Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1915-09-21
The Business End.

After many years observation In the
markets, one may be actually forced to
the conclusion that many growers and
shippers have not yet learned all that
pertains to the most important part Of
their business, the selling end. Farmers
are not always good business men, q fault,
or lack, for which they pay dearly.
The question of picking, packing and
shipping may easily become of the most
vital Importance. Indeed, it is of the most
vital consequence, yet in numerous in
stances it is either neglected or consider.
ed of so little value that it is indifferently
done and the unfortunate grower suffers
because of it.
Do not forget, in asserting and packing
all varieties of farm produce. that city
buyers purchase altogether by the eye.
They are seldom as critical in their palates
as country dwellers. If a product look,
well, and is neatly packed, they will buy.
City cookery is quite likely to be heavily
spiced, and flavor may be considerably
off, and they will scarcely notice it, but
blemish in the appearance is sufficien,
to cause the rejection of any product.
Hence care should be exercised in this
portion of the work.
But even though what is here said Is
absolutely true, that is no argument in
favor of Indifferent flavor. 1t is merely
the statement of fact, that poor flavor
may be overlooked; poor appearance
never.
Apparently, too, few city buyers are
impressed by large size. They prefer
all vegetables, including potatoes, OF
medium size, assuming that they obtain
more in buying measures full than they
do if the articles are of large size. And
this supposition appears to hold good
throughout the entire list. Large ar
icles frequently go begging for custom
ers, while medium-szed ones will sell
easily and at fair prices. OF course these
are the whims of city buyers, but those
of you who ship produce must depend
upon the city buyer for your market, and
should try, so far as possible, to please
him. If you do, you are reasonably
certain of quick market at fair prices
almost any time of year.
All city markets are more or less un'
certain. They are up one day and down
the next, fluctuations frequently running
wide. Supply and demand 60 long way
toward influencing this uncertain condi.
ton, but in the main, supply and demand
will bow in some degree to the carefully
assorted and properly packed produce.
A steady sale is nearly always possible,
though of course conditions become so
bad at times that even the best suffer
from the serious over supply.
The grower who expects to send his
products to some city market, should
study that market, otherwise be
will scarcely understand its require
ments and his business will suffer un-
necessarily. No two markets are alike.
Different products lead in the sales, de-
pending upon the dominant national
tiles in the community. Where Italians
are numerous, onions and other pungent
plants are most popular. Where the
Irish are, one may sell virtually all
varieties; and so on through the list.
Each one will buy most freely its own
likes and leave the others. If, however,
the grower studies his market, he will
be spared expensive mistakes and will
be able to dispose of greater portion Of
his produce at profitable prices. The
manufacturer who did not study his mar
ket would be deemed but poorly equipped
10 carry on his business, yet many grow
ers do this, and no one wonders.
Success may come now! 1t would be
positively assured il these precautions
were taken. Now is good time to 60
and learn, and then put your knowledge
into practice.-Burton II. Allbee in
Maine Farmer.