Music Trade Review
Issue: 1918 Vol. 67 N. 3 - Page 10
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10
THE
MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
JULY 20,
1918
CLEANING UP FRAUDULENT ADVERTISERS—(Continued from page 9)
the investigation here led to results elsewhere. The manu-
facturer responsible for the copy is now sending out his
campaign to conform to the requests of the Better Business
Bureau, and has shown a splendid spirit of co-operation
with our work.
Case No. 61, Syracuse, N. Y.
The advertising of a Wilson Picture Puzzle Contest, with
prizes offered to contestants and a "Piano Purchasing Cou-
pon" mailed out promiscuously from Chicago, has been fol-
lowed by a Billiken contest with the same follow-up. The
same firm is being investigated in Albany, N. Y., and com-
plaints of the Syracuse advertisers are being referred to
Albany. The advertising of the same firm has also appeared
at Rochester, N. Y., where they have opened warerooms.
Case No. 62, tando, N. D.
Investigation of a confidential price scheme has led to a
distributing house in Minneapolis, and a New York manu-
facturer. A stencil piano with retail price listed at $400, is
offered at an alleged wholesale price of $187, to which the
customer must add expenses of delivery, and $10.00 agent's
commission. The $10.00 is supposed to be all that the agent
makes. Inquiry is being made as to the real value of the
piano.
Case No. 67, Milwaukee, Wis.
The closing of a store which has been a constant source
of complaint because of its advertising and selling practices
came about through the conviction and fine of $100 and
costs imposed upon Emil O. Schmidt in District Court. The
example set in this case should be a warning to dealers who
are not satisfied to remain within the bounds of truth in
their advertising.
Case No. 72, Greenville, S. C.
The advertising of a "Sensational Price Cutting Closing
Out Piano Sale" put on by a special salesman for a Chicago
house was reported from various quarters. The dealer in
whose name the sale was carried on happened to be a mem-
ber of the National Association of Piano Merchants, and a
friendly appeal to him to discontinue the flamboyant type
of advertising brought the following reply:
"Have just received your letter of friendly criticism re-
garding the coupon which has appeared in our advertise-
ments.
"Had no idea that it conflicted with the ethics of your
organization as long as it was bona-fide, and our reductions
are bona-fide, and every statement in our ads is a true
one.
However, if this is the case, I will most certainly
discontinue any objectionable features in my advertising
within reason. Although it is too late today to stop the
ads now at the newspapers, no more of these ads will
appear . . . we are glad to comply with your request
to co-operate with you."
Case No. 73, Toledo, O.
The sale of a "$50,000 Stock of New Pianos and Players
Being Sacrificed at Unheard of Prices" was discontinued
through co-operation of a big Chicago manufacturing and
distributing firm which reported to be connected with it
through a representative. The attitude of the Chicago con-
cern was highly commendable.
Case No. 74, Minneapolis, Minn.
A wholesale piano dealer who is said to be responsible
tor a confidential price scheme in North Dakota, is being
checked up on the value of stencil pianos which he offers
at "wholesale prices."
Case No; 75, Milwaukee, Wis.
A complaint of malicious criticism and breaking of sale
was submitted to the Grievance Committee of the Milwau-
kee Association of Music Industries for adjustment. The
charges were denied by the accused firm, whose salesman
stated that it was his understanding from the customer that
the player-piano first purchased was to be returned. He
admitted that he knew a cash payment down had been made,
and that the delivery of the piano constituted a sale, and
further admitted that he was at fault in not reporting the
circumstances and giving the first dealer an opportunity to
make good any fault the customer had to find with his first
instrument. Upon investigation it appeared that the cus-
tomer had misled both dealers, and as there was evidence
of outside influence, it seemed that a third salesman was
guilty of malicious criticism, if any. The firm first com-
plained of finally withdrew its player, to allow a clear field
for the second dealer to adjust any difficulties. The spirit
of co-operation between Association members was strength-
ened in this case, through the arbitration of the Grievance
Committee.
Case No. 76, Minneapolis, Minn.
Claims of great savings to customers because of whole-
sale prices upon stencil goods which are labeled at much
higher prices then their actual value, are charged against
a Minneapolis house. Agents who operate in conjunction
with local dealers are said to put on special sales with this
class of goods, to the ultimate sorrow of the local dealer.
Case No. 77, Charleston, W. Va.
An unjust state tax upon agents and salesmen employed
as piano salesmen in West Virginia was reported, and a list
of dealers was requested by the complainant. This was fur-
nished, with an offer of co-operation in any effort to help
the trade.
Case No. 78, Winder, Ga.
Through co-operation of correspondents, our Bureau was
informed of a sale slated for a firm of Winder along the
same lines as one held in Greenville, S. C. Upon our re-
quest to the firm to conform to our standards in the adver-
tising of the proposed sale, the following reply was received:
"We have your letter under date of the 7th inst. in refer-
ence to the sale we have slated for Athens and we are a
little surprised that the sale as scheduled may go beyond
the proper limitations, as seems to have been the case,
judging from your letter, with the sale at
which
was under the direction of the same party who was scheduled
to manage the sale for us at Athens.
"We want, we assure you, to stay within the bounds of
legitimate business principles and we would like you to let
us know immediately what modifications will be necessary,
taking the
sale as a basis.
"This promoter came to us representing one of the strong
piano factories of the country and the proposition he made
us looked good to us, but we want to modify the modes of
advertising to conform to the ideas of the 'Better Business
Bureau,' for we are sure this organization looks to the best
interest of the piano merchants.
"Will it be best to call off the sale entirely, or is it only
necessary to modify the system of advertising?
"We shall be pleased to> hear from you further in refer-
ence to the matter, giving us the information necessary to
set us right in reference to the sale."
In reply we assured the dealer that it is not our inten-
tion to interfere with any legitimate business, but we do
endeavor to suppress any dishonest or misleading advertis-
ing of special sales.
Case No. 79, Americus, Ga.
Another sale by the same promoter referred to in case
No. 78 was reported and an effort was made to eliminate
any misleading advertising. None was reported by our cor-
respondents, therefore it is assumed that the sale did not
take place, or if it did, was not advertised in violation of
our standards.
Case No. 80, Boanoke, Va.
The promotion of a special sale by the representative of
a Chicago factory was reported to this Bureau in advance,
and we were able to take up the possibility of undesirable
advertising beforehand. The result was very satisfactory,
as the advertiser showed a strong desire to uphold our
standards and secured the co-operation of the salesman pro-
moting the sale, also suggested the modification of the ad-
vertising copy furnished and copyrighted by the manufac-
turer. Although there was some criticism of the copy used,
the spirit of the advertiser is shown in the following para-
graphs of his letter to us:
"We have, therefore, tried to be very, very careful about
our copy, and the writer strictly censored every bit of copy
which has appeared, so far, and we again repeat, we are
surprised you have found anything to criticise.
"However, the writer will endeavor to use even more
precaution in editing the advertising from now on, than he
has in the past, and we trust you shall have no further
occasion to find fault with our publicity."
Case No. 81, Syracuse, N. Y.
An unusual advertisement asking for an offer on a piano
which "must be sold at once," was headed "Will You Give
$100?" The fact that it was not stated that the piano was
"used" was criticized, and the advertiser replied that "this
one little slip is the only thing they have succeeded in find-
ing on us in all these years." This advertiser is co-oper-
ating with the Better Business Bureau and is in hearty
sympathy with our work and aims.
Case No. 82, Pawhuska, Okla.
A report of a piano salesman who hoodwinked dealers
into allowing him a drawing account, and then went out
to represent himself as a tuner and collect money from
customers for unsatisfactory work, was taken up with
various dealers, with the object of preventing further decep-
tion.
Case No. 83, St. Paul, Minn.
Secretary Karl G. Neumeier of the St. Paul Truth-in-
Advertising Bureau reports as follows on the St. Paul
branch of a firm which has had considerable attention in
various cities:
"This Bureau had received several complaints concerning
the advertising of the above concern, particular comparative
prices, the 'Free' coupons worth $25.00, etc, 'Free' scarfs,
stools, etc. We went into the case very thoroughly, sent
buyers to get a piano, went out and called at residences of
former purchasers, talked to former employes and secured
verified statements. The whole subject was discussed at a
meeting of the Retail Sub-division of the Saint Paul Asso-
ciation, at which the manager of the above institution was
present.
"In view of the splendid results and co-operation obtained,
this Bureau does not feel it necessary to detail all of the
facts disclosed by its investigation.
"When a representative called upon the manager of the
Saint Paul branch with the facts in hand, he had a very
satisfactory talk and the manager agreed in writing to the
following conditions in his advertising:
"(1) When 'Thirty Days' Free Trial' is advertised, specify
whether it is for new or second hand instruments, and if
references are necessary, say so in the advertisement.
"(2) If second hand pianos are offered for sale, any one,
even competitors, are to get them at that price.
"(3) Eliminate all coupons whatsoever.
"(4) Eliminate all comparative prices.
"(5) Eliminate 'Free' scarfs, stools, rolls and benches."
Case No. 84, Rochester, N. Y.
An offender whose classified advertising has been com-
plained of several times, quoting ridiculously low prices on
well known pianos of established quality, is having the
attention of the Rochester Piano and Talking Machine
Dealers' Association. Appeals to this dealer to discontinue
undesirable practices have brought no response and it is
possible that other action may be necessary if he continues
the misrepresentation apparent in his advertising.
Case No. 85, Rochester, N. Y.
The continuous advertising of new pianos of a certain
make, at special sale prices, was complained of, and upon
inquiry it was stated that the agency was withdra-wn without
notice, leaving the dealer with a large stock on hand. A
counter claim that a competitor was using the name and
testimonials of this piano, because of its prestige in Roches-
ter, to sell another make of similar name, has been taken
THE BROOKS
Automatic Repeating Phonograph
Plays Any Kind of Record—Any Desired Number
of Times and Then Stops Automatically—
The Phonograph Sensation of the Age
View of Controlling Dial
DEALERS:
You cannot duplicate the value we offer for twice
the price. In size and appearance the "Brooks"
compares favorably with Instruments retailing for
$300.00 and up.
In tone qualities it is unexcelled by any talking
machine on earth! In mechanical equipment and
automatic features it is years in advance of its
nearest competitor. We have been building talking
machines for three years—last year our sales dou-
bled every four months. The BROOKS DEALER
has no competition. The machine creates interest
and discussion—it is self-advertising. Send for
particulars, terms, prices.
BROOKS MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Talking Machine Dmpt.
SAGINAW, MICH., U. S. A.
This dial sets, starts and stops
the machine. Will play anj- de-
sired number up to nine or con-
tinuous.
Simplest Machine to Operate
Instructions
Set the needle at the inner edge
of record cutting and then move
pointer to the figure designating the
number of times you wish record
played.
That is all. You can now forget
the machine. When the record has
been played as many times as set
for, the machine will stop auto-
matically with the tone arm sus-
pended in the air above record.
HEIGHT OF CABINET 50
INCHES
FURNISHED IN OAK OR
MAHOGANY
SPRING OR ELECTRIC MOTOR
10
THE
MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
JULY 20,
1918
CLEANING UP FRAUDULENT ADVERTISERS—(Continued from page 9)
the investigation here led to results elsewhere. The manu-
facturer responsible for the copy is now sending out his
campaign to conform to the requests of the Better Business
Bureau, and has shown a splendid spirit of co-operation
with our work.
Case No. 61, Syracuse, N. Y.
The advertising of a Wilson Picture Puzzle Contest, with
prizes offered to contestants and a "Piano Purchasing Cou-
pon" mailed out promiscuously from Chicago, has been fol-
lowed by a Billiken contest with the same follow-up. The
same firm is being investigated in Albany, N. Y., and com-
plaints of the Syracuse advertisers are being referred to
Albany. The advertising of the same firm has also appeared
at Rochester, N. Y., where they have opened warerooms.
Case No. 62, tando, N. D.
Investigation of a confidential price scheme has led to a
distributing house in Minneapolis, and a New York manu-
facturer. A stencil piano with retail price listed at $400, is
offered at an alleged wholesale price of $187, to which the
customer must add expenses of delivery, and $10.00 agent's
commission. The $10.00 is supposed to be all that the agent
makes. Inquiry is being made as to the real value of the
piano.
Case No. 67, Milwaukee, Wis.
The closing of a store which has been a constant source
of complaint because of its advertising and selling practices
came about through the conviction and fine of $100 and
costs imposed upon Emil O. Schmidt in District Court. The
example set in this case should be a warning to dealers who
are not satisfied to remain within the bounds of truth in
their advertising.
Case No. 72, Greenville, S. C.
The advertising of a "Sensational Price Cutting Closing
Out Piano Sale" put on by a special salesman for a Chicago
house was reported from various quarters. The dealer in
whose name the sale was carried on happened to be a mem-
ber of the National Association of Piano Merchants, and a
friendly appeal to him to discontinue the flamboyant type
of advertising brought the following reply:
"Have just received your letter of friendly criticism re-
garding the coupon which has appeared in our advertise-
ments.
"Had no idea that it conflicted with the ethics of your
organization as long as it was bona-fide, and our reductions
are bona-fide, and every statement in our ads is a true
one.
However, if this is the case, I will most certainly
discontinue any objectionable features in my advertising
within reason. Although it is too late today to stop the
ads now at the newspapers, no more of these ads will
appear . . . we are glad to comply with your request
to co-operate with you."
Case No. 73, Toledo, O.
The sale of a "$50,000 Stock of New Pianos and Players
Being Sacrificed at Unheard of Prices" was discontinued
through co-operation of a big Chicago manufacturing and
distributing firm which reported to be connected with it
through a representative. The attitude of the Chicago con-
cern was highly commendable.
Case No. 74, Minneapolis, Minn.
A wholesale piano dealer who is said to be responsible
tor a confidential price scheme in North Dakota, is being
checked up on the value of stencil pianos which he offers
at "wholesale prices."
Case No; 75, Milwaukee, Wis.
A complaint of malicious criticism and breaking of sale
was submitted to the Grievance Committee of the Milwau-
kee Association of Music Industries for adjustment. The
charges were denied by the accused firm, whose salesman
stated that it was his understanding from the customer that
the player-piano first purchased was to be returned. He
admitted that he knew a cash payment down had been made,
and that the delivery of the piano constituted a sale, and
further admitted that he was at fault in not reporting the
circumstances and giving the first dealer an opportunity to
make good any fault the customer had to find with his first
instrument. Upon investigation it appeared that the cus-
tomer had misled both dealers, and as there was evidence
of outside influence, it seemed that a third salesman was
guilty of malicious criticism, if any. The firm first com-
plained of finally withdrew its player, to allow a clear field
for the second dealer to adjust any difficulties. The spirit
of co-operation between Association members was strength-
ened in this case, through the arbitration of the Grievance
Committee.
Case No. 76, Minneapolis, Minn.
Claims of great savings to customers because of whole-
sale prices upon stencil goods which are labeled at much
higher prices then their actual value, are charged against
a Minneapolis house. Agents who operate in conjunction
with local dealers are said to put on special sales with this
class of goods, to the ultimate sorrow of the local dealer.
Case No. 77, Charleston, W. Va.
An unjust state tax upon agents and salesmen employed
as piano salesmen in West Virginia was reported, and a list
of dealers was requested by the complainant. This was fur-
nished, with an offer of co-operation in any effort to help
the trade.
Case No. 78, Winder, Ga.
Through co-operation of correspondents, our Bureau was
informed of a sale slated for a firm of Winder along the
same lines as one held in Greenville, S. C. Upon our re-
quest to the firm to conform to our standards in the adver-
tising of the proposed sale, the following reply was received:
"We have your letter under date of the 7th inst. in refer-
ence to the sale we have slated for Athens and we are a
little surprised that the sale as scheduled may go beyond
the proper limitations, as seems to have been the case,
judging from your letter, with the sale at
which
was under the direction of the same party who was scheduled
to manage the sale for us at Athens.
"We want, we assure you, to stay within the bounds of
legitimate business principles and we would like you to let
us know immediately what modifications will be necessary,
taking the
sale as a basis.
"This promoter came to us representing one of the strong
piano factories of the country and the proposition he made
us looked good to us, but we want to modify the modes of
advertising to conform to the ideas of the 'Better Business
Bureau,' for we are sure this organization looks to the best
interest of the piano merchants.
"Will it be best to call off the sale entirely, or is it only
necessary to modify the system of advertising?
"We shall be pleased to> hear from you further in refer-
ence to the matter, giving us the information necessary to
set us right in reference to the sale."
In reply we assured the dealer that it is not our inten-
tion to interfere with any legitimate business, but we do
endeavor to suppress any dishonest or misleading advertis-
ing of special sales.
Case No. 79, Americus, Ga.
Another sale by the same promoter referred to in case
No. 78 was reported and an effort was made to eliminate
any misleading advertising. None was reported by our cor-
respondents, therefore it is assumed that the sale did not
take place, or if it did, was not advertised in violation of
our standards.
Case No. 80, Boanoke, Va.
The promotion of a special sale by the representative of
a Chicago factory was reported to this Bureau in advance,
and we were able to take up the possibility of undesirable
advertising beforehand. The result was very satisfactory,
as the advertiser showed a strong desire to uphold our
standards and secured the co-operation of the salesman pro-
moting the sale, also suggested the modification of the ad-
vertising copy furnished and copyrighted by the manufac-
turer. Although there was some criticism of the copy used,
the spirit of the advertiser is shown in the following para-
graphs of his letter to us:
"We have, therefore, tried to be very, very careful about
our copy, and the writer strictly censored every bit of copy
which has appeared, so far, and we again repeat, we are
surprised you have found anything to criticise.
"However, the writer will endeavor to use even more
precaution in editing the advertising from now on, than he
has in the past, and we trust you shall have no further
occasion to find fault with our publicity."
Case No. 81, Syracuse, N. Y.
An unusual advertisement asking for an offer on a piano
which "must be sold at once," was headed "Will You Give
$100?" The fact that it was not stated that the piano was
"used" was criticized, and the advertiser replied that "this
one little slip is the only thing they have succeeded in find-
ing on us in all these years." This advertiser is co-oper-
ating with the Better Business Bureau and is in hearty
sympathy with our work and aims.
Case No. 82, Pawhuska, Okla.
A report of a piano salesman who hoodwinked dealers
into allowing him a drawing account, and then went out
to represent himself as a tuner and collect money from
customers for unsatisfactory work, was taken up with
various dealers, with the object of preventing further decep-
tion.
Case No. 83, St. Paul, Minn.
Secretary Karl G. Neumeier of the St. Paul Truth-in-
Advertising Bureau reports as follows on the St. Paul
branch of a firm which has had considerable attention in
various cities:
"This Bureau had received several complaints concerning
the advertising of the above concern, particular comparative
prices, the 'Free' coupons worth $25.00, etc, 'Free' scarfs,
stools, etc. We went into the case very thoroughly, sent
buyers to get a piano, went out and called at residences of
former purchasers, talked to former employes and secured
verified statements. The whole subject was discussed at a
meeting of the Retail Sub-division of the Saint Paul Asso-
ciation, at which the manager of the above institution was
present.
"In view of the splendid results and co-operation obtained,
this Bureau does not feel it necessary to detail all of the
facts disclosed by its investigation.
"When a representative called upon the manager of the
Saint Paul branch with the facts in hand, he had a very
satisfactory talk and the manager agreed in writing to the
following conditions in his advertising:
"(1) When 'Thirty Days' Free Trial' is advertised, specify
whether it is for new or second hand instruments, and if
references are necessary, say so in the advertisement.
"(2) If second hand pianos are offered for sale, any one,
even competitors, are to get them at that price.
"(3) Eliminate all coupons whatsoever.
"(4) Eliminate all comparative prices.
"(5) Eliminate 'Free' scarfs, stools, rolls and benches."
Case No. 84, Rochester, N. Y.
An offender whose classified advertising has been com-
plained of several times, quoting ridiculously low prices on
well known pianos of established quality, is having the
attention of the Rochester Piano and Talking Machine
Dealers' Association. Appeals to this dealer to discontinue
undesirable practices have brought no response and it is
possible that other action may be necessary if he continues
the misrepresentation apparent in his advertising.
Case No. 85, Rochester, N. Y.
The continuous advertising of new pianos of a certain
make, at special sale prices, was complained of, and upon
inquiry it was stated that the agency was withdra-wn without
notice, leaving the dealer with a large stock on hand. A
counter claim that a competitor was using the name and
testimonials of this piano, because of its prestige in Roches-
ter, to sell another make of similar name, has been taken
THE BROOKS
Automatic Repeating Phonograph
Plays Any Kind of Record—Any Desired Number
of Times and Then Stops Automatically—
The Phonograph Sensation of the Age
View of Controlling Dial
DEALERS:
You cannot duplicate the value we offer for twice
the price. In size and appearance the "Brooks"
compares favorably with Instruments retailing for
$300.00 and up.
In tone qualities it is unexcelled by any talking
machine on earth! In mechanical equipment and
automatic features it is years in advance of its
nearest competitor. We have been building talking
machines for three years—last year our sales dou-
bled every four months. The BROOKS DEALER
has no competition. The machine creates interest
and discussion—it is self-advertising. Send for
particulars, terms, prices.
BROOKS MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Talking Machine Dmpt.
SAGINAW, MICH., U. S. A.
This dial sets, starts and stops
the machine. Will play anj- de-
sired number up to nine or con-
tinuous.
Simplest Machine to Operate
Instructions
Set the needle at the inner edge
of record cutting and then move
pointer to the figure designating the
number of times you wish record
played.
That is all. You can now forget
the machine. When the record has
been played as many times as set
for, the machine will stop auto-
matically with the tone arm sus-
pended in the air above record.
HEIGHT OF CABINET 50
INCHES
FURNISHED IN OAK OR
MAHOGANY
SPRING OR ELECTRIC MOTOR
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).