The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1916)

10 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD Think ol the prestige ol offering records by Casals, Parlow, Rothier, Graveure, Al Jolson and the Zoellner String Quartette all on one list — the latest Columbia announcement. (Write for "Music Money," a book "full of meat" for those dealers interested in quick and frequent turnover of capital.) Columbia Graphophone Co Wool worth Building, New York ST. LOUIS DEALERS TO HOLD OPEN MEETINGS HEREAFTER Will Inject Social Features in Regular Monthly Gatherings to Revive Interest in the Organization— Discuss Plan to Equalize the Value of Trade-Ins — the Interest Question St. Louis, Mo., July 3. — Following the decision that it would no longer conduct its affairs as a secret society, the St. Louis Talking Machine Dealers' Association has decided to hold regular monthly meetings where there will be a dinner, in a different restaurant of note each month, perhaps auto trips to suburban resorts, something to drink if wanted, but mostly plenty of talk. Previous to the dinner held at the Missouri Athletic Association club house the last Tuesday in June the monthly meetings had been attended by two or three persons. There was a growing indifference in the ranks as to the association. There were fifteen members present at the June meeting, representing the following firms: Koerber-Brenner Music Co., Silverstone Music Co., Columbia Co., Smith Reis Piano Co., Field-Lippman Piano Stores Co., Theibes Piano Co., Mengle Music Co., Stix, Baer & Fuller Dry Goods Co., Vandervoort Music Salon. Managers of the Famous & Barr Co. and the Nugent Bros. Dry Goods Co. expressed regret at being unable to attend and pledged support. In calling the meeting to order after the dinner, F. K. Niemueller, of the Associated Retailers' organization, permanent chairman and secretary, told the members that the association was threatened with death from indifference and that any association that had saved as much as $25,000 to its members in two years (as had been done on the interest proposition) deserved to live. That it would be worth while if it did nothing more than to perpetuate the present restrictions on records sent on approval. Then the members opened discussions on matters uppermost in their minds. Val Reis was then made chairman of a committee to report at the next meeting on a proposal to raise the requirement that customers taking records on approval must retain 50 per cent, of those taken. The twenty-four return requirement will be maintained. Some members reported that they already required 50 per cent, to be taken, although the association rules set the requirement at 25 per cent. Irby W. Reid, of the Columbia Co.; Charles Lippman, of the Field-Lippman Piano Stores, and Mrs. Medairy, of the Stix, Baer & Fuller Dry Goods Co., were appointed to select the next meeting place and to call the meeting. Also they are expected to report at the next meeting on a plan to equalize the value of trade-ins. A suggestion was made that each member in making an offer on any musical instrument should telephone to Mr. Niemueller, the secretary, the amount of that offer and that he should card index all such offers so that any other dealer could obtain the figure. This plan met with general approval, but it was thought best to allow further consideration. Then somebody started a discussion of the rule regarding the charging of interest on deferred payments. This practice is followed by all Columbia, Victor and Edison dealers except the time payment furniture stores, and there always has been some friction over this feature. The hottest argument of the evening resulted concerning this feature, but it died down when all hands declared that their intentions were of the best and they wished only to bring about entire harmony. So far the furniture houses have declined to align themselves with the association, but it is hoped to gain from them the concession, at least, that they will charge interest on sales of talking machines when nothing else is sold. Their present practice is not to charge interest on furniture bills but to give a discount for cash. Aside from the furniture houses, the association includes practically all downtown dealers except Aeolian Hall. The small dealers outside the main shopping districts are not members, owing to the cost of joining the association, but in the main they follow the association agreement. Some rumors are heard of secret commissions given by them but this is not frequent. The small dealers never give offense in the matter of over valuation of trade-ins and they are sticklers for interest and for the minimum monthly payments. OPENS NEW STORE IN BUFFALO John G. Shuler Takes Over Edison Agency Formerly Held by Schuler Bros., Recently Dissolved— Opens Elaborate Quarters Buffalo, N. Y., July 3.— The well-known house of Schuler Bros., 777 Main street, this city, was dissolved last month and the Edison agency, formerly held by that firm, was taken over by John G. Schuler in a new location in the Utica Building at 1394 Main street. The new store is in the uptown trade center and has a frontage of thirty feet and a depth of 180 feet, being artistically decorated. The business started off with a rush immediately upon the opening of the new store, and Mr. Schufer is enthusiastic over the outlook. L. M. Cole is the manager of the Edison department. Pianos and player-pianos are also handled by the house. The capital stock of the Eagle Talking Machine Co., of New York City, has been increased from $200,000 to $500,000. The Wuchter Music Co., of 1019 Hamilton street, Allentown, Pa., reports an exceptional demand for Columbia Grafonolas and records. Seven demonstration booths are installed in the store. F. E. Farley, of Crown Point, Ind., will operate a music store there, carrying a full line of talking machines and pianos. We Will Make Fine Cases FOR TALKING MACHINE MANUFACTURERS We have a large plant, well equipped with the latest woodworking machinery and finishing rooms. We can also create handsome designs for you. Send specifications, quantity, and blue prints, if possible, for prices. DEALERS— Who would be interested in a line of quality pianos at sale-able prices should write us. CJmtt & Sutler $tano Company PERU, INDIANA