The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1908)

20 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 69 BASINGHALL STREET, LONDON, E. C, W. LIONEL STURDY, MANAGER. TRADE HAPPENINGS IN ENGLAND. How to Develop Holiday Trade — Export Business on the Decline — Reflections on Present Conditions and Developments — Chat With Mr. Heilborn Regarding Star Records and Machines — Henry Seymour's 8-Minute Record — Excellent Piano Records — Opportunities for Side Lines — New Syndicate Organized— Lyon & Co. Creditors Mett — Gramophone Co. Make Interesting Report Regarding Business — Columbia Co. Exchange Plans — Pantomime Songs — National Co.'s Publicity — Some New Incorporations — Interesting News Items from the Provinces. (Special to The Talking Machine World.) London, E. C, Dec. 3, 1908. Whatever the trade has been in the past, there is always good business about during Christmas weeli, and with enterprising methods the average dealer should turn over at least £50 net profit. The many little schemes which are being adopted to bring about this amount of sales is really very interesting to report. One dealer of my acquaintance has gotten out a striking little booklet which concisely states the adva'ntages of possessing a talking machine for Chri-stmas enjoyment, etc. Another employs a special salesman to go around with a complete outfit and records for demonstrating to the best residents of his locality. And we could give similar cases unlimited, but perhaps the most successful is along the lines of a "competition." I do not advocate this generally, but a little local scheme in that direction is quite harmless. Talking machine window displays are already, in many instances set out effectively in harmony with the festive season, and by all appearances the situation indicates a splendid time for the up-to-date traders during Christmas week at any rate. Export trade, unfortunately, is on the decline as it has been for some very considerable time past. As a consequence both in Liverpool, London, and on the Tyne, a large number of steamers have been laid-up for weeks, and are likely to remain bo fhroughout the winter. On this account alone fHe shipyards in most cases are working half-time, and what with so many workmen being out of employment, combined with the effects of the cotton strike (which happily is now settled) the result has affected talking machine sales to an unfortunate extent. Yet in the face of this the dealer and factor is charged with another difficulty by manufacturers introducing propositions which will restrict trade all around. November sales have been decidedly slack everywhere, and a general prevalence has existed among dealers to hold-up orders until the last moment. Even the proximity of Christmas does not show the usual influence on manufacturers' orders, which is, no doubt, to a large extent, due to the feeling of unrest bred In the dealers' mind by the uncertain actions of manufacturers in introducing and adopting new trading policies at a time when • stability should reign supreme. Such departures disturb the retailers' well-thought-out plans for the season, and do more to restrict sales than all the effects of our industrial troubles put together. How can the trade progress along commercial lines when almost every month some new enterprise is sprung upon us? The key-note of trade progress depends on confidence between the maker and distributor; but confidence is dead, and while this state of things exists, neither factor nor retailer will stock as largely as before. If any one product cannot sell on its own merits, and succeed, then exclusive trading in the long run, I believe, will prove a failure. And if it is persisted in, what is the future position? If there are fifty wholesale houses to-day, (of which quite half cannot meet their payments promptly) it is no exaggeration to predict that another fifty will come into existence within five years. The public demand will certainly not keep up with the increased competition, and the greater the number of distributors, the lesser their profits. Bad debts alone will seriously hamper the manufacturer and his output — granted an increase in some instances — is unlikely to cover the loss. I am writing in no pessimistic strain, but if we would secure the future of this industry, by all means let us have no more of these trade restricting elements. Wholesalers and dealers alike should have the courage of their opinions and be loyal to all those manufacturers who have hitherto provided the means of their existence. Microphonograph Co.'s New Diaphragms. The Microphonograph Co. have issued a new diaphragm for their 1908 model repro. to play the Edison Amberol record. The price is extremely moderate. Action for Breach of Contract. The action for breach of contract brought by Mr. Seymour against F. M. Russell & Co. is in the lists, and will have been heard probably by the time these lines appear. New Records by Lauder. The National Phonograph Co. announce the news of three more records by the inimitable Harry Lauder, for which many thanks. That's the spirit in which the trade receive these records judging by the enormous demand they provoke. On Nov. 17, the "exclusive" Edison dealers' agreement was posted to the trade. The National Phonograph Co. give notice in the . Phonograph Monthly that the price of Amberol "Home," and "Triumph" attachments are subject to the return of the present mainshaft, and mandrel, which is superfluous to users or dealers where the new attachments are fitted. For every new one supplied dealers must return the old to their factor. Going After the Swindlers. The Morning Leader is very pluckily exposing a gang of swindlers who trade under the style of the "Phonic Musical Warehouse," Bex:ley Heath, and 300 Claphan Road, London. The modus operandi is to buy up old letters, cut out the signature, which is then pasted on a circular containing a specious offer, and sent to the various persons. The fraud in question follows this line and people are induced to send money — presumably for a phonograph — but in reality all they get is some cheap trashy music which costs them 2s. 4d. This is an evil, which, if not put down, must affect the genuine mail order house to no inconsiderable extent, and we trust that by this time the Leader has driven home the last nail in the coffin of these blood-suckers. Grand Prix for Pathephone. The Pathephone has been awarded the grand prix at the Franco-British exhibition, which is the highest award in the music section. Presumably there were two such diplomas awarded, as the Gramophone Company are also in receipt of this high honor. Some Recent Rathe-Disc Records. Some remarkable — not to say surprising records are to be found in the December lists of the 10-inch new standard Pathe disc, retailing double-sided at two shillings (48 cents). Records by the following artists figure in this impression: Misses Eleanor Jones, Mr. Burnett and Florrie Forde, Messrs. Walter Hyde, John MacCormack, Ernest Pike, Peter Dawson, Harry Lauder, George Formby and Alexander Prince of concertina fame. In his inimitable Lancashire brogue, George Formby gives a fine rendition of "John Willie, Cum On." Messrs. Lacroix & Co.'s Statement. I am authorized to announce that Messrs. Lacroix & Co., Jewin St., London, have given up the factorship of Phono & Phoebus records, which in future will be handled in England by Mr. Davis of Victoria street, M^estminster. Mr. Heilbron Returns from the States. F. Heilbron, of Willibald Tweer & Co., arrived here November 23 from the States, where he had been on a business visit to the Hawthorne & Sheble factory in Philadelphia. Interviewed by your correspondent Mr. Heilbron stated that the trip was primarily in the interest of, and having reference to the market FAVORITE RECORDS are ^ainin^^ a stront^; liold in tlie States, tlie Colonies and other foreign coimtries. Trial orders have (rrown into big stock orders. Those enterprising tirms who have made a trial with Favorites have found out that it pays them to stock FAVORITE RECORDS and tliey are doing well. mj • wT i MT ^ n^'my^ tf There is still room for you to take a share in the Nothing Venture — Notlnng Have!! ^.^ot^ts Favorite Records h.u.r. THE INTERNATIONAL FAVORITE RECORD CO., Ltd. (of Great Britain) 45 CITY ROAD, LONDON. E. C. 213 DEANSGATE. IVIANCHESTER