Music Trade Review
Issue: 1922 Vol. 75 N. 4 - Page 7
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE
JULY 22, 1922
REVIEW
A SERIES OF COLLECTION LETTERS FOR DEALERS' USE
Southern Music House Has Been Using the Letters Presented Herewith With Excellent Results in
Collecting Overdue Instalment Accounts—Can Be Adapted for Use Anywhere
The problem of making instalment collections
promptly and at a minimum of expense is, and
has been for some time past, of great impor-
tance to piano merchants, particularly in those
sections where there has been more or less in-
dustrial depression, with a consequent tendency
to hold on to money as long as possible.
Collection methods must, of course, vary ac-
cording to local conditions and to the class of
people with whom the dealer does business, but
nevertheless there are certain ideas that can be
included in many collection letters and which
may be expected to prove effective in one sec-
tion of the country or another.
The following series of six letters has been
used for some time past by a prominent Southern
music house, and while they are not so radical
as letters sent out by some other concerns, they
have proved very effective in the section of the
country where courtesy is appreciated. The let-
ters, sent out in rotation, are as follows:
Letter No. 1
The payment on your account is now
due. We find that many of our custom-
ers appreciate a reminder when their ac-
counts slip past the due date; so this is
a line to you.
You must not in any way construe it as
a dun, but simply sent in conformity with
our methods of bookkeeping.
Thanking you for a remittance, if you
have not already mailed it, we remain
Letter No 5.
The date of that promise in connection
with the above account has passed, and is
now classed with all things marked "gone."
Some unforeseen incident must have oc-
curred or you would have kept your word.
Let us have the amount T H I S DATE
so both of us can feel that EVERY-
T H I N G is as it should be, and no more
letters on our part required.
Letter No. 6
As we have not heard from you we are
compelled to believe that you prefer to let
our claim agent handle this account.
You certainly must realize that it will be
impossible for us to permit your account
to remain in this condition. Fair dealings
certainly require you to answer our letters
if you appreciate your duty in the matter
Of course, we realize that it is entirel}
possible that you have neither received noi
read our previous letters personally.
If you have anything to offer, looking
toward a discharge of this account, a let
ter from you on the subject, together with
a partial remittance to show your good
faith, will forestall any further action.
LABOR TROUBLES CHECK BUSINESS
Despite Industrial Disputes Certain Lines Show
Increased Activity, Says Dun's Review
Letter No. 2
We have received no reply to our letter
reminding you that you have not sent us
your check to cover payment due for
.
Payments should be made promptly on
due date without waiting for a notice from
us. We are sure you understand this and
want to keep your account up to date, as
agreed, and therefore trust that you will
send us the amount past due as soon as
you receive this letter.
Letter No. 3
Our two previous letters, both of recent
date, regarding your past-due account re-
main unanswered.
Will you not grant us the courtesy of an
answer, if it is inconvenient for you to send
us the amount just at this time, giving us a
valid reason why this obligation cannot be
met NOW, if you have one. If there is
none, kindly L E T US HAVE T H E
AMOUNT DUE.
Letter No. 4
We wish to call your attention to your
delinquency in the matter of payment on
the above account.
It is very hard for us to express to you
the exact feeling that we have in the mat-
ter of your failure to answer any of our
several letters regarding your past-due pay-
ment.
Our letters have certainly been cour-
teous and we feel that we have treated
you fairly in every way.
We are now asking you in all fairness to
write and frankly state the cause of this
delay. If your delinquency has been caused
by neglect kindly correct it by payment
of the amount which is past due, NOW,
TO-DAY.
Seasonal restraints on business are accentuated
by existing labor troubles. Activities have not
abated in all lines, but strikes have impeded the
revival in some industries and the general rate
of progress is slower. Congestion in transporta-
tion due to the railroad controversy is not wide-
spread, yet evidence of delayed merchandise
movements is not lacking and the difficulty of
obtaining fuel is intensified. With this condi-
tion the recovery in steel output, which had been
pronounced during recent months, has been
checked, some producers reporting reduced run-
ning schedules. Against the unsatisfactory phases
resulting from the industrial disputes, however,
there are the unmistakable signs of improvement
in various quarters, of a stronger sentiment than
prevailed early in the year and of a disposition
to operate ahead more confidently.
While the approach of mid-Summer brings a
natural slowing down in different channels, trans-
actions of magnitude have been absent, and the
rising trend of wholesale prices has continued.
Restrictions of supplies have been a factor in
strengthening the position of sellers in certain
primary markets, but offerings of some goods at
retail are still being made at concessions.
L P. COLLINS IN NEW HOME
Well-known Music Firm of Muskegon, Mich., in
Fine New Quarters in Own Building
MUSKEGON, MICH., July 17.—The firm of Law-
rence P. Collins, well-known musical instrument
dealer of this city, is now located in its attrac-
tive new quarters at 152 West Western avenue.
The building now occupied by the business was
recently purchased by the firm. It is two stories
in height and has been completely remodeled. A
feature of the establishment is a large display
window in which special attention has been given
to lighting arrangement. The interior has been
tastefully arranged and player-piano and record
demonstration booths have been installed.
The lines handled include Kimball pianos,
player-pianos and phonographs, the complete line
of Gulbransen pianos and player-pianos and a
large stock of music rolls and Okeh records.
"The first touch tells ,99
Every time a dealer
sells a
Christman
Studio Grand
he knows another
sale will be created
by it.
This has happened
time and time again
and is one of the
reasons w h y t h e
Christman agency
is recognized as one
of the most valuable
in the country.
Send for further
particulars about
territory. You will
find from experi-
ence that what we
say is true.
"The first touch tells"
(Registered
U. 8. Pat. Off.)
Christman Piano Co.
597 East 137th St., New York
IHIIIH
THE MUSIC TRADE
JULY 22, 1922
REVIEW
A SERIES OF COLLECTION LETTERS FOR DEALERS' USE
Southern Music House Has Been Using the Letters Presented Herewith With Excellent Results in
Collecting Overdue Instalment Accounts—Can Be Adapted for Use Anywhere
The problem of making instalment collections
promptly and at a minimum of expense is, and
has been for some time past, of great impor-
tance to piano merchants, particularly in those
sections where there has been more or less in-
dustrial depression, with a consequent tendency
to hold on to money as long as possible.
Collection methods must, of course, vary ac-
cording to local conditions and to the class of
people with whom the dealer does business, but
nevertheless there are certain ideas that can be
included in many collection letters and which
may be expected to prove effective in one sec-
tion of the country or another.
The following series of six letters has been
used for some time past by a prominent Southern
music house, and while they are not so radical
as letters sent out by some other concerns, they
have proved very effective in the section of the
country where courtesy is appreciated. The let-
ters, sent out in rotation, are as follows:
Letter No. 1
The payment on your account is now
due. We find that many of our custom-
ers appreciate a reminder when their ac-
counts slip past the due date; so this is
a line to you.
You must not in any way construe it as
a dun, but simply sent in conformity with
our methods of bookkeeping.
Thanking you for a remittance, if you
have not already mailed it, we remain
Letter No 5.
The date of that promise in connection
with the above account has passed, and is
now classed with all things marked "gone."
Some unforeseen incident must have oc-
curred or you would have kept your word.
Let us have the amount T H I S DATE
so both of us can feel that EVERY-
T H I N G is as it should be, and no more
letters on our part required.
Letter No. 6
As we have not heard from you we are
compelled to believe that you prefer to let
our claim agent handle this account.
You certainly must realize that it will be
impossible for us to permit your account
to remain in this condition. Fair dealings
certainly require you to answer our letters
if you appreciate your duty in the matter
Of course, we realize that it is entirel}
possible that you have neither received noi
read our previous letters personally.
If you have anything to offer, looking
toward a discharge of this account, a let
ter from you on the subject, together with
a partial remittance to show your good
faith, will forestall any further action.
LABOR TROUBLES CHECK BUSINESS
Despite Industrial Disputes Certain Lines Show
Increased Activity, Says Dun's Review
Letter No. 2
We have received no reply to our letter
reminding you that you have not sent us
your check to cover payment due for
.
Payments should be made promptly on
due date without waiting for a notice from
us. We are sure you understand this and
want to keep your account up to date, as
agreed, and therefore trust that you will
send us the amount past due as soon as
you receive this letter.
Letter No. 3
Our two previous letters, both of recent
date, regarding your past-due account re-
main unanswered.
Will you not grant us the courtesy of an
answer, if it is inconvenient for you to send
us the amount just at this time, giving us a
valid reason why this obligation cannot be
met NOW, if you have one. If there is
none, kindly L E T US HAVE T H E
AMOUNT DUE.
Letter No. 4
We wish to call your attention to your
delinquency in the matter of payment on
the above account.
It is very hard for us to express to you
the exact feeling that we have in the mat-
ter of your failure to answer any of our
several letters regarding your past-due pay-
ment.
Our letters have certainly been cour-
teous and we feel that we have treated
you fairly in every way.
We are now asking you in all fairness to
write and frankly state the cause of this
delay. If your delinquency has been caused
by neglect kindly correct it by payment
of the amount which is past due, NOW,
TO-DAY.
Seasonal restraints on business are accentuated
by existing labor troubles. Activities have not
abated in all lines, but strikes have impeded the
revival in some industries and the general rate
of progress is slower. Congestion in transporta-
tion due to the railroad controversy is not wide-
spread, yet evidence of delayed merchandise
movements is not lacking and the difficulty of
obtaining fuel is intensified. With this condi-
tion the recovery in steel output, which had been
pronounced during recent months, has been
checked, some producers reporting reduced run-
ning schedules. Against the unsatisfactory phases
resulting from the industrial disputes, however,
there are the unmistakable signs of improvement
in various quarters, of a stronger sentiment than
prevailed early in the year and of a disposition
to operate ahead more confidently.
While the approach of mid-Summer brings a
natural slowing down in different channels, trans-
actions of magnitude have been absent, and the
rising trend of wholesale prices has continued.
Restrictions of supplies have been a factor in
strengthening the position of sellers in certain
primary markets, but offerings of some goods at
retail are still being made at concessions.
L P. COLLINS IN NEW HOME
Well-known Music Firm of Muskegon, Mich., in
Fine New Quarters in Own Building
MUSKEGON, MICH., July 17.—The firm of Law-
rence P. Collins, well-known musical instrument
dealer of this city, is now located in its attrac-
tive new quarters at 152 West Western avenue.
The building now occupied by the business was
recently purchased by the firm. It is two stories
in height and has been completely remodeled. A
feature of the establishment is a large display
window in which special attention has been given
to lighting arrangement. The interior has been
tastefully arranged and player-piano and record
demonstration booths have been installed.
The lines handled include Kimball pianos,
player-pianos and phonographs, the complete line
of Gulbransen pianos and player-pianos and a
large stock of music rolls and Okeh records.
"The first touch tells ,99
Every time a dealer
sells a
Christman
Studio Grand
he knows another
sale will be created
by it.
This has happened
time and time again
and is one of the
reasons w h y t h e
Christman agency
is recognized as one
of the most valuable
in the country.
Send for further
particulars about
territory. You will
find from experi-
ence that what we
say is true.
"The first touch tells"
(Registered
U. 8. Pat. Off.)
Christman Piano Co.
597 East 137th St., New York
IHIIIH
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