The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-06-16

Afterward, Bart was to wonder at the ease with which he bor- rowed $500 on each of his three insurance policies. Considering the anxiety, the worry and difti- culty of trying to make even the interest on the loans, it was aston ishing. But then, he had never done business on credit basis be- fore. He disapproved of it, and abhorred all angles to the dismal system.
 wen send your shipment right up, MT. Whitaker you can safely advertise for Saturday specials. l, Our trucks will be here early Fri- day morning, and we're happy to have you in charge of our terri tory"
 Thus was Bart introduced to the credit system. And on paper, fig uring even half the sales that his electrical shop averaged, he could mt lose. Nor could he escape gaining definitely. He'd make easily as much as his present deficits amount ed to. It was warm, 8 comforting thought.
 The merchandise, when 1t ar- rived, was even better than worth the big, full page ad he ran in the Linwood Clarion, Thursday, Friday and Saturday announcing the new Moderneze Washer, and Moderneze Radio at unheard of bargain prices. Come in and see them"
 They came in droves and hordes. They came, saw, and bought. And Bart's excitement rose to trembling heights, as he sent in contract after contract for approval at the home office. It was difficult to believe so many people hadn't washers, radios, f1at-irons, food d-mixers, coasters and ironers. It just proved how New England people appreciated quality mer- chandise.
 The little stack of budget books dwindled, and the stock of mer- chandise had to be replenished often. By the end of July, Bart cut his Clarion ad down to half a page, and only two insertions a week. By that time, the advertis- | ing manager was his earnest friend, advising him on how to save money. Because to date, the Clarion had received no money for any of the advertisements.
 They're selling like gold-bricks, Whitaker; cut your expenses now and let the thing ride on its own steam. There's no sense going into debt over your head, so long as they keep coming for the stuff."
 If all my sales weren't on time payment plan, I'd be so far ahead on this venture right now, I could take a month of and celebrate my good fortune" Bart explained.
 "Takes time to expand, Whitta- ker; don't let it get you down. Everybody buys on budget plan now. The cash customers aren't buying any more. They're hang ing right onto their money until this blows over. It's up to the credit group, now"
 T suppose So." Bart" Iris said that night, If we're to have vacation, or semi-honeymoon this year, it will have to be this month before the dean gets back. After that, there1l be no time off for any of us"
 T can't leave right now, Iris; this new agency is keeping us on the jump."
 If you hired another man, wouldn't you make more sales?"
 we can't afford any more ex- pense on the labor budget, Iris. We took on one man, beginning this expansion, and it means less money for me-"
 You're funny, Bart. You're sell- ing washers and radios and cleo tric appliances like bargain basement raid, yet you talk as if you were heading straight for the poorhouse."
 If it was cash business, honey, we'd be riding the crest of the wave. It's all credit. So much down, so much deek." Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. For minute or so, she studied the tips of her extravagant little lat tice mules of red kid. Then she sighed.
 "If they pay every week, and others keep buying, I don't see why you aren't all right, Bart" Look, honey, business is com- plicated finance The down pay ment on a radio or washer, doesn't cover the amount I had to borrow at the bank to stock the merchan- disc, if you divide the entire sum by the items I hold. And the pay ments are not enough to cover my end of the restocking, as the goods are sold. You see, dear, credit business is pretty much a big headache"
 But you're making money, Bart. You are. And even if it is hard work, that's all the more reason why you ought to take few weeks of and have vaca- tion."
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