The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1914)

44 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. THE CREDIT PROBLEM Between Talking Machine Jobber and Dealer Discussed by Louis Buehn, of Philadelphia, in the Edison Phonograph Monthly. The credit feature of every business is one that is most important, as many careers have been wrecked by the granting of credits too liberally, particularly to small merchants who did not have the right conception of business, and who brought about losses to the grantor of credit. It has always been my aim to safeguard the credit situation, in so far as I was personally concerned, by never failing to ask for remittances when an account became due, and to politely but firmly insist upon settlement when the account ' was past due. This condition, of course, was largely brought about in the beginning by necessity, but the rule has been so satisfactory that I have continued the practise up to the present day, although liberality also is part of my creed when the condition or situation warrants it. Many dealers are prone to think that the principal item of consideration in the granting of credit is the amount" involved, but in this they are mistaken, for the reason that any jobber will grant any amount of credit to any dealer provided he discounts his bills or pays them promptly on the terms agreed, but should a man owe an amount of money, even though very small, and exceeds the terms agreed upon, the jobber will rightfully refuse to extend an additional amount of credit. Jt should be the aim of every dealer to discount his bills, for until he is in position to do this, 'he is not taking full advantage of the possibilities of the business, and not getting everything out of it to which he is entitled. It should De the jobber's aim to help the dealer realize this condition an 1 the writer has always tried to lend the necessary assistance through advice and the proper extension of credit accommodations to bring this condition about. It has been my good fortune to see a number of dealers brought from a slow paying basis to dis counters and there has always been a feeling of satisfaction on my part of 'having been partially instrumental in bringing this condition about. The dealer should not abuse his credit by asking unreasonable things, for by so doing he not only brings down upon himself the condemnation of the jobber, but will usually bring upon himself in time a condition which will mean the giving up his right of dealership. In like manner the jobber should be careful in the extension of credit not to make the terms burdensome or irksome. He should grant credit intelligently and give every dealer all the help possible and should act generally as a constructive force for the good of the entire business. 0% Talking Machines, Typewriters, Phono graphs, Adding Machines, Cash Registers, Guns and Tools and all Polished Instruments. THE FINEST OIL MADE. It absolutely prevents rust. NYOIL now cold everywhere by all hardware and sporting goods men. Larce bottle (cheaper to buy) 25c; trial size, 10c. WM. F. NYE, New Bedford, Mass. BUSINESS OUTLOOK PLEASES. H. L. Willson, assistant general manager of the Columbia Graphophone Co., returned recently from a short trip to the most important trade centers of the Middle West, and is pleased with the general business outlook. Mr. Willson discussed business conditions with a number of prominent financial and industrial men, and the consensus of opinion was decidedly encouraging. While in the West Mr. Willson closed arrangements for the leasing of a larger store at Toledo, to be located a few doors above the present one, and also renewed .the other leases. HOW CO OPERATION HELPS. A recent example of the co-operation offered by the educational department of the Columbia Co. was evidenced in an advertisement that was staged last week in Public School 23, Jersey City, N. J., under the auspices of the Columbia educational division. This school had for some time been desirous of purchasing a Columbia outfit, but no funds being available, the purchase was necessarily deferred. The Columbia Co., however, lent assistance by preparing an excellent record concert which, by the charging of a small admission price, produced sufficient funds to buy a Columbia machine and a goodly supply of records. For polishing varnished woodwork it is extremely satisfactory. No oil is so clean. Ask your watch repairer whose oil he uses on your watch. NEW COLUMBIA DEALERS. A. Lasus, of New Rochelle, N. Y., is a recent addition to the lists of Columbia representatives in near-by territory. He has placed a substantial initial order and has perfected plans for the development of an extensive clientele. Other recent additions to the lists of Columbia dealers in near-by territory, include: William Damrau, Jr., 96 Flatbush avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y., an 1 A. Hammel & Son, Suffern, N. Y. A special letter sent out to Columbia dealers this week called particular attention to a recent popular Columbia record featuring the latest song hit "I'm on My Way to Mandalay." The surprising demand for this record warranted the sending out of this special letter to dealers. Another Example of $witky $er vice Victrolas XI Growing Scarce But Our Dealers Need Not Worry ^ Last summer we foresaw the condition that is coming. We took in all the Elevenths that the Victor factory could ship us, besides buying up a lot from other sources during the dull season. <I Although warehouse charges, interest and insurance have cut into the margin of profit, it was your benefit only that we thought of. Order Now — Order Liberally. Telephone! Telegraph! Write! Get Busy! BENJ. SWITKY, V1C>££ ?or™or