Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-07-19
GIVING IT A SECOND TRIAL.
KAUFMANNS TO REPEAT THEIR FREE
DISTRIBUTION SCHEME.

A Unique but Very Expensive Way OF
Drawing Patronage-Thousands of Dol
lars to BE Returned to Patrons This
Week-Details of the Plan.
Tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock, Kauf-
manns, the enterprising clothiers, will
lnaugurate their second free distribution of
merchandise upon the same plan as adopted
last January, to be continued throughout
the entire week. 1t will be remembered
that they succeeded then, by very novel
and unique enterprise, in placing themselves
before the people of Pittsburg and Allie
gheny as being among the shrewdest and
most popular business men.
More than $4,000 worth of goods were
given away absolutely free within two
weeks time, and the people were led to
look upon the promoters of the scheme as
phllanthropists. 1t was hardly due to any
particular claims of philanthropy that the
plan became so popular or successful, for it
was adopted purely as business venture to
attract trade
For the same reasons the firm has
again decided upon this very expen-
slve mode of advertising for the pur-
pose OF getting rid of a large stock
OF spring and summer goods, that would
cost more for packing and insurance to
carry them over the winter than it will to
dispose of them in this manner 1t is an
honest enterprise. 1t is attractive yet busi-
ness-like. Its trial last winter proved that
hundreds, if not thousands, of people could
be drawn to this popular house, who might
not be induced to go through any other me-
dlum. Hence, there is sure to be big
crowd present at the start tomorrow morn
ing, and all will try to ''get there"
The plan adopted for operating the distri-
button Is very simple one. 1t is also fair to
all customers, for all have an equal chance to
become the recipients of their purchases
toners is sent to the cashiers desk
on the first floor by means of small
cash carriers through pneumatic tubes.
A clerk stands at the cashiers Window
with a clock in his hand, and at
the end of every five minutes during
the day he taps bell. The first carrier
that drops upon the cashiers desk after the
bell has been tapped is returned to the Gus
toner from whom it was received, and he or
she leaves the store the happy possessor of
whatever amount of goods selected No
matter whether the amount is so cents or
$50, everything goes free that is designated
by this unique system.
The rules adopted yesterday by the firm for
Lne government OF IQe Tree distribution are
much the same as those enforced in January.
They will insure the confidence of the
people in the fairness and impartiality of
the system. OF course, all cannot get
their purchases free. There must be thou
sands disappointed, as it will only be pos
sible for 108 people every day, or 156 on
to get their goods for nothing.
almost 81 900 worth of goods
will be given away daily in this manner.
The cashier, Mr.. Baum, as we'll as the clock
which will mark the completion of every
five minutes, will be constantly in full view
of the people, where every action can be
scrutinized The fact that en-
ployes in the house and wholesale pur-
chasers are debarred from participating in
the scheme adds to its practical value to the
public at large.
A representative of the firm said yester-
day that during the two weeks run of the
scheme in January 1892 people, whose
names and residences were published at the
lime, received their purchases free, and that
heir value aggregated S1O,O46 80. He felt
sure the same success will attend the enter
prise this time