The talking machine world (July-Dec 1923)

74 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD December 15, 1923 METHODS OF LIVE MERCHANT WIN (Continued from page 72) get it. Prospects are followed up in a determined manner and they are not dropped from the list until the chances of ultimately making a sale are found to be nil The inside sales organization co-operates in a most efTective manner with the outside men, a vitally important consideration. Working hours are an unknown quantity at this live department. Prospects that develop in the store during the day are followed up in the levenings and even on Sundays; thus no sales opportunities are overlooked. Each week the staff sets a sales quota and works hard to come up to the mark set. For example, on a recent Saiturday the organization went out with the determination to dispose of fifty instruments in one day. To make a long story short, thirty-seven machines were sold, and the next day, Sunday, seven sales were added to this. These seven sales were followups of inquiries received on Saturday. The organization fell short of the mark by six machines, but the sales volume for that day shows what can be done when persistency and proper methods are used. Extensive Advertising Helps Considerable space is used in the local newspapers to broadcast the story of the talking machines and records, and week after week this publicity is demonstrating its value in creating business. As a result of the advertising drive Batterman's talking machine department has become widely known to the residents in Brooklyn and many of the surrounding communities. Radio and "Talkers" Allies The talking machine and radio departments of this concern are located side by side, and this has been productive of business for both departments, demonstrating to Batterman's, at least, that radio, if properly featured, works to the advantage of the talking machine business and not against it. This is demonstrated by an incident at the store recently. A man came into the talking machine department. He had not made up his mind whether to purchase a radio set or a talking machine. The salesmen explained the merits of the talking machines handled and then led the prospect over to the radio department, so that he could secure the necessary information on radio before making up his mind. Before leaving the store the man had purchased both. This has happened several times, according to Mr. Ennis, and it proves that even to the layman it is clear that the purposes of radio and the talking machine are dif¥erent and each can be made a worth-while accessory to the home. Another business-producing stunt at this store is the location of a record department on the main floor. The hundreds of customers who pass through the store during each day naturally are attracted to this department and many sales are made. A small talking machine is constantly sending out refrains of the latest music. In many instances inquiries are received at this special record department which have resulted in larger sales in the main talking machine department. Other features being planned include a special department for children's records and a German record department. The latter will be in charge of a salesman who speaks German to serve the many patrons of German origin who shop at the store. Mr. Ennis, who recently came to this store from Stix, Baer & Fuller, St. Louis, is not unknown to the trade in Brooklyn and New York. .He was formerly connected with Frederick Loeser & Co., Brooklyn, and Bloomingdale's, New York, and he has had wide experience in the talking machine field. BOOK ON PHONOGRAPH CONSTRUCTION Interesting Volume on the Design and Construction of Talking Machines Being Published by Bruce Publishing Co. "Phonograph Construction," a book dealing with the construction of the component parts of the modern talking machine, by E. M. Winterbourne, of the New Mexico State Teachers' College, Silver City, N. M., has just been published by the Bruce Publishing Co., ililwaukee. Wis. The book has been written especially for the layman and technical terms are avoided. The work is developed in an interesting and instructive manner and should prove of value to those of the general public who are seeking enlightenment in this field, especially students of manual training in schools. There are six chapters devoted to the following subjects: "History of the Development of the Phonograph," "Designing the Cabinet," "Constructive Details of Cabinets," "Sound Amplifiers and Volume Modulators," "Wood Finishing" and "Equipment." "Tool Processes" are treated in rather a complete, though brief, manner in the appendix. VINCENT'S MUSIC SHOP OPENED Vincent's Music Shop, which opened recently at 3451 Fulton street, Brooklyn, carries a complete line of music goods, including pianos, phonographs, sheet music and radio supplies. The store is well appointed in the matter of store equipment and has already proved very popular with residents in this section. 0. W. RAY ON TRIP TO COAST Oscar W. Ray, general manager of the wholesale Vocalion Red Record department of the Aeolian Co., left recently on an extended business^trip to the Pacific Coast, in the course of which he will call on Vocalion record distributors, together with numerous dealers in the larger centers. He expects to be away from his office for several weeks. REEDER STORE IN NEW WAREROOMS Carlisle, Pa., December 6. — The D. N. Reeder music store has recently changed its location from the South Hanover street address to the building on North Hanover street, formerly occupied by the J. H. Trou Music House. A REAL PORTABLE MOTOR Model S. S. Weight reduced to a minimum — compact — strongly constructed—absolutely silent and GUARANTEED TO PLAY TWO RECORDS. The best in material and workmanship is found in this motor — one designed particularly for portable use and one that will give long and satisfactory service. For Larger Machines Model H. H. — a double spring motor guaranteed to play 5 records. Model K. K. — a double spring motor guaranteed to play 3 records. Further Information Upon Request The silent MOTOR CORPORATION 321-323-325 Dean Street BROOKLYN, N. Y. Telephone Sterling 4861