. Be such a Dealer. Be able to say that, considering the size of your business and the limitations of your field, no one carries his stock of Edison goods in better shape. The pride you will feel in being able to make this statement will have a marked effect upon the public, and it will prove a valuable asset. If you have been indifferent about your window displays, compel yourself to do differently. This is a kind of advertising that yields handsomely and costs you only the time it takes to keep the window attractive. If you haven't discounted your bills, resolve to do so this year. With a little planning you will find that discounts are "easy money." You can do your share in making 1908 what we feel sure it will be, the greatest in the history of the Phonograph, and with proper attention you can make it the biggest Edison year for yourself. Lauder Records Going Big The Lauder Records, to be shipped to Jobbers early in February, are a tremendous success. The advance orders from Jobbers are especially heavy, and we believe that the after orders will be even larger. Jobbers who have not given them the consideration they merit should lose no time in sending in orders, for not to have a stock of Lauder Records will mean a loss of desirable business. Dealers, also, will need them in stock.