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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
•13
Questions of Trade Interest Discussed by Members of the Trade, ^ %g
LJ PAUL MEHLIN, of Paul G. Mehlin & evil been carried, that consignors, in some supplies has taken another move upward,
*• - • Sons, during a talk with The Revie w instances within my knowledge, have goods writing them again adding to the previous
on Thursday concerning present trade con- shipped to people who are merely house-to- increase, it is deemed best to wait awhile,
ditions as compared with the prosperous house canvassers without a place of busi- decide on a certain raise, and then make a
conditions prevalent in 1892, expressed ness other than the house in which they firm stand."
the opinion that the volume of business live."
"Have you encountered any serious ob-
done by piano manufacturers at this time
The Review asked Mr. Mehlin if, in these jection, Mr. Mehlin, on the part of dealers,
is greater.
"But," added he, "the net prosperous times, he had noted any in- against an increased price for pianos?"
results in the shape of financial gain are creased desire on the part of retail pur- asked The Review.
much smaller.
"No," was the reply. "There have
chasers or dealers to pay cash or give
..' "Seven years ago high-grade pianos sold shorter time notes for instruments. He been instances brought to my notice, but
at better prices than can be obtained for replied in the negative to the inquiry, ob- they refer to dealers who have a reputa-
them to-day, although instruments now serving that no special eagerness in this tion for what some people might call 'mean-
on the market are superior in many re- direction had developed, so far, among ness. ' The dealer who is up-to-date must
spects to those of the earlier period. The buyers. The Review then inquired from be aware, as every intelligent man in this
cost of production is greater and there are Mr. Mehlin if he had any theory to ad- country is aware, that materials of all kinds
and descriptions, in
numerous other good
reasons why even
all industries, have
higher prices should
appreciated in price
SO SAYS H. PAUL MEHLIN IN AN INTERESTING TALK WITH THE REVIEW TRADE FOR 99
be paid, yet they do
during the past few
IS BETTER THAN ' 9 2 BUT NOT AS PROFITABLE DILATORY ACTION IN PRICE
not obtain, and there-
months.
RAISING ACCOUNTED FOR HOW DEALERS ACT OR SHOULD ACT
fore the net results of
"This b e i n g so,
IN VIEW OF THE PRESENT-DAY CONDITIONS.
to-day are unsatisfac-
they have at their com-
tory as compared with those of 1892."
vance regarding the apparent hesitancy mand an ample supply of logical argu-
When asked if he had in mind any special among manufacturers to increase prices, ments to use when talking with prospec-
or striking weaknesses. in the trade field notwithstanding the widely-acknowledged tive customers, if a difficulty arises in per-
calling for immediate action or treat- fact that the market for supplies has risen suading them to purchase. Still, dealers,
ment, Mr. Mehlin spoke strongly on considerably and is still rising.
as a rule, will not have such a hard task as
the evils of what might be termed
"The subject, as you are aware," he re- outsiders might imagine. In order to make
"unlimited consignments." "The system sponded, "has been under discussion in sales during slow times they have been
of consigning pianos broadcast, for sale the Manufacturers' Association, and I do compelled to grant concessions to custom-
at' almost any price, and on any terms, not consider myself at liberty just now to ers, going below the regular retail
has had and is having a most pernicious in- state the views of other members as I prices.
fluence," he observed, with much warmth. know them. In certain quarters there is a
"These concessions are not now neces-
"It cheapens and degrades the industry. feeling that when prices are raised the sary. If the manufacturer does raise the
It demoralizes legitimate retail business. whole advance should be made at one price to the dealer, the latter, by selling at
It has developed an unhealthy, loose, and time. That is to say, instead of writing the regular retail figures, will have as good
hurtful credit system, damaging alike to dealers now and naming an advance of a a living profit as he did during a less pros-
dealer and manufacturer. So far has this certain percentage, then, after the price of perous period. At least, that is my view."
"Unlimited Consignments" a Trade Evil.
IN the opinion of Daniel F. Treacy, of the fall election, the very existence of almost high prices now quoted for raw material
*• Davenport & Treacy Co., the output of unexampled prosperity will help toward will not be reduced within the next nine
pianos in the United States this year will the maintenance of a desirable mental poise months. "I do not expect to see any marked
reach 125,000. Said he to The Review on among the voting population. Trade will change in that direction," said he, "until
the first six months of 1900 have passed."
Tuesday, during a talk on current topics not be disturbed, I feel sure."
Dwelling for a moment on the question
of the trade: "I gave the same figures in
Speaking of plate prices as affected by
February last when asked a question on the increased prices of raw material, Mr. of improvements in plate-making during
the same subject, and I see no reason for Treacy said that the cost of the raw ma- recent years, the Review asked if any
changing my opinion. On the contrary, terial for that department of the firm's notable changes had been made within
I am • more than ever convinced that the work had risen 100 per cent. While on the easy recollection.
prophecy I made then
Mr. Treacy declar-
will come true."
ed, in response, that
few d e v e l o p m e n t s
The Review took
ON
CURRENT
TOPICS
THE
OUTPUT
OF
PIANOS
FOR'99
TRADE
PROSPECTS
FOR
NEXT
YEAR
could
be recorded.
occasion to ask Mr.
RAW
MATERIAL
FOR
PLATES
UPA
HUNDRED
PER
CENT.
THE
WAGE
PROBLEM
'
'The
methods
adopted
Treacy if 1c deems it
NO REDUCTION IN THE PRICE OF RAW MATERIAL WITHIN THE NEXT NINE
for
plate-making
have
likely that the "good
MONTHS PLATE EXPORTS SMALL—THE PIANO TRADE IN ITS INFANCY.
not
undergone
any
times" now with us i
radical
change
of
late
years,"
he
observed.
will extend over the coming year of 1900. subject of increased prices The Review
"I certainly do," was his reply. It was sug- asked Mr. Treacy if he does not consider The talk then led to the present extent of
gested that perhaps the forthcoming poli- the wage-question an important factor in export trade in plates. "Speaking for our-
selves," replied Mr. Treacy, "we are send-
tical campaign would disturb existing pros- the present situation.
ing
a considerable number of plates to
He agreed that it is. " When prosperity
perous conditions throughout the country.
Canada
and on one occasion a few were
"I don't think politics will work any in- comes," he remarked, " and workmen are
shipped
to Manchester, England. Charges
in
demand,
they
are
quick
to
perceive
that
jury this year," was his reply. "The ma-
and
other
hindrances in the latter case,
their
services
are
at
a
premium.
Pressure
jority of people are taking these matters
however,
do
not offer much encouragement
is
applied,
when
necessary,
and
of
course
much more coolly nowadays than was the
case a few years ago, and it is a healthy, if their demands are granted, the people in that direction. I am inclined to think that
comforting sign, particularly to manufac- who perforce yield must protect them- the general export of piano plates does
turers and others whose life-interests are selves by applying the pressure in their not at present make a formidable showing."
Asked if, in his opinion—taking into
involved in commercial enterprises. At own behalf where it naturally belongs."
any rate, considering only the approaching Mr. Treacy expressed his belief that the consideration the present output of in-
Daniel F. Treacy's Views