The talking machine world (Jan-June 1928)

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The Talking Machine World, New York, February, 1928 34c tainment quite as much in a sense as a musical instrument, and there are likely to be found other products of similar character. In expanding the scope of the music store it is much more logical and desirable to confine the new lines to those that may be classed as entertainment media in the home than to branch out into other fields, such as the handling of electric refrigerators, washing machines and vacuum cleaners, as has been advocated by certain individuals. There is a wide difference between the financial and selling problems connected with an establishment confined to the handling of home entertainment media and one that attempts to embrace a variety of home-furnishing items. One represents specialization in a definite field, the other represents generalization and the varied responsibilities that it entails. Wisdom of Co-operative Effort ALTHOUGH the radio industry is an infant comparatively, although a lusty one, forsooth, its members have seen the wisdom of co-operative effort to the extent that there exists an active and functioning national association of manufacturers and likewise a representative national federation of dealers, made up of representatives of numerous local dealer associations throughout the country. Yet we find the talking machine trade, although well past the quarter of a century mark in age, still without any national, and for that matter any sectional, organization. It is unfortunate that there exists no association of talking machine manufacturers or of retailers to represent the industry in those matters where an organized opinion or protest carries weight, and to bring about a better understanding wherever possible on matters of trade practice and problems. The time has arrived in American business when members of a specific industry, such as the talking machine trade, have as their competitors not men in the same line of business, but those in a hundred other lines of trade, all of them energetically seeking to get a share of the American dollar upon which there are at present so many demands. The time that is often wasted in competition within an industry can be put to much better and more profitable use in developing ways and means for keeping that industry strongly before the public to the general advantage of all concerned. The idea of a national association in the talking machine trade is not in any sense a new one. It has been advocated on numerous occasions and tentative but unsuccessful attempts have been made to organize. With the majority of the other industries presenting a united front to the country in the fight for business it seems that the time has arrived to give this matter of talking machine trade organizations further thought. Regulation of Convention Exhibits MEMBERS of the talking machine and radio industries who contemplate exhibiting at the Hotel Commodore for the conventions of the National Music Industries during the week of June 4, and who are not now affiliated with the Music Industries Chamber of Commerce, ma)' well give heed to the restrictions that are placed against exhibits by non-members. It has been the practice in the past of some concerns to take membership in the Cham ber at the last moment in order to secure exhibit privileges and then to withdraw that membership shortly after the close of the convention, and in order to check this practice it was decreed at the mid-Winter meeting of the Board of Directors of the Chamber that only concerns who were members as of March 1, 1928, would be permitted to exhibit. It will be well for those who distribute through the music dealers and are desirous of displaying their wares at the June convention to take cognizance of the new regulations and govern themselves accordingly. Double Tax on Instalment Sales THE talking machine dealer who sells on instalments, and that may be taken to mean every dealer, is or should be vitally interested in the attempts that are being made in various quarters to have changed that provision of the new Revenue Bill, which as at present interpreted, is calculated to place a double tax upon income from instalment sales. The Music Industries Chamber of Commerce has been active in the fight to have this provision either eliminated from the bill or at least so changed as to lift the burden from the shoulders of thousands of dealers throughout the country, and that organization urges that dealers, either individually or in co-operation with it, enter the fight to have the Senate Finance Committee change the reading of the law. It is a matter that represents millions of dollars to the music industry and to others, and organizations in various lines of trade have moved to place their protests before the Finance Committee of the Senate. Protests were first made when the measure was under consideration by the House Committee, but owing to protests of the Treasury Department, it is said, the provisions covering double taxes on instalment sales returns were placed in the bill after having once been eliminated. Now the matter rests with the Senate, and strong pressure is being brought to bear on the Finance Committee of that body. Among the organizations lined up in opposition to the taxing of profits on instalment sales is the National Retail Drygoods Association with a national membership of some 3,000, and every branch of the music industry is vitally interested in the fight. The time is short for effective action, and those members not thoroughlv familiar with the drastic provisions of the law should get in touch with the Music Industries Chamber of Commerce or some other authoritative body in order that the}' may participate in organized protests or be able to take up the matter intelligently with the Senators from their respective States. Meeting Trade Problems Fairly MUCH of practical value to the industry in the handling of its problems is expected to result from the two-day session of the Federated Radio Trade Association being held in Milwaukee as this issue of The World goes to press. Dealers who make up the organization are earnest in their efforts to help solve the tradein problem, to improve the character of advertising and to develop closer relationship between the various branches of the industry, and there is no question but that much good must develop from any movement designed to that end. for the problems are of the industry and not of the individual. B WE START THE NEW YEAR BY GIVING YOU A BETTER QUALITY, IMPROVED RECORDING, GREATER VOLUME AND CLARITY IN THE R E C O R E BELL RECORDS L Let us assist you in merchandising these records and from our long experience increase your selling L THE BELL RECORD CORPORATION 38 CLINTON STREET NEWARK, N. J. D S