The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1917)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD TRADE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE EAST Daniel A. Creed, General Manager of the Chicago Talking Machine Co., Points Out Advantages That Easterners Enjoy — Has Developed Business of His Company to High Efficiency Daniel, A. Creed, general manager of the Chicago Talking Machine Co., Chicago, 111., Victor distributor, was a visitor this week at the offices of . the New York Talking Machine Co., New York. In commenting upon general business conditions Mr. Creed seemed to feel that the record output problem of New York City was the one item of the talking machine business standing out most prominently. While the proportion of record business to machines may be as good in the East as it is in Chicago, Mr. Creed feels that with so many things favorable to the record situation, much larger results will surely be obtained. For instance, he cites the ability of New York distributors to get local hits much sooner than the western distributors. The overnight freight service, particularly on re-orders, is a wonderful advantage. Another advantage is a fifteen million population within a radius of fifty miles of New York City and a big proportion of that population educated to the better class and popular hit type of music. It has been proved, Mr. Creed claims, a large proportion of machine business accrues from record advertising. The desire for a machine is first instilled in the mind by the description of the music to be had on that machine. Mr. Creed's point is the profit on records is just as good as on machines and a large proportion on records is either cash or charge. If the record business can be brought up to the same proportion as the machine business — that part of the dealer's business must be the most profitable. "I was astonished," Mr. Creed said, "with the wonderful equipment of the talking machine departments. Such equipments as Gimbel Bros.', Wanamaker's and Lord & Taylor's departments were an eye-opener." While Mr. Creed is the manager of the largest Victor wholesalers in the West, he takes his hat off to the New York Talking Machine Co., as a good example of what can be done in bringing wholesaling to the highest type of efficiency, commenting particularly on their system of steel record racks, modern repair department, a wonderful location which permits of daylight on all four sides, an office with four passenger elevators on Fortieth street, and a shipping department with four fast freight elevators on Fortyfirst street. Mr. Creed is going back feeling the spirit of loyalty to the Victor Co. cannot be overrated. "All of the dealers I have spoken to in New York City," said Mr. Creed, "seem to feel that the distributors of the Victor Co. are perfectly competent to handle any situation which might arise from the recent Macy decision. The fact that no dealers have seen fit to take advantage of the privilege which seemed to have been granted to them by the U. S. Supreme Court would seem to indicate that they realize the discount allowed them by the Victor Company is only sufficient to pay them a fair return on their investment." Mr. Creed ended up his sojourn in the East with a week-end visit at the Victor factory. VICTOR CO. ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN "OPENING DAY" Monthly Lists of Records to Be Released on First of Months Instead of the 28th of the Preceding Month as Formerly — Change Effective With August Supplement The Victor Talking Machine Co. has sent to distributors and dealers the following letter regarding the change of the opening day for Victor records from the 28th of the month to the first of the month following. The opening day was established on the 28th of the month a number of years ago, and proved very satisfactory until the present difficulties in transportation arose, and which necessitated at least a few days' leeway. The Victor Co. letter is as follows: In view of the large growth in our record business since the inauguration, in 1906, of our "opening day"— 28th of the month — and the occasional traffic congestion and uncertainty of delivery of freight shipments; and guided by the practically unanimous vote of Victor distributors, the following changes of dates for the simultaneous "opening day" and shipment of supplement records to dealers will become effective with the August supplement: The first of the current month (as indicated by the date on the supplement) is, beginning August 1, to be the simultaneous "opening day" for new Victor records. When the first of the month falls on Sunday or a holiday, the preceding day is then to become the simultaneous "opening day." Distributors majy ship supplement records and printed matter pertaining thereto to dealers on the third day preceding the "opening day." When this day falls on Sunday or a holiday, the next preceding day is to be the day when shipments to dealers may be started by distributors. As heretofore, no supplement or other advertising matter referring to these records should be brought to the attention of the public before the "opening day," except, however, advertising matter may be distributed by mail only after 2 o'clock on the afternoon of the day preceding the "opening day." Newspaper advertisements referring to the monthly supplement prior to the 1st should be confined to the sole statement that the 1st is the "opening day" for these records without specific reference to any record or records listed therein. We believe that Victor dealers will agree that the "first of the month" idea will soon prove of value a? an advertisement for the new Victor records, more easily remembered, etc. tf TRY THEM 7\NO BE CONVINCED What Mr. C. L. Hibbard says: "It produces a fine, loud and full tone and has wonderful quality. I can heartily recommend this box to anyone wishing to get quality out of all makes of phonograph records" C. L. Hibbard has had 20 years' experience with sound-boxes. He has several patents, and is a recognized authority in this field. We can supply this special two-fold box with our tone arms, and have also a rubber cushion hub arrangement that will fit mostly all makes of tone arms. Be the first to supply your trade with this new sound box. Write or wire for samples. Samples $2.00 each. We use the best grade of mica obtainable. Write for catalog of our tone arms and sound boxes. Quantity prices on request. MUTUAL TALKING MACHINE CO. 145 West 45th Street NEW YORK