Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1914-06-12
PLAN HAS MERIT

more than b,OUO growers is regarded
by the commercial world as surpris
ingly remarkable achievement.
"Contrary to the almost universe
experience Of other newly formed or
ganizations attempting anything like
a similar scope of work, we will this
our second year, enjoy greatly in
creased membership and will return
to the markets with vastly larger
percentage of the tonnage produced
within our territory than we controll
ed during our first, organization
year."
Quantities of Fruit Shipped.
A veritabe mixture of fruit was
contained in the first carload shipped
by the distributors, which left Free
water, Oregon, by express July s.
1913. 1t included cherries, dewber-
ries, apricots and peaches. Subse-
quent daily shipments mounted up to
SO cars. In all, the distributors ship
ped 1868 cars of fruit and 1125 cars
of potatoes, or total of 5083 cars
during the season.
Of course, to move this great crop
was herculean task financially, and
the distributors, being nonprofit, CO.
operative organization, had no capital
stock nor tangible security on which
to borrow the necessary funds-noth-
ing except the personality of the men
behind the movement, but that proved
to be amply sufficient and there was
made available to the growers total
of $551 900, in part through bank
loans arranged for by distributors and
the subcentral organizations, and in
part from reserve funds of the district
associations. Over 100000 more was
offered by Spokane banks which the
distributors had no occasion to use.
Undoubtedly, the marketing policy
of the distributors in a large measure
is responsible for its phenomenal SELL
ing success at the very outset of its
career. Two features of this policy
stand out prominently. A moderate
price for fruit was established at the
opening of the season, the price grad
ually increasing as conditions war
ranted. This encouraged fruit dealers
to buy throughout the season without
fear of declining markets. Moreover,
the distributors worked toward an
f. b. basis in selling, and of the to-
tai shipments, 1884 cars or 83 per cent
were delivered on an f. o. b. basis, "a
per cent having been ordered on that
basis. In sharp contrast to this con-
dition was that existing prior to 1913,
when, it has been estimated, 70 per
cent of the fruit of the northwest was
shipped on consignment.
Another important factor was the
standardization of the grade and pack
of the fruit, as introduced by the
distributors. AS a result, uniform
price for given grade and variety
was obtained throughout the several
producing districts.
And to this benefit the distributors
added still another. Never before had
the growers of dependable informa-
ton about prevailing prices at their
command.
From the distributors sales mana
gers, district statesmen and exclusive
sales agents in all parts of the United
States and Canada regular reports
were received, and these in turn were
furnished to the subcentral organiza-
tions as desired. During the season
q, 500 kilograms were received or sent
through the head office.
The distributors had its fingers on
the market pulse of the North Amer
lean continent at all times. and so
could respond to the advantage of the
growers instantly.
Wide Distribution Secured.
When the rush of the years work
was over and the distributors had time
to review just what had been accom-
plished, it was found that distribution
had been made to 243 cities III 30
states in this country, 33 cities in six
Canadian provinces and 16 cities in 10
European nations, and to every con-
tinent in the world except Asia.
Last year, although it was hurriedly
precipitated into existence when fruit
shipping was almost ready to begin,
the distributors, besides opening sew
eral branch sales offices on a salary
basis, established 76 exclusive agency
connections in North America. This
year there will be II branch offices
with salaried men in charge at Port
land, Chicago, Minneapolis, Omaha,
Butte, New York, Calgary British
Columbia), Regina (Saskatchewan),
London (England) and Hamburg Ger :
many, and later in California and '
Texas, and there will be over 100 ex-
elusive agency connections. |
The Portland Office will be opened
within the near future to facilitate the
of the fruit of western and
southern Oregon, as well as to assist a
in providing ant outlet for all of the a
of the northwest. Wilmer Q
Sieg, the distributors sales manager \
lt Hood River, will be in charge. I
This year for the first time the v
growers of the northwest will have "
he world for a market under their h
'wn control, operating through their c
'wn hired men. The scheme of ade-
Iuate distribution is being worked out
m n mammofh SCALA ond iS ,,rnaaa1 |