Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1892-12-18

Much can bs said regarding the
manifold ways in which commercial
transactions meet with success. and
yet following the example prescribed
theoretically, i, might bring disaster
upon the imltator. Certain 1t 10 that
the primary requirement 10 q thorough
knowledge of every branch of business.
Success depends largely upon this &C.
complishment. A man should possess
the essential qualities of energy, pluck,
perseverance and the invincible At
tributes which lead to prosperous
career. A keen and nice perception Of
the requirement of trade, as fashion is
tickle dame. lucky 10 the sentinel
who anticipates her fancies and keeps
abreast with the MISREPRESENTATION,
appreciative, unyie.ding IN integrity,
loquaclous or taciturn, rs the occasion
demand, are necessary qualifications.
A reputation gained by selling reliable
goods at . moderate profit Is az i'm
portant factor that should not be lost
SIGHT OF. Ii 10 the safest foundation to
build upon and it enables the possessor
70 erect . superstruclure which will
| withstand disaster. This does not
necessarily require class of expensive
goods, nor q disposition to cater to pat
rons who demand only the richest and
newest fabrics, to the exclusion of
Others. The reputation for reliability
should be the guiding star of every
we'll minded business man. Imitators
are numerous, but commercial history
seldom, If ever. records an instance
where such methods proved to be
of lasting benefit. The art of adver.
Using plays an important part in times
when competition is fierce and close
Misleading statements nulIify the
value of advertising and only distribute
hurtfui influence. Pains should be
taken in the selection Of sales people.
Clerks who interest themselves in the
wants of their customers-are courte.
| Gus aud affsble-contribute much to
the success Of their employer. Loca-
ton is of primary importance, Is the
largest and best selected stocks fire.
quently fail to attract customers on
side streets and out Of the way places.
IF you want to catch fish, 60 where
the fish swim," 10 homely saying, but
it applies with equal force to mer-
chandizing. Attention to minor de-
tails brings merited reward. A notable
example of this fact 10 demonstrated in
the success Of A. T. Stewart. who be-
gan his mercantile career in New York
IN 1925. IN small store, which he
rented for $3.50 year. In 1862 his
mammoth retail store, corner Broad.
way and Tenth streets, WAS built at a
cost of 2,75O.OOO. His charities were
numerous and bountiful. He died in
1875. having amassed fortune of s40.-
O00. 900. II. B. Clafiin also began BUSH
ness IN small way and at his death
left q considerable fortune. John
wsnnamaker of Philadelphia, who
operates the largest retail store on this
continent. 10 another example of the
fact that merchants, like poets. are
born not made. Many there are who
look upon the results of their labor
with q satisfaction gained by strict
adherence to principle and which prin.
cipIe commands the confidence and adj.
miration of eli with whom they come
IN contact. The stability and pros
perIty Of our mercantile houses are tho
products OF the above briefly mentioned
virtues. This city can boast Of having
broadguage, liberal and progressive
mercantile population.
HENRY SPRING.