The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1905-01-21
MARKETING IN GERMANY
Goods Sold to the Trade by Various
Systems-Credit and Mercan-
tile Agencies.


All countries doing an export busi-
ness market their goods In this district.
There are no statistics within my reach
showing the extent of the trade, but the
principal importing countries are, In or
der, Great Britain, France, the United
States, Italy, Russia, etc.
Goods are sold by various systems,
the most predominant being by sales
men. Many foreign houses have estas-
lished agencies in the larger cities.
which look after the smaller places. A
large percentage of the orders are sent
by mail, but these are. with few excep-
lions, the outgrowth of previous per-
sonal representation to the trade by
travelling statesmen. Orders given sim
ply on the strength of correspondence
are just as few and far between here a.
they are in the United States.
The terms of credit vary as much as
the trades differ one from another.
Nearly all goods for immediate con-
sumption are traded for on strictly
cash basis; dry goods. textiles. machfn-
cry, and hardware are sold on 80 days
time, subject to a cash discount OF two
per cent. Then again, there are goods
sold on six months and even longer
time. All these refer to the wholesale
trade only. The retail business In this
district is conducted on most elastic
principles. Barring a few trades which
could not very well be conducted on any
other than a cash basis, there are few
stores, where after you are only family
known, it is not insisted on that you
have an account; and If you consent,
you have constant struggle to obtain
your bills or statements. With the ex-
ception of one or two owners of depart
ment stores, which send their state
ments monthly, there is hardly retail
storekeeper who collects his outstand-
ing bills in less than six months, and
quite number never present them be-
fore January 1, each year. How they
can exist on such terms is mystery
especially since the competition is SC
keen that there is little opportunity fol-
making up by big profits for lost inter
est.
There are number of credit or mer-
camille agencies similar to our Dun's
and Bradstreet's. There are also trade
associations on the same principle as
our boards Of trade established for the
protection of the separate trades. The
most influential and most important
credit agency, however, is an associa
ton called the Vereih Creditreform
This association is composed of the bes1
element of bankers, manufacturers
merchants and tradespeople in over 40.
cities in Germany, IT'S in Australian
gary, rs in the Netherlands, and with
branches in every large city of Europe
While these associations work entirely
| independent each in its own district
they exchange their experiences in I
systematic and honest way. The OBJ
| ject is to look after delinquent debtors
| to inquire carefully into the solidity O
business houses, and to give verbal O
written reports on their standing. Are
sponsible secretary is constantly II
charge of each Office. His pay depend
upon the amount of fees paid by til,
members. The associations issue card
of introduction for the use of travelling
statesmen which enable them to obtaiI
fairly correct reports on the trade the,
have to visit in any place, no matte
how remote from home.
All credit and mercantile agencies do
ing business in this district confine them
selves. to giving the rating of estab
lished business firms or companies
None of them makes it its business t
look up the records of private individu
/ w. BARDEL.