Evening star., 1927-08-30
EVERYMAN'S CREDIT
By LEWIS SINCLAIR GRIGSBY
Assistant Secretary Associated Retail
Credit Men Of Washington.
No. 2-Applying for the Account.

In securing credit accommodation 1t
Is always necessary to file an applica-
ton. Ofttimes the applicant becomes
incensed at the lengthy array OF ques-
tions or the personal interrogation
But why not change places? Remem-
ber, you are perfect stranger to this
person or firm from whom you seek
merchandise which has been paid for
in cold cash. In securing information
to determine your responsibility, keep
in mind your attitude toward one not
known who asked to live in your new
house, use your piano or radio, or even
wear your clothes on promise to pay
later.
Just as it is necessary to file an
application for any major part in our
daily existence, it is imperative for the
credit manager to ask questions that
may be verified concerning your posi-
ton in the community. 1t Is your
golden opportunity to establish conf
dence with your creditor. Answer the
questions fully and in detail. Do not
be evasive or Indifferent. You have
no more right to expect the merchant
to part with merchandise than you
have for the banker to give you money
or bonds just because you stated that
payment would be forthcoming.
tenn has developed to point where
recognized mercantile agencies operate
for the sole purpose Of investigating
the responsibility of an applicant.
There is no occasion for resentment
when an investigation is established
if you have nothing to hide. The bona
tide applicant for accommodation is
eager to have the statements proven
by first hand information. Here, again,
place yourself in the credit Grantor's $
place. When one applies to you for a
position. do YOU accept at full face
value the statements made concern.
ing former employment? 1t is nat
ural to call the former employer and
ascertain for yourself that conditions
were exactly as represented.
Further than that, the up-to-date In
vestigation Of credit applicant often
develops discrepancies denoting In
stantly that some one is endeavoring
to buy fraudulently; that some one has
assumed your name. In fairness to
your banker or merchant, you GER
tainly have no part in assisting COM
mercial crook to defraud creditor by
the use of your name and reputation.
The acme of credit is the mainte-
nance of a clear credit record that
welcomes investigation at any time.
Prompt payment of outstanding ac-
counts when due sends forth a greater
message than all the personal refer.
ences and friendly expressions Of con-
fidence advanced by your friends. And
why not? When seeking anything on
a credit basis, do we ever refer to an
enemy. a merchant where an account
has gone past due, or a bank where
paper has gone to protest? AS ever,
it is human nature to put the best
foot foremost. If you have nothing
to conceal, you will readily appreciate
the necessity of taking a full credit
application in the credit Office and the
pursuance Of ADMINISTRATION by re-
sponsibile mercantile agency.
Again, if the mercantile agency in
the course Of it's rightful work de.
velops information that leads to the
declination Of the account by the firm,
do not consider that you are being
"blackmailed,~ as many persons call
this unfortunate condition. The mer.
camille agency has no personal interest
in your credit standing, other than to
maintain your credit record in an alb
solutely impartial and accurate man.
ner. Whether you have unlimited
credit or none at all, is all the same to
the investigating firm.
Further than that, cooperate with
the firm and assist in the resultant
investigation. Just because some one
walked in the Municipal Court Of this
city and entered suit against you is
not prirna facie evidence that you have
neglected an honest obligation. Take
heed of these various factors that may
reflect against perfect credit record.
The next time you apply for an ac-
count consider briefly that you are a
perfect stranger to your prospective
creditor. and remember that he or she
is entitled to sufficient information in
order to confirm the judgment as to
your responsibility.