The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1917)

6 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD THE PULLING TEST — THE STRENGTH IS THERE THE STRONGEST ALBUM MADE AT ANYWHERE NEAR ITS LOW PRICE The WeIl=Known "National" Record Albums Are Always the Leaders The only Safe and Conveni= ent Way to Protect Disc Records For Durability, Finish and Artistic Design Our Albums Have No Equal They are made in the most substantial man= ner by skilled workmen PATENT APPLIED FOR STRENGTH AT THE STRESS AND STRAIN POINT PRACTICALLY UNBREAKABLE FOR REGULAR USAGE We manufacture disc Record Albums containing 12 pockets to fit the Victrola Cabinets Nos. X and XI. We also make Albums containing 17 pockets. With the indexes they are a complete system for filing all disc Records. THESE ALBUMS ARE THE BEST FOR VICTOR, COLUMBIA AND ALL OTHER DISC RECORDS &rTtREEStorN PmcEEsS°UCITED NATIONAL PUBLISHING CO., 239 S. American St., PHILADELPHIA, PA. ACCOUNTING METHODS IN TALKING MACHINE BUSINESS By CHAS. A. HARRINGTON, Wilmington, Del. Charles A. Harrington, a certified accountant's senior, who recently became associated with the Imperial Talking Machine Co., Wilmington, Del., has written the following interesting article on accounting methods in the talking machine business which can be perused to advantage by all factors of the industry: Modern accounting methods are as essential to the success of the talking machine business as they are to any other progressive industry and to designate the science of recording the human voice merely as "progressive" is to draw it mildly, to say the least. Whether manufacturer, distributor or retailer, the business administrative must meet and solve the fundamental problem of merchandising, that of finance, and he can properly do that by equipping himself with a bookkeeping system that will regularly and accurately reflect his true business condition. The retailer, for instance, should not only know his cash balance, how much he owes and how much is owed to him but also how much he makes, and he should know that important fact, not once a year, but at the very least, once a month. The manufacturer should know his costs. In these days of" rising prices when all materials are doubling and trebling in value that knowledge becomes imperative. If the producer would keep his hand on the pulse of his business, he must know the source of abnormal expenditure and how it comes about. With these facts before him he is intelligently able to face the situation and retrench whereafter possible when necessary. It is safe to assume that many manufacturers are approaching the breaking point and it is just as safe to assume that some of them don't know the exact cause of their weakness. Instead of offering an organized resistance to business disaster, they invite it by a state of "unpreparedness." How many of the following questions could you, Mr. Retailer, answer: What were your profits for May? What are your profits for the year up to May 31? Is your stock decreasing? Are your quick assets increasing? Do you owe more than you did? If you are "on the toboggan" why is it? Of your expenses what part is advertising? What can be eliminated safely in order to increase your advertising? Is your "burden" proportionately too high? Where is your leak? And you, Mr. Manufacturer? How much more did your product cost in May than it did a year ago? Have you graduated your selling prices accordingly? If not, have you reduced your manufacturing expenses wherever possible? • In open competition, how much of a margin have you got over the other "fellow?" Are your selling expenses too high? Are your advertising contracts too low? What percentage have record materials increased? Are all your manufacturing departments working at their highest efficiency? Metal Back The Quality Album The heavy Green Pockets are guarded against opening on the side by being both glued and stitched to a heavy piece of flexible Duck Canvas. Then in turn the Envelopes are bound to a back consisting of one piece of metal fastened with wire rods. The Album opens easily, and lies absolutely flat. Practically indestructible where the strain is greatest. An Album you can take pride in recommending, as you can guarantee it to your customers, and we stand behind the guarantee. Better Albums for your money — No matter what grade Albums you sell Write for Samples of Our Three Grades New York Album & Card Co., 23 LISPENARD STREET NEW YORK What is the value today of your completed and partially completed stock? Are you properly absorbing your factory "overhead" in your production? How much can you safely expend on material purchases? Is the business gaining or sliding back? These questions are perfectly pertinent to a going business. An executive can consider himself safely "on the job" if he is able to tell his partner or his board of directors just how matters are going and how to be weaned away from encroaching weakness. (Next month The Talking Machine World will publish an article by Mr. Harrington on a simple, comprehensive and accurate accounting system for the retailer, illustrated by the few forms necessary which will be follozved in later issues by articles covering manufacturing costs and trading costs of the producer and distributor.) THE VICTOR SHOP IN CORRY, PA. Barlow Hardware Co. Opens Handsome Quarters in That City — Those in Charge Corry, Pa., June 2. — One of the most attractive retail talking machine establishments in this section is the new Victor Shop of the Victor Shop, Corry, Pa. Barlow Hardware Co., recently opened at North Center street, this city. The entire store, a view of which is shown herewith, is finished in white enamel with walls tinted in green and green runners on the floor by way of contrast. Two sound-proof demonstrating booths are pro vided, each of them supplied with a Victrola XI, and there is a plentiful supply of comfortable chairs both in the booths and in the main showroom. The shop is decorated with palms and flowers, and the walls are hung with large portraits of famous Victor record artists. J. E. Hornberger, of Pittsburgh, is in charge of the Victor Shop, and Miss Dorothy Davidson looks after the clerical work. Miss Anne Bell Robbins, of Pittsburgh, is in charge of the demonstration booths, work for which she is well fitted, for she is thoroughly familiar with the many records in the Victor catalog, including' the educational records for school use.