The Washington herald., 1913-03-02
How to Open a Grocery Store;
Right Start Means Everything.
D. D r uAEcEI IN
By r. F. HAEGELIN.

in an hour than the one who does not know
the game could fill in half q day.
He should not buy too many items-that il.
be should not be too quick in stocking up
with lot Of new novelties and items that
may not move OF his shelves. Many
articles come on the market that are purely
speculative, items that the wholesaler knows
little more about how they are going to take
than does the retailer.
y Z
Keep Operating Expenses Down.
The beginner should be exceedingly care
full to keep his operating expenses down TO
the lowest possible minimum. I cannot lay
too much stress on this feature OF the busi-
ness High rent should be avoided. he should
have no more clerks at the start than he
absolutely needs. and the number Of his
horses and wagons for delivery purposes
should not be more than his business war
rants. He should get none Of these things
before he actually needs them. for they mako
a bad showing on the credit side Of the ledger
His fixtures should not cost him more than
hand fixtures are desirable II they are clean
and in good condition. The new merchant
can make some profitable trades in second
hand fixtures II he bides his time
The young man should ever be on the alert
in building UP his business He should not
overlook anything that will bring customer
into his store, and that customer. once en-
rolled, should not be permitted for any rea-
son to depart. He should meet fas trade per-
sonally and never overlook an opportunity
for getting acquainted. One customer, given
personal attention. begets additional custom
ers He should adopt liberal policy In ex-
changing goods and in replacing damaged
orders with new goods II he can possibly do
it, personal solicitation will prove one of
the best trade builders ever conceived.
X X
Questionable Accounts Costly.
His deliveries should he prompt and he
should make promises that he cannot
fuldH When housewife has ordered her
groceries and expects them at a certain hour
in order that she may begin the preparation
of meal she should not be disappointed. The
order should be at her back door at the time
il is promised
or course, the good customers OF any neigh
borhood. are hard to get The new merchant
vii. find that the " undessrables Of his
particular community will swarm in upon
him. but the right business methods will
bring the desirable ones.
In opening accounts he should use the ut
most care and vigilance in extending credit
to those who apply for it Nothing in the
world eats up profits faster than a book
filled with questionable accounts. His mer-
camille agency will prove invaluable in Civ
ing him line on his customers. and he
should avail himself Of every opportunity for
learning who is and who is not entitled to
take goods out Of his store without paying
cash for them.
Close personal application should be given
10 all transactions. The proprietor of a
retail grocery store cannot afford to take too
many chances. Like every other pursuit
that Of conducting a retail grocery store en-
tails exceedingly hard work on the part Of
the proprietor. He should work harder than
anybody else connected with his establish
ment for on his efforts the SUCCESS of the
enterprise depends
With the right location. the right goods.
the right class of trade and conse rvation Of
operating expenses the new merchant should
make a living, and good one.