The talking machine world (Jan-June 1919)

January 15, 1919 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD 37 MEETING OF PORTLAND ASSOCIATION Rush of Holiday Trade Results in Low Attendance— Special Drive for New Members — Object to Including Records With Machine Price Portland, Ore., January 4. — There were only fourteen present at the monthly meeting of the Talking Machine Dealers' Association on Tuesday evening, December 14, but while small in numbers it was big in spirit. The small attendance was due to the fact that a number of the talking machine stores kept open later than usual to look after the Christmas rush and were tired out. Some of the association members are recovering from the influenza and severe colds and were unable to be present. But, as before stated, the meeting was a lively one and important suggestions and plans were made for the future. The meeting was held at the Imperial Hotel and after a dinner which is always an enjoyable and interesting feature of these occasions the meeting was called to order by Taylor C. White, vice-president. After the minutes had been read by C. Alphonse, the secretary, suggestions were made by Mr. Morris, of the Wiley B. Allen Co., Mr. Loder, of the Bush & Lane Co., Mr. Matney, of Meier & Frank Co. and other members as to the best methods to be pursued for the good of the trade. These meetings have established a fine feeling of friendship among the dealers and have been of great benefit to all who have attended them. The desire of the president, E. B. Hyatt, is that this feeling of friendship and helpfulness shall grow, that business conditions shall be conducted in a manner that will be of benefit to the public as well as to the dealers and their assistants. Speakers of prominence will be provided for future meetings and a committee was appointed to call upon all the talking machine dealers and try to secure their interest and get every talking machine dealer in the city to join the association and take an active part in the meetings. It was the consensus of opinion that records should not be given with machines when they are sold. The instruments are offered at fair, reasonable prices and there is no reason why records should be included in the sale price. The record business is a business in itself and customers are understanding that and are, in most cases, perfectly satisfied to purchase a talking machine on its merits and then buy the records they prefer. The attention of the association was called to the fact that a furniture dealer was advertising Victrolas at reduced prices. Mr. Hyatt made a motion that this cut rate business should be looked into and then reported to the association. The next meeting of the association will be held the second Tuesday in January. IMPORTANT VICTOR CO. STATEMENT Reasons for Scarcity of Victor Products Explained in Statement Just Issued to Trade The Victor Talking Machine Co. under date of December 18 sent out the following communication to the trade: "To attempt to capitalize our efforts in the performance of our patriotic duty would have been decidedly unpatriotic from our viewpoint, and accordingly we repeatedly refrained from publicity of this type throughout the entire period during which we were participating in war work for our Government. "Now that we are definitely out of the war we feel some explanation is due the public concerning the unprecedented shortage of Victor products, and to assist in alleviating in a measure the conditions confronting Victor dealers we have designed a special card for use in your store. Two are enclosed and additional cards are now going forward to Victor wholesalers for use in demonstrating rooms where needed. "The war has been brought to a successful termination simply because of the sacrifices that al; of us have freely made, and those of us who have made such sacrifices can once again turn to our peaceful pursuits with a full knowledge and clear conscience of a great duty well done. The popularity of Victor products is greater today than ever before, and consequently your share in our future prosperity is definitely assured." The card referred to reads as follows: To the public: Feeling that some explanation is due to the public concerning the unprecedented scarcity of Victrolas and Victor records, we desire to make the following statement: The above condition is due, as all such conditions must primarily be due' to the unquestioned popularity of Victor products. It is also due to the fact that so long as the United States was at war we believed our paramount duty lay in assisting the Government in the prosecution of the war to the fullest extent of our abilities; our facilities had been freely offered and accepted. Immediately upon the signing of the armistice and our release from Government obligations, we took all necessary steps to insure the earliest possible return to an increased output of Victor products, but in the interim we would bespeak for Victor dealers and for ourselves some measure of consideration which we believe will be accorded by every patriotic American. Victor Talking Machine Co. ATTAINING THE SUPERLATIVE Most anybody can do business fairly well. Many men can do business very well. A few can do business superbly well, but the man who not only does his work superbly well but adds to it a last touch of personality through great zeal, patience, and persistence, making it peculiar, unique, individual, distinct and unforgetable, is an artist. And this applies to all and every field of human endeavor — managing a talking machine store, a hotel, a bank, a factory — writing, speaking, modeling, painting. It is that last undefinable touch that counts: the last three seconds he knocks off the record that proves the man a genius. €6 ATLAS" 3-Ply Veneer Packing Cases The Best Known Packing Case in the Talking Machine Industry. the Larger and More Particular Manufacturer. Used by Two Sources of Supply. Uniform Quality Product. Nelson & Hall Company Montgomery Center, Vermont HIGH QUALITY PRINTING WHICH WE DO ON "ATLAS" CASES HAS HIGH ADVERTISING VALUE Richford Mfg. Co. Richford, Vermont ri USERS OF "ATLAS" CASES ARE SURE OF PROMPT SHIPMENTS IN ANY QUANTITY Address RALPH M. BUCK, Treasurer and Sales Manager, RICHFORD, VERMONT