The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1913)

56 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. FROM OUR LONDON HEADQUARTERS— (Continued from page 55). a splendid acquisition, rich in trading prospects for the live dealer. In addition to records the company was showing for the first time a fine series of new season's models which were very favorably commented upon. Abundant orders were placed, and altogether the National Gramophone Co., Ltd., is more than satisfied with its representation. The Vitesse Record Cabinet. This is of recent introduction here by the Perforated Music Co. The Vitesse cabinet makes the piling of records remarkably easy, and under its system misplacement is said to be impossible. A range of these handy cabinets and albums was on view, and they evoked great praise from dealervisitors, from whom many large orders were secured. The Vitesse albums hold from ten to twenty records, according to size, and the cabinets are designed for 300 records carried in albums. "MAKES OUTING TIME" ENJOYABLE. How the Columbia Talking Machine Made Time Enjoyable for L. A. Moeller at His Summer Home "On the Wabash." (Special to The Talking Machine World.) Terre Haute, Ind., October 5. — "On the banks of the Wabash," accompanied by a Columbia machine and records, aptly describes the inviting and comfortable camp shown in the accompanying pic Enjoying an Outing "On the Wabash." ture. The Columbia machine is a very fitting part of this camp's equipment, as in addition to the camp being known as Camp Columbia, it is the summer home of L. A. Moeller, manager of the Terre Haute store of the Columbia Graphophone Co. Attractively Arranged Stands. In conclusion, a word of praise is due the various exhibitors for the evident care expended in securing the most effective presentment of their exhibits, the whole making a pleasingly tasteful display. The stands themselves were very similar in appearance, mainly conforming to the genera) arrangements planned by the exhibition authorities without neutralizing individuality of taste in matters of detail. The unqualified success of the exhibition was largely the outcome of the organizing secretary's (F. W. Bridges) experience, and strenuous activity, and all will endorse the praise accorded him by the several speakers at the inaugural luncheon. I am advised that the English Record Co., Ltd., has removed from Tottenham Court road to 112 Aldersgate street, London, E. C. Henry E. Parker a Visitor. Henry E. Parker, of the Columbia advertising In front of the camp shown in this ideal picture on the Wabash River, may be seen Mrs. Moeller, accompanied by the junior member of the Moeller family. The Columbia outfit was used to good advantage by the camp's occupants, a "funny" record being played when the picture was snapped. Aside from the personal element of this picture, it is interesting to note how well the talking machine fits in during camping time; in fact, for camp use the talking machine is unequalled. KEEPING THE TRADE AT HOME. An Experience of a Phonograph Dealer in a Small Town Which Proves That You Cannot Sell Goods Unless the Public Knows You Have Them in Stock — A Case of Where the Dealer and Not His Customer Was to Blame — A Little Advertising Saves the Situation. Everybody in Sayreville knew Tom Leonard. He had been in business there for years, and kept a pretty decent store, too. People liked to go there and look around his shop, because, as a rule, he had about everything in the stationery, music and camera line. They knew, pretty well too, what he had, with the exception of some few hundred dollars' worth of dead stock hidden beneath the counters and some other stock 'way back in the rear of the store where they were figuring over their account books, and nobody cared to intrude. Tom had a fairly good stock of Edison records and phonographs, but wondered why he didn't sell more. Occasionally he sold one, but then they didn't go. So it happened one day he got into conversation with the druggist next door, who seemed to think the solution of the problem of poor trade in town was to be explained by the fact that everybody took the trolley into Decatur, just thirty minutes away. "I declare," said Tom, "I've a good mind to sell out this blooming business and work dad's old farm. I believe it would pay better." "Same here," said the druggist. "This town is dead, and people whom you think are your friends spend their money in 'Decatur." "Why, do you know," said Tom, "Bob Dixon came into my store the other day with a phonograph he had bought down at Decatur and asked me if I could adjust it. I asked him why he hadn't bought it through me. Everybody knows I carry phonographs; and what do you suppose he said?" "I don't know," said the druggist. "What did he say?" "Why, he said he didn't know I carried 'em, and I've had them in my store for almost a year." "Well, well," said the druggist. "Some people are certainly dumb. What did you say, Tom?" "I didn't say a word, but I did a lot of thinking. I just thought and thought, and finally decided I myself was dumb because I hadn't made him know I kept phonographs. So I got busy, and here's the result. I put this ad in the Gazette and changed it every other day for two weeks." "Do any good, Tom?" "Do any good?" "Why, yes ! I sold an Edison Concert last department, New York is over here on a brief visit. Being out of town, I missed the opportunity of interviewing him, but am persuaded he will return with favorable impressions of the Columbia advertising methods here, and doubtless not a few valuable tips. Joking apart, we all admire the Columbia magazine and other advertising as depicted in the columns of this journal, and behind its constructive and "selling" qualities often recognize the master hand. While the fundamental principles remain, advertising methods as applied to records, in our individual countries, are as widely divergent as the prevalent economic conditions. Each is, however, approprite to local conditions, and lacks not in value because it is different. The outstanding consideration is its success, and while I have no doubts of your methods I am certain of our own, and only wish the worshipers at the shrine of publicity were more numerous. Monday, and now I am about to close a deal for an Amberola V, and I have some other prospects in view." "I'll tell you, Jim, I woke up to the fact that it was all my fault. I've got the Edison goods out front now and I've got them in the window, too. I'll push them a little harder and believe I can work up a good Edison trade and keep it in town rather than let it go to Decatur any more." "Well, I'll be damned !" said the druggist. So Tom didn't go back to the farm, and is more than pleased with the results of his efforts and enterprise. "Mr. Dealer, do you know of a Tom Leonard in your town?" questions the Edison Phonograph Monthly. "Run him out if you do, for he's not the man to handle Edison phonographs and records unless he does little thinking along the line of publicity and display." GROWING DEMAND FOR NEEDLES. Popularity of Product of John M. Dean Necessitates Enlargement of Factory — Jos. F. Collins a Busy Representative in New York. One of the well known members of the talking machine fraternity is Jos. F. Collins, the New York representative of John M. Dean, manufacturer of needles at Putnam, Conn. Mr. Collins has a well equipped office at 108 Worth street, where a full line of the Dean needles and other products are on exhibition. Mr. Collins remarks that the demand for needles is growing constantly and that he cannot imagine where they're all disappearing to. His business is constantly increasing and the Dean factory at Putnam was recently remodeled to cafe for the rapidly growing business. Mr. Collins is a -great pusher of quality, and with a needle of the Dean character finds pleasure in plugging on that end. PEDESTRIANS TAKE NOTICE! Max Berlow Is Loose with His New Ford Car — Uses It to Call on Trade for I. Davega, Jr. Insurance companies that make a specialty of automobile and accident insurance please take notice, for Max Berlow, the Victor salesman connected with I. Davega, Jr., Inc., 125 West 125th street, 'New York, has purchased a Ford car and is using it to call on the trade. He finds he is enabled to make many extra calls by using a car and also can render better service. Max says he can round a corner on either the front or rear wheel now, but hopes to be able to turn the corner on four wheels very soon. In other words, at present he is operating his car to give the least possible wear. Everybody is left here for some purpose, but there are folks walking around that keep you guessing the reason why. Contentment is not sloth, nor laziness, but it means taking care of the responsibilities that are nearest at hand. Would $60.00 A Week Interest You? Would you like to earn this amount every week during the coming season? Outside work? Free tO\ do your own bidding? Your own boss? Since our first announcement in last month's World we have completed arrangements with dozens of talking machine people. They like our proposition and are making good! We seek a representative in your locality. We do not wish a mere "canvasser." We seek clear-eyed men and women who are energetic and who are a credit to themselves as well as to us. As the representative of this company you are assured a business training that will broaden and develop you besides paying you handsomely. You will agree with us after you have learned of our plan. Talking machine people are especially fitted for the work. We will explain this when you assure us of your interest. It will not obligate you in any way. Address Elmon Armstrong & Company 1808 Republic Bldg. Chicago