The Edison phonograph monthly (Dec 1914-Dec 1915)

EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY, APRIL, 1915 SALES-PROMOTING SUGGESTIONS It pays to be enterprising in pushing the Edison line; in fact you can't afford not to be enterprising. New plans, new ideas, hopeful suggestions must be the constant endeavor, if one is to keep in the public eye. What others have done, you can do, perhaps even better — or better adapted to your needs. The important point is to be optimistic, hopeful and willing to try' out whatever seems to hold forth the promise of good advertising value. We mention a few ideas here, gathered from several sources. They are arrows for your quiver, but it's up to you to use them in a way that will promise sales. We shall be glad to have you send us suggestions along these lines. I. Promoting Sales Through Children's Interest. Last month under the heading "Draw Them to Your Store," we gave the experience of two Edison dealers in getting people to come to the store. Did you read this? Mr. Lewis G. Du Vail, of Meadville, Pa., outlined his plan in which he utilized children's interest to draw adults to his store. Mr. Du Vail said it was the best scheme ever devised to effect such a result. He was enthusiastic over its results. Right here is a suggestion for vou. Study the plan, then see if you, too, can't utilize it. Children can interest adults when all other means may fail. See March issue, page 8. II. A Simple and Novel Window Attraction. One of the most effective, yet simple, advertising novelties for window display is that of using a magnifying glass to show the reverse side of an Edison Reproducer containing the diamond. The idea is to magnify the diamond. Turn the Reproducer bottom side up, neatly rest it upon a support of black velvet, such as jewelers use in their display cases. A gold plated reproducer will show up best, but any Edison Reproducer will do. Then have held over it by some device a large "reading glass" three or five inches in diameter, placed ait the proper distance from the reproducer. Most any jeweler will supply such a glass, possibly he will loan it. A better window attraction can not be devise^1. It advertises effectively the Edison Diamond Reproducer. III. Easter Day Announcements. April 4th will be Easter Day — an occasion when you can profitably call attention to the Edison. A special window display with some potted plants or flowers will emphasize the fact that you are in line with the sentiments of the occasion. A list of disc and cylinder selections suitable for Easter morning will attract favorable attention. IV.^ "All Trails Lead to Home." A Spring Window Idea. April, May and June — how these months suggest the country! A stroll through woodland and dell seems to be everybody's ideal. We all long to get out among the blossoms, the buds and the leases and enjoy a breath of real Spring. Utilize this idea in your Edison advertising. Get into the woods yourself early, gather some of the budding life; then make up a novel window display with the material gathered. A rude cabin can be easily constructed in one corner of the window. Some Spring twigs scattered here and there, and several "trails" leading to the cabin, in the doorway of which place an Edison. Two or three canary birdcages will further heighten the effect. Placard the scene: "ALL TRAILS LEAD TO HOME"— THE HOME WHERE THE EDISON IS ENJOYED. IS YOURS SUCH A HOME? An open window or door allowing the music of the Edison to be heard on the street would be a still more helpful feature. Select some appropriate Edison selections — some bird songs, etc. What are some of them? Play these. The whole window display need not be expensive. Most of the material can be obtained at little or no expense. Why not try it? V. His Tenants Always Rented His Houses. House-hunting is in the air these days, yet every one dreads the ordeal. One landlord had treated his tenants <=o well that they seldom moved, but when they did have to go to another city, he found no trouble in renting his houses. All he had to do was to bring prospective and departing tenant together. Incidentally the landlord got a fine sendoff, the house a fine "airing," and the renting was done. Here's a suggestion for every Edison dealer. Treat your customers so finely that when you want to sell another Edison all you have to do is to refer to a long list of well-satisfied patrons. We hope to tell you explicitly some time how to do this effectively; meanwhile play the part of the shrewd landlord and take good care of every customer, even anticipating his needs. It pays! VI. Friendship in the Edison Line. Cultivate the acquaintance of your fellow Edison dealer. You're the loser if you don't! The narrow fellow who never exchanges ideas because he is afraid he will give more than he will get, is not apt to prosper as well as the man who cultivates his business friendships. Promote sociability and good will by keeping in close touch with your jobber and other Edison dealers. Friendshin is an asset in the Edison line, just as much as in any other. It will save you miles of needless travel and many a heartache and doubt. You will sell more Edisons and you will enjoy the grame all the more. Time and money spent in "keeping in touch" is wisely spent. VII. Store Courtesy Costs Little, Pays Big. Nobody doubts this statement yet. oh, how easy it is to fall into careless ways. It's the little things that count so much — the genial smile, the ready willingness to be obliging and prompt attention to all requests. Most all dealers realize the value of "service" and try to perfect it. Let store courtesy supplement it so that once a person calls it will be the natural thing to call again and again. You may not sell a machine or record to many of these callers, but you have established a reputation as the "Store Courteous."