The Edison phonograph monthly (Jan-Dec 1911)

Edison Phonograph Monthly Mar. ,1911 13 Ready for the Pistol ! A Hustling Ohio Dealer AN OREGONIAN '"BUZZ WAGON" DEALER It isn't one of those "fussy" cars, nor is it a French racer stripped for action; on the contrary, it's a plain, unassuming "Honk-Honk," and it's loaded for action. The driver and owner is E. W. Muller, of Klamath Falls, Ore., and he's about to start on a demonstrating tour — demonstrating Edison Phonographs and Records in the homes. That's his long suite, that "home demonstration" thing, and he never loses a chance to set up an Edison alongside a machine of an« other manufacture; for "people from Missouri" are his especial delight Klamath Falls is a town of only 4,000 population; that's the reason Mr. Muller regularly hikes for "the tall wild" in his "scoot cart." It was on one of these trips that he got caught in a typical Oregonian blizzard; but he kept right on going and eventually reached his destination — and sold his Amberola. It took him half a day to make the thirty miles going, and two days to get back home, but he recites the story as though he rather enjoyed the experience. That made five Amberola sales for him in that section, four of which were made in the town itself. That he expects to make further sales is proven by a snapshot he sent us of an "Amberola Quartet" in his store. Think of it, ye who doubt your ability to sell high-priced machines — four Amberolas sold and four more waiting to be sold in a town of 4,000 ! One of his Amberola customers told Mr. Muller that $1,000.00 would not take the instrument out of his home if there were no possibility of replacing it. It's a pleasure to come in contact, even if it's only by letter, with an optimism-diffusing Dealer like Muller of Klamath Falls, Ore. Success to him and his husky old "Honk-Wagon !" May they both continue to brave the elements, spreading the Edison gospel of home comfort and enjoyment about the region of Klamath Falls, and may the "Amberola Quartet" soon be doing duty as soloists in Oregonian homes. AND HIS HOLIDAY ORDER Geo. E. Buss, New Philadelphia, Ohio, is the Dealer, and the size of the order is certainly convincing proof of the confidence he reposes in the Edison line and in his own ability to handle it. Forty Machines of various types and as many Cygnet Horns were comprised in the order which, as Mr. Buss' notation on the photo stated, was THE LARGEST SHIPMENT OF PHONOGRAPHS EVER BROUGHT TO THAT CITY. And forty Phonographs is some holiday order for a town of approximately 10,000 population. As a matter of fact, it would be a big holiday order for many Dealers in towns ten times as large as New Philadelphia, Ohio. Confidence is the key-stone of Mr. Buss' success, as it is the foundation of every successful business structure. Confidence begets confidence, and the Edison Dealer who proves his faith in the line by always keeping a representative stock on hand and by advertising it can always rely upon the public's imbibing a purchasing share of that confidence. There are many Edison Dealers who could follow Mr. Buss' example with satisfaction and profit to themselves. Enclosed find one dozen Promotion Certificates. Some of our customers now have twelve of the Special Records, and are very near due for six more. When are you going to make an addition to the list?— Will S. Gibson, Frankford, Philadelphia, Pa. As a result of a letter written to a number of Phonograph owners, offering to clean, oil and adjust their machines free of charge, and also calling their attention to the Combination Attachment offer, W. A. Ricker, of Castine, Me., put on six Attachments, received promises of several more and boosted his Record s?les within a very few days. The letter was typewritten, concisely and plainly worded — just a plain statement of facts with no attempt at ornate style — and it was signed in ink, which doubled its effectiveness. There isn't one among the 13,000 who can't prepare just such a latter and boost his Amberol Record sales in the very same way. If every Dealer would follow this plan, sending an original and personally signed letter instead of a multigraphed or printed form, it wouldn't take long to clean up all the unamberolized machines. It is the personal element in such a letter as Mr. Ricker used that inspires interest and confidence. It isn't necessary to send out all the letters at once. Just a few at a time until the list is covered, and then a follow-up letter to those who aren't landed at first, will bring the results.