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THE
fflJJIC TIRADE
V O L . XXXIII. N o . 7. Publisbed Every Saturday by Edward Lyman Bill at 3 East Fourteenth Street, New York, Aug. 17,1901.
. .
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PRIZE CONTEST. .
Another Interesting Essay Giving the Views of John Hartson Upon "the Benefit of the One-price System.
This week we are enabled to add another
interesting contribution to a subject which
has aroused widespread interest, namely,
advantages of the one-price system to the
retail department of the industry.
" W h a t Benefit Will Be Derived From the One-Price Sys-
tem in Retailing?"
By John Hartson.
"What Benefit Will Be Derived from the
One-price System in Retailing?" The first
and greatest object to be attained by any
house in any line of business is the reputa-
tion for unswerving integrity. It does not
seem possible that a house could be regarded
as reliable when one man can have delivered
to his home a piano for $475, and a week
or so later his neighbor purchases the same
make, style and quality from the same house
and salesman at any figure lower, even if
it were only a difference of $5; it is proof
enough that the salesman was untruthful,
and whatever a salesman says or does, we
must take for granted that he represents the
house; for a house may explain to a con-
fidential friend that this or that was done
without his knowledge and approval, but
this explanation cannot be made to the pub-
lic at large, and if it could be made, it would
not be believed.
The one-price-system seems so diametri-
cally opposed to the traditions of the piano
business that many insist upon closing their
eyes to the great loopholes for reductions
that this system offers. The success of the
great department stores is due to the fact
that buyers have become accustomed to be-
lieve they are getting the lowest legitimate
figures possible; if they want to purchase
these goods at less money, what is left them ?
Why, the bargain counters, the reduction
clearance sales, of course. These sales never
fail to clear out older styles, damaged goods,
etc., and oftener than not, they simply serve
to bring purchases who come to buy bar-
gains and turn from the bargain counter
to the most expensive articles. So that,
calmly regarded, the one-price system need
not be such a bugbear to the piano trade, for,
in a business where a scratch constitutes a
damage, and styles are constantly changing,
there would be enough to carry on weekly
bargain sales without the slaughter of new
goods and that which is much more regret-
able, the slaughter of business dignity and
reputation. This condition would give a
house something to advertise, and if it could
become fully established, many of the under-
hand methods of competition would of neces-
sity be eliminated. As before stated, a
house is always responsible for what its
salesmen do, but there is absolutely no doubt
that salesmen often resort to things which
the house would not countenance, but, not
knowing, it is unable to protect itself, and
so it must go under suspicion for the act
of a salesman. A method which is as iron-
clad as is the one which demands one price
and markings in plain figures cannot fail
to bring a distinct knowledge to the house
of the workings of its people, a lack of which
is often the cause of many disagreeable
things which might easily have been avoided.
SHAW AFFAIRS.
[Special to The Review.]
Erie, Pa., Aug. 9, 1901.
The first meeting of the creditors of the
Shaw Piano Co. wil be held in the offices
of the referee, Joseph M. Force, at No. 19
Downing Building, Erie, Pa., on Aug. 22d
at ten o'clock, at which time the creditors
may prove their claims and appoint a trus-
tee, examine the bankrupt, and transact such
other business as may properly come before
the meeting.
CRNTS.
FIRE AT WISSNER WAREROOMS.
The Wissner warerooms in Jersey City
had a narow escape from destruction by fire
last Monday night. They are located in a
five-story building, and fire broke out in the
upper stories, but was subdued before it
had done serious damage. The lower stories
were water soaked and it is said there was
material injury done to the Wissner stock.
KRELL-FRENCH AFFAIRS.
[Special to The Review.]
A N N ARBOR ACTIVITY. ...v
[Special to The Review.]
Ann Arbor, Mich., Aug. 9, 1901.
J. Compton Henderson, general manager
of the Ann Arbor Organ Co., has recently
returned from an extensive trip through the
West, where he succeeded in transacting a
satisfactory amount of business. Mr. Hen-
derson always has a way of getting busi-
ness without talking much about it. •
When asked regarding the business pros-
pects, he said that the wheat crop in Min-
nesota and the Dakotas will be much above
the average, and in the Red River Valley
the crop will be unusually large. There is
a good demand for Ann Arbor organs, and
it is possible that within the near future a
si ill further addition may be placed upon
the Ann Arbor plant.
DOLD'S TRIP EAST.
[Special to The Review.]
FRENCH IN OKLAHOMA.
[Special to The Review.]
Guthrie, Okla., Aug. 9, 1901.
The energetic house of Jesse French is
placing its branches in all the new towns
of the Territory. I understand that within
a short time a Jesse French branch will be
opened in Lawton, the new boom town of
Indian Territory. G. F. Gruebner has re-
cently opened up a branch house here for
the great St. Louis concern at 214 West
Oklahoma street. He is doing some good
advertising in the Guthrie papers and is sell-
ing a good many pianos.
;
Springfield, O., Aug. 12, 1901.
Factory equipments for the new Krell-
French concern are being pushed to the ut-
most, and it is probable that pianos will be
ready before the first of November. Albert
Krell is still in the East, where he has made
extensive purchases of stock and material,
which will arrive here shortly. Part of the
machinery has already arrived and every-
thing is in readiness for the reception of the
balance.
New Haven, Conn., Aug. 12, 1901.
Charles Dold, the national organizer of
piano workers, was here last week and made
an address before the recently organized
Piano Workers' Association, at room 24,
Insurance Building. In his speech Mr. Dold
urged activity on the part of the men to in-
crease the membership of the unions in this
city. It is understood that he visited other
Eastern points, and he is using every effort
to get the piano workers organized in small
cities as well as large. The advices received
here since his return to Chicago include the
information that he has organized a dozen
unions on his trip East.