The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1910)

36 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. The Columbia Grafonola is "the one incomparable musical instrument.9 99 Applications for membership should be forwarded to the secretary, John Diehm, Brooklyn, N. Y., accompanied by the annual dues. The dealers present at the meeting were enthusiastic at the prospect of the association and the possible good that may be accomplished through the organization, and are confident that the membership will rapidly increase now that a start has been made. An active campaign will be begun at once to secure new members. Party Visits National Co. Factory. On Thursday morning a party of about a dozen dealers visited the factory of the National Phonograph Co., at Orange, N. J., in response to a hearty invitation extended by Mr. Ireton, and were conducted through all the departments of the plant. At noon the dealers were entertained at lunch by the company. They were much impressed with what they saw regarding the manufacture of Ectison machines and records and very appreciative of the courtesy shown by the company. A SALES PROMOTION PLAN. Weser Bros., Piano Manufacturers, Have a Novel Plan for Sales Making Which Will be of Interest to Dealers. Talking machine dealers are quite naturally interested in business plans whereby manufacturers co-operate with them for the extension of trade. Some of the talking machine men who have taken on pianos have found the line to blend splendidly with talking machines, but a good many have not cared to enter into an outside line because they are not acquainted with the conditions and do not understand how to handle trade problems. Weser Bros., the well-known piano manufacturers, 520 West 43d street, New York, have incorporated a new feature in their business which they term "The Dealer's Sales Promotion Department." It is a co-operative advertising plan and it has worked out successfully. Weser Bros., in a recent bulletin issued, state: "Our plan of following up your prospective piano purchasers direct from this office is a sales 'clincher.' We have prepared, after much time, study and revision, a series of letters containing sound, sensible reasons why every prospective piano purchaser should buy the Weser piano. We have learned from experience that prospective purchasers of any commodity like to receive letters direct from the manufacturer. It creates confidence in the first place — and it puts the prospect in a very receptive frame of mind. Our letters do the hard, preliminary introduction work for the dealer and make sales twice as easy for him. We want every Weser dealer to send us his list of live, prospective purchasers, and we will send them this series of letters, our latest elaborate catalog (either regular piano or playerpiano), whichever they may be interested in, and write any special letter or letters you may deem necessary to get the business — all at our own expense. "We have in preparation, as this bulletin goes to press, a.n elaborate electrotype book containing a large number of original, attractive illustrative cuts for use in connection with Weser newspaper advertising. This book has been prepared to assist the dealer in his advertising campaign and to relieve him of the bother and expense of preparing newspaper announcements. "We have also had a large number of newspaper electrotypes of our complete line of pianos made, which we will be glad to send you on request, and we will write up any of your advertisements that you desire, if you will send in the facts. You thus have an up-to-date mail order and advertising department at your disposal at all times. "Our handsome photograph album, containing 5x7 actual photographs of our complete line of pianos and player-pianos, is now ready for distribution. These photographs show off our pianos to unusual advantage, and bring out all the details in the carving and the case work, and have a much better effect than could possibly be obtained by half-tone work in a catalog. This album fits conveniently in the coat pocket and has proven of great assistance to Weser dealers and their outside salesmen. "We are always glad to send a liberal supply of catalogs and small folders illustrating our complete line of pianos and player-pianos with the dealer's name imprinted thereon. This advertises you as well as our piano. "We will advance from time to time a number of new advertising features for the benefit of the Weser dealer, and we invite suggestions along this line at all times. We have also made a great many improvements in our factory and sales organization, as well as in the construction of our pianos." BLACKMAN CO.'S GOOD REPORT. Good Orders from Regular Dealers and a Number of New Dealers Secured — Demand for the Blackman Specialties — The Playrite and Melotone Needles. The Blackman Talking Machine Co., as usual, have an excellent report to make regarding the business during the past month, and state that besides adding several new dealers to their already large list, they have been in receipt of substantial orders from practically all of their regular dealers, which may be taken as an indication that the retail talking machine business in their territory is of an active nature. Besides the various styles of machines and records, the Blackman specialties — the Blackman folding record trays, Place record brushes, and Playrite and Melotone needles — are in growing demand. Both the needles named have proven very popular with the users of disc talking machines, owing to the fact that they produce the results as represented. The Playrite needles have been found to produce an excellent volume of tone and do not give out in the middle of the record, but keep up their good work right to the end. The Melotone needles have been found specially desirable for the home, giving a mellow but perfect reproduction. Jobbers and dealers who are not familiar with the Blackman needles should write for samples, which are free to the trade. MAX LANDAT, PRESIDENT OF LANDAY BROS., INC., EXAMINING A PROOF RECEIVED FROM PRINTER ON A CUSTOMER'S FILING CARD, A COPT OF WHICH WILL APPEAR IN HIS FORTHCOMING BOOK, "HOW TO MAKE YOUR 'VICTOR' BUSINESS A SUCCESS.