The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1916)

70 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD THORPE ELECTRIC MOTORS FOR TALKING MACHINES (Operates on all currents) WALTER THORPE, Manufacturer, 29 West 34th Street, NEW YORK CITY BUSINESS GROWING IN BALTIMORE Same Old Story Regarding Sales Volume and Possible Shortage Causes Worry — Sales Staffs Being Increased — Good Reports — Other News Baltimore, Md., November 10. — October proved to be a banner month with the talking machine dealers in Baltimore and had they been able to obtain all of the machines and records they required the business would have been so great that it would have probably set a mark for a long time to come. Distributors of every line of talking machines are all in the same class as to the lack of machines to supply their trade. The Victor people are the hardest hit in this direction and the failure of some of the dealers to obtain more machines than they did in October of last year prevented business from showing increases that they would have made. Besides the large regular monthly advertising by the Victor and Columbia and Edison companies various dealers throughout the city advertised their lines and there was also liberal advertising featuring the Aeolian-Vocalion. The record situation improved somewhat toward the end of the month and the tremendous increase in the sale of records is what prevented many of the firms from showing a decrease in their sales. Another feature of the local business is the increased demand for the better grade of machines. Cash business is also one of the bright spots in the trading. As the holiday season draws near the dealers no longer worry about the amount of business they will do, but just how they will be able to get sufficient machines to accommodate their customers. This despite the fact that many dealers have been able to get in a stock ahead to care as far as possible for the rush, which is sure to come. W. C. Roberts, manager of E. F. Droop & Sons Co., distributor of the Victor goods, is more than pleased with the way business is coming in. As usual his only complaint is that he is short on a number of styles. This is particularly true of the $75 and $100 machines although there are several other styles he is having a great deal of difficulty in securing. Mr. Roberts recently visited the Victor factory and was successful in getting additional stock. The business at the Droop house is growing in such leaps and bounds that the manager has found it necessary to put on additional men. This makes five more employes put on during the last two months. Mr. Roberts reports quite a demand for Victrolas in fancy woods and believes this has been brought about mainly because of the shortage in mahogany. A. J. Heath, manager of the Columbia Graphophone Co., reports a phenomenal month's business in October. It was by far the greatest month's business Columbia ever did since its entrance into the field. Mr. Heath was very much gratified to receive a telegram from District Manager Eckart which stated: "Congratulations to you and yours on the wonderful showing last month." Mr. Heath stated that business just goes ahead by leaps and bounds. The machines are coming in right along and while not as many arrive as they can use still they are able to keep their customers in high spirits. The record shipments improved during the month and there was a fine sale on the new records that have just appeared. I. Son Cohen, of Cohen & Hughes, Victor distributors, says business manages to keep rushing ahead desipte the shortage of goods. "If ever we are able to get all the machines we need," said Mr. Cohen, "our volume of business will be so great that the results would be hard to realize." During the month Mr. Cohen went weekly to New York and to Camden, N. J., visiting the Victor headquarters for the sole purpose of trying to get more machines. Before the end of the month Mr. Cohen expects their new establishment to be ready for occupancy. Jesse Rosenstein, of the National Piano Co., Pathe distributors, reports a big business in his line, but has the usual cry of not being a.ble to obtain machines as fast as he could put them out. There has also been a shortage on records. Three new accounts are announced to handle the Pathe — P. Coyne & Sons, Baltimore; Salvoy Collieries, Kingston, Va., and the Newport News Furniture Co., Newport News, Va. A big shortage in $25 and $75 machines is one of Mr. Rosenstein's troubles. H. R. Eisenbrandt Sons, Inc., Victor distributors, report their biggest shortage on $75 and $100 machines, which are having the biggest run. Business is good, but would be better if they could but get the machines. The Sanders & Stayman Co., Inc., is having an exceptionally fine business in Vocalions. The heaviest demand is for machines of $200 and over. The firm also handles the Columbia line. The talking machine department of the Mann Piano Co. is showing to wonderful advantage. While the department is but a few months old, the volume of Victor business has exceeded all expectations. Charles Stran, manager of the department announces that Miss Rose Armstrong and E. Ogilvie, formerly in the talking machine department of Stewart & Co., have joined their salesforce. H. T. Kennedy, manager of the Victrola department of William Knabe & Co., reports a great increase in all lines of the business and says that most of the machines being purchased are of the higher price. A Chance for Someone to Make a Retail Sensation Picture your store with a great big sale of 6-inch single faced records — never retailed at less than 1 0 cents, at phenomenally low prices. Do you think it could pack your store to the doors ? And then consider this ! I represent an international record manufacturer who has empowered me to clear his shelves of 150,000 RECORDS He has discontinued vertical cut records and wants the space they now occupy. He says, "Sell at anything they will bring." The selection is admirable — representative of his complete catalogue. Every record perfect in all details. / Will Sell All or Any Part and Put On Any Label Desired. No Reasonable Offer Refused Wire or write me and I will give you information complete. Speedy action essential. "CLEAN-UP"— Box X, Talking Machine World 373 FOURTH AVENUE NEW YORK CITY