New-York tribune., 1906-04-30
TRADE NETHODS.
The Other Side of al Comedy of
Commerce" By an Exporter.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir Answering "A Comedy in Commerce-How
Not 10 do Business In Foreign Countries" .(copied
from the United States governments Daily Con
sular and Trade Reports") | would say there are
always two sides 10. story and in justice TO
American manufacturers the other side should be
heard.
With regard 10 the high standing of the official of
the Kingdom of Bohemia who desired 10 purchase
one sample filing cabinet costing $780, and who was
importer dealer in such goods the same
cut no figure in the transaction he was un-
known and had not done business with the manu-
facturer from whom he desired make his pur-
chase. If he was in official government position
there less excuse for him than otherwise as
he should have known that the terms of sale for
American goods for export where stock orders are
placed. to say nothing of order for a single
sample, are cash with the order, and that prices
are based on said terms of payment. From sad
experience the American manufacturer has learned
that in nine out of ten where he has accented
and filled similar foreign orders the accounts are
still on his books waiting to be paid, and In the
majority or instances he has had to pay dear for
his experience. Under such conditions can YOU
wonder that he makes of his cash before mart
ing with his merchandise? With regard to the time
consumed in placing the order and securing the
goods. most OF il would have been saved if the
purchaser had placed his order through regular
channels Of trade or accompanied Il with cash in
payment for goods ordered. Referring to the
the same might have been saved had the purchaser
placed his order intelligently through any
sponsible commission house to be executed. He
should not blame the manufacturer for his own
carelessness or ignorance when the manufacturer
did the best he could for him, and. all things con
sidered. view of the order consisting of but one
sample article. the charges were reasonable.
Dissected. the invoice shows the following: Cost
of cabinet f. O. b Chicago $50 the price quoted by
the manufacturer. Had the purchaser the right to
q receive the benefit of he ash
when he paying cash for merchandise
ordered, did lac expect 10 purchase the one
sample cabinet lower price. because of his
facturer Importers purchasing The cabinets by
voice reads. Commission for collection 6oc
! cash The next item is Railway freight 10 New
The freight broker profted but which had 10 be
paid 10y tie broker as q favor to the purchaser
the railroad being unwilling TO deliver the cabinet
AFTER. he next item reads. Transfer tcartace)
from the depot to steamer, 81" At this point evil
1efu3 grave error was made by the freight
broker. as ne might have taken the containing
The CABINET on his back from the freight depot 10
tne steamer, mus saving the customer the dollar
charged Tor delivery 10y the truckman The next
! item Is to'"drciuE commission. 81 = 80 For pre-
pAslus ralfodd and steamer freEhts, carriage. the
! making out of documents. personal service rent.
clerk hire etc, the freight broker received The
/ ildEhnlceut sum al 81 % Possibly that
1 have shown elegant profit. and, IN view of the
! of1er be'g for sample. the customer NAV have
fNiectea tne manufacturer to stand the expense,
the freight broker. In view of the magnitude OF the
order aud the possibility of receiving future orders