Exercise 233
1. John R. Phillips, 32 New York Building, Seattle, Washington, owes you $470. Write him, saying that you need the money. Give a good reason. Make it a courteous, friendly letter.2. Mr. Phillips has not answered (1). Write him again, saying that if you do not get a remittance by ——, you will draw on him at sight.3. Your bank notifies you that your draft has been returned unpaid. Write Phillips, asking for an explanation. Say that unless you hear by ——, you will bring suit.4. Phillips writes an apologetic letter, giving illness as the reason for his non-payment. He says he was in the hospital and did not receive letters (1) and (2). He encloses fifty dollars and promises to pay at least half the balance next month, the full amount within sixty days. Write his letter.5. Accept this offer.
1. John R. Phillips, 32 New York Building, Seattle, Washington, owes you $470. Write him, saying that you need the money. Give a good reason. Make it a courteous, friendly letter.
2. Mr. Phillips has not answered (1). Write him again, saying that if you do not get a remittance by ——, you will draw on him at sight.
3. Your bank notifies you that your draft has been returned unpaid. Write Phillips, asking for an explanation. Say that unless you hear by ——, you will bring suit.
4. Phillips writes an apologetic letter, giving illness as the reason for his non-payment. He says he was in the hospital and did not receive letters (1) and (2). He encloses fifty dollars and promises to pay at least half the balance next month, the full amount within sixty days. Write his letter.
5. Accept this offer.
Exercise 234—Answering Complaints
1. A mail order house discovered that its files contained the names of 10,000 people who had once been customers but who had not bought anything for the last two or three years. Write a letter in the name of the manager frankly asking why the customer has stopped buying. Advertise the stock.2. One correspondent in reply demands a return of $16, which he had paid for a coat that was "not worth a cent." How would you reply to this letter so that the one making the complaint would send in an order? Write the letter.
1. A mail order house discovered that its files contained the names of 10,000 people who had once been customers but who had not bought anything for the last two or three years. Write a letter in the name of the manager frankly asking why the customer has stopped buying. Advertise the stock.
2. One correspondent in reply demands a return of $16, which he had paid for a coat that was "not worth a cent." How would you reply to this letter so that the one making the complaint would send in an order? Write the letter.
In connection with this exercise study the following letter:
Dear Sir:We wish to acknowledge your letter of April 16, in which you say that on April 14 you received a bill for five S & Q Railway bonds, which Mr. Wensley had sold you on the 11th at 100 and interest; that you sent us your check for the amount on the same day; and that on the 16th, two days afterward, you received a letter from us, offering a new block of these bonds at 99 and interest.This complication was brought about through a peculiar chain of circumstances, an explanation of which, we feel, is only just both to you and to us. When Mr. Wensley came to the office on Saturday, the 12th, he told us that he had your order for five of these bonds at 100¼ and interest. The market price was then 100 and interest, and we were very glad to give you the benefit of the more favorable price. At that time we had no intimationthat more of these bonds were coming on the market. Quite unexpectedly on Monday we received notice from our Boston office that they had in view a new block of the bonds. Even at that time we did not know definitely that we would get them. On Tuesday, again quite unexpectedly, we were instructed by our Boston office that the bonds had been secured and were to be offered immediately at 99 and interest. So suddenly did the entire transaction take place that we were unable to prepare a new circular, and on Tuesday night we merely sent out a letter, telling our customers that we had an additional block of these bonds. In fact, the new circular will not be ready until about noon of to-morrow.We realize that you should have been informed of the new price. The bonds, however, came on the market so quickly and in taking care of the details of the offering we were so busy that the matter, unfortunately, was overlooked. We are glad, therefore, to make adjustment of the price now by having our banking department send you our check for $50.It is unnecessary for us to say, we presume, that we regret this occurrence and to assure you that had we known of the new bonds on Saturday we would have advised you to hold off your purchase until the offering was ready. We feel that you know us and the policy of our house well enough to be sure that we would not willfully take advantage of you in this way. We trust that the arrangement that we have made satisfactorily straightens out the matter.Yours very truly,
We wish to acknowledge your letter of April 16, in which you say that on April 14 you received a bill for five S & Q Railway bonds, which Mr. Wensley had sold you on the 11th at 100 and interest; that you sent us your check for the amount on the same day; and that on the 16th, two days afterward, you received a letter from us, offering a new block of these bonds at 99 and interest.
This complication was brought about through a peculiar chain of circumstances, an explanation of which, we feel, is only just both to you and to us. When Mr. Wensley came to the office on Saturday, the 12th, he told us that he had your order for five of these bonds at 100¼ and interest. The market price was then 100 and interest, and we were very glad to give you the benefit of the more favorable price. At that time we had no intimationthat more of these bonds were coming on the market. Quite unexpectedly on Monday we received notice from our Boston office that they had in view a new block of the bonds. Even at that time we did not know definitely that we would get them. On Tuesday, again quite unexpectedly, we were instructed by our Boston office that the bonds had been secured and were to be offered immediately at 99 and interest. So suddenly did the entire transaction take place that we were unable to prepare a new circular, and on Tuesday night we merely sent out a letter, telling our customers that we had an additional block of these bonds. In fact, the new circular will not be ready until about noon of to-morrow.
We realize that you should have been informed of the new price. The bonds, however, came on the market so quickly and in taking care of the details of the offering we were so busy that the matter, unfortunately, was overlooked. We are glad, therefore, to make adjustment of the price now by having our banking department send you our check for $50.
It is unnecessary for us to say, we presume, that we regret this occurrence and to assure you that had we known of the new bonds on Saturday we would have advised you to hold off your purchase until the offering was ready. We feel that you know us and the policy of our house well enough to be sure that we would not willfully take advantage of you in this way. We trust that the arrangement that we have made satisfactorily straightens out the matter.
Yours very truly,
Exercise 235
1. What is the advantage of the policy shown in the following suggestion fromSystem?
The manager of a retail establishment says: "We never refuse to refund money. If a dissatisfied customer returns a purchase, before we ask what the trouble is we refund his money gladly. When he is free to walk out of the store with his money, we try to find the source of the trouble. Generally we can adjust the difficulty and make a sale."
The manager of a retail establishment says: "We never refuse to refund money. If a dissatisfied customer returns a purchase, before we ask what the trouble is we refund his money gladly. When he is free to walk out of the store with his money, we try to find the source of the trouble. Generally we can adjust the difficulty and make a sale."
2. State the advantage in the policy of a large clothing concern which follows the sale of every suit or overcoatwith a letter to the customer, asking him whether the purchase is proving satisfactory.
3. Write such a letter.
Exercise 236
1. Conrad H. Harwood of 122 Winter Street, Vandalia, Ill., writes to Wilson, Black & Co., manufacturers of shoes, 100 Second Street, Lynn, Mass., asking why they are not sending his order of —— (the goods ordered) of —— (date). He is losing sales because of the delay. If the goods are not received before ——, Harwood will cancel the order.2. Wilson, Black & Co. acknowledge the receipt of Harwood's letter and say that this is the first notice they have received of such an order. The first letter must have miscarried. They have shipped the goods. Be very courteous.
1. Conrad H. Harwood of 122 Winter Street, Vandalia, Ill., writes to Wilson, Black & Co., manufacturers of shoes, 100 Second Street, Lynn, Mass., asking why they are not sending his order of —— (the goods ordered) of —— (date). He is losing sales because of the delay. If the goods are not received before ——, Harwood will cancel the order.
2. Wilson, Black & Co. acknowledge the receipt of Harwood's letter and say that this is the first notice they have received of such an order. The first letter must have miscarried. They have shipped the goods. Be very courteous.
Exercise 237
1. C. F. Gardner, a merchant of 432 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma, Wash., has received notice from the C.M. & P.S.R.R. freight office that a box of goods has arrived from Messrs. Fiske & Jones, Detroit, Mich. Gardner ordered the goods a month ago. He writes Messrs. Fiske & Jones that he refuses to accept the goods because of the delay. He has bought elsewhere in the meantime.2. Fiske & Jones apologize for the delay and explain that it was due to the unreliability of one of their shipping clerks, who has since been discharged. They had known nothing of the matter until Gardner's letter of complaint arrived. They assure him that he will never suffer another such inconvenience.3. Fiske & Jones telegraph the C.M. & P.S.R.R. to return the goods at Fiske & Jones's expense. Write the telegram.
1. C. F. Gardner, a merchant of 432 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma, Wash., has received notice from the C.M. & P.S.R.R. freight office that a box of goods has arrived from Messrs. Fiske & Jones, Detroit, Mich. Gardner ordered the goods a month ago. He writes Messrs. Fiske & Jones that he refuses to accept the goods because of the delay. He has bought elsewhere in the meantime.
2. Fiske & Jones apologize for the delay and explain that it was due to the unreliability of one of their shipping clerks, who has since been discharged. They had known nothing of the matter until Gardner's letter of complaint arrived. They assure him that he will never suffer another such inconvenience.
3. Fiske & Jones telegraph the C.M. & P.S.R.R. to return the goods at Fiske & Jones's expense. Write the telegram.
Exercise 238—Letters of Application
A letter of application usually has three parts. In writing such a letter, first, tell where you saw the advertisement and apply for the position; second, tell your qualifications and give your references; third, end the letter appropriately, possibly asking for an interview.
This is a difficult kind of letter to write. Not only should it be neat in appearance and clearly written, but it should also be so carefully worded that it will show enough of the writer's individuality to distinguish it from a form. Be neither hesitant nor bold, but tell your qualifications in a simple, straightforward way.
Study the following letters. Are they convincing? Do they show the personality of the writers, or are they mere forms?
1
Gentlemen:Your advertisement in to-day's Record for a salesman who knows the tea and coffee business interests me. I should like you to consider my application for the position.Since my graduation from the Blank High School, four years ago, I have been employed as salesman for the Economy Wholesale Coffee Co., a firm doing business in this city and its outlying districts. During these four years I have gathered a wide knowledge of the principles of the buying and selling of coffees and teas and of the grades and blends of both, just the training, it seems to me, that you wish to secure.You may depend upon my taking an active interest in your business, because I have an intense desire to advance. I myself vouch for my honesty and earnestness, and Mr. Robert Brown of the firm mentioned above has assured me that he will supply you with any information that you may wish as to my character or ability. He endorses my desire to secure a broader opportunity.If the position that you have to offer is one in which there is a real future for an energetic, capable man, I should like to have an interview with you.Yours very respectfully,
Your advertisement in to-day's Record for a salesman who knows the tea and coffee business interests me. I should like you to consider my application for the position.
Since my graduation from the Blank High School, four years ago, I have been employed as salesman for the Economy Wholesale Coffee Co., a firm doing business in this city and its outlying districts. During these four years I have gathered a wide knowledge of the principles of the buying and selling of coffees and teas and of the grades and blends of both, just the training, it seems to me, that you wish to secure.
You may depend upon my taking an active interest in your business, because I have an intense desire to advance. I myself vouch for my honesty and earnestness, and Mr. Robert Brown of the firm mentioned above has assured me that he will supply you with any information that you may wish as to my character or ability. He endorses my desire to secure a broader opportunity.
If the position that you have to offer is one in which there is a real future for an energetic, capable man, I should like to have an interview with you.
Yours very respectfully,
2
Dear Sir:I am answering your advertisement in to-day's Record for a clerk because I wish to get started in the wholesale dry goods business, my idea being to work into the sales department. If the position that you advertise affords such an opportunity, I wish to apply for it.I have had a little experience in the retail dry goods business, having worked as clerk for Mr. Amos Jones of this city during the past two summers. What I have seen and learned of the business makes me feel that I have ability as a dry goods salesman. I shall be glad to work hard in a clerical position if only I get a chance to learn and to advance.I am eighteen years of age and have just graduated from the Blank High School, where I took the four-year commercial course. This, as you know, includes business arithmetic, bookkeeping, and some business practice. During the last two years I was business manager of the high school paper. This position gave me considerable experience in handling details rapidly and in soliciting advertising. It is this latter experience that makes me feel that I would have success in selling.I am confident that I can please you, and I should be grateful if you will grant me an interview. Mr. Amos Jones, 815 E. 47th St., will be glad to give you any information that you may wish as to my work, and if you desire I can furnish other references.Yours respectfully,
I am answering your advertisement in to-day's Record for a clerk because I wish to get started in the wholesale dry goods business, my idea being to work into the sales department. If the position that you advertise affords such an opportunity, I wish to apply for it.
I have had a little experience in the retail dry goods business, having worked as clerk for Mr. Amos Jones of this city during the past two summers. What I have seen and learned of the business makes me feel that I have ability as a dry goods salesman. I shall be glad to work hard in a clerical position if only I get a chance to learn and to advance.
I am eighteen years of age and have just graduated from the Blank High School, where I took the four-year commercial course. This, as you know, includes business arithmetic, bookkeeping, and some business practice. During the last two years I was business manager of the high school paper. This position gave me considerable experience in handling details rapidly and in soliciting advertising. It is this latter experience that makes me feel that I would have success in selling.
I am confident that I can please you, and I should be grateful if you will grant me an interview. Mr. Amos Jones, 815 E. 47th St., will be glad to give you any information that you may wish as to my work, and if you desire I can furnish other references.
Yours respectfully,
Exercise 239
Apply for the following positions:
1. OFFICE MAN—who can handle correspondence and general office work for growing North side manufacturing company. Good opportunity for the right man. State experience and salary expected. Address A. H. Stanton, 17 Elm St.2. MAIL ORDER MAN—up-to-date, experienced; must have ability and be capable of handling a large volume of correspondence; must also be a pusher and systematizer. In reply give references, age, and detailed experience. Address X. W. 291 News.3. AMBITIOUS YOUNG MEN—who are willing to start at the bottom to learn steel and iron business; must be high school or college graduates, or have equivalent education, and furnish exceptional references; very good opportunity for the future. Address A. F. 361 Times.4. BRIGHT YOUNG MAN—for office work in large manufacturing plant, Northwest side; must be neat, quick, and accurate at figures. State age, experience, and salary expected. Address J. F. Holtz & Co., 320 W. Exchange St.5. OFFICE CLERK—a girl who can write a plain, rapid, legible hand; desirable, permanent position, and excellent chance for advancement. Give age, experience, if any, and where formerly employed. Salary $6.00 to start. Address T. P. 514 Chronicle.6. HELP WANTED—salesman having established trade on rubber or leather footwear in Michigan, northern Indiana, northwest Ohio, or eastern Wisconsin. Good chance to become connected with live middle-western jobbing house. Give late experience. Address G724 Boot and Shoe Recorder, Boston, Mass.
1. OFFICE MAN—who can handle correspondence and general office work for growing North side manufacturing company. Good opportunity for the right man. State experience and salary expected. Address A. H. Stanton, 17 Elm St.
2. MAIL ORDER MAN—up-to-date, experienced; must have ability and be capable of handling a large volume of correspondence; must also be a pusher and systematizer. In reply give references, age, and detailed experience. Address X. W. 291 News.
3. AMBITIOUS YOUNG MEN—who are willing to start at the bottom to learn steel and iron business; must be high school or college graduates, or have equivalent education, and furnish exceptional references; very good opportunity for the future. Address A. F. 361 Times.
4. BRIGHT YOUNG MAN—for office work in large manufacturing plant, Northwest side; must be neat, quick, and accurate at figures. State age, experience, and salary expected. Address J. F. Holtz & Co., 320 W. Exchange St.
5. OFFICE CLERK—a girl who can write a plain, rapid, legible hand; desirable, permanent position, and excellent chance for advancement. Give age, experience, if any, and where formerly employed. Salary $6.00 to start. Address T. P. 514 Chronicle.
6. HELP WANTED—salesman having established trade on rubber or leather footwear in Michigan, northern Indiana, northwest Ohio, or eastern Wisconsin. Good chance to become connected with live middle-western jobbing house. Give late experience. Address G724 Boot and Shoe Recorder, Boston, Mass.
Exercise 240—Contract for Painting Iron Work
1. James W. Walker & Co., 325 Second St., Pittsburgh, are receiving bids for painting the iron work of the bridge to be constructed over the Cheesequake Creek at Morgan Station, New Brunswick, N. J. The Barnard Emerson Co., of Harrisburg, Pa., write saying they would like to figure on the work. They ask James W. Walker & Co; to send plans and specifications. Write the letter sent by the Barnard Emerson Co.2. James W. Walker & Co. reply that they are sending plans and specifications. They say that bids must be in by March 10. Write the letter.3. The Barnard Emerson Co. write that page two, line four, of the specifications for the bridge to be constructed (state in detail) reads "and paint all beams underneath two coats of dark green," and page four, line ten, reads "all upright beams above and underneath to be painted two coats of light green between shades three and four." They ask which is correct. Write the letter. Be exact.4. James W. Walker & Co. reply that page two, line four, is correct. Explain in detail.5. The Barnard Emerson Co. agree to do the work on (repeat exactly what bridge you mean) for three thousand dollars. They guarantee to finish the work by April 30, according to the specifications. They will forfeit fifty dollars for every day after that date until the bridge is finished. Write the proposal or bid.6. James W. Walker & Co. write, saying that they accept the bid above and that they enclose duplicate contracts, one of which they have signed and which the Barnard Emerson Co. is to keep. The other the Barnard Emerson Co. is to sign and return to James W. Walker & Co.
1. James W. Walker & Co., 325 Second St., Pittsburgh, are receiving bids for painting the iron work of the bridge to be constructed over the Cheesequake Creek at Morgan Station, New Brunswick, N. J. The Barnard Emerson Co., of Harrisburg, Pa., write saying they would like to figure on the work. They ask James W. Walker & Co; to send plans and specifications. Write the letter sent by the Barnard Emerson Co.
2. James W. Walker & Co. reply that they are sending plans and specifications. They say that bids must be in by March 10. Write the letter.
3. The Barnard Emerson Co. write that page two, line four, of the specifications for the bridge to be constructed (state in detail) reads "and paint all beams underneath two coats of dark green," and page four, line ten, reads "all upright beams above and underneath to be painted two coats of light green between shades three and four." They ask which is correct. Write the letter. Be exact.
4. James W. Walker & Co. reply that page two, line four, is correct. Explain in detail.
5. The Barnard Emerson Co. agree to do the work on (repeat exactly what bridge you mean) for three thousand dollars. They guarantee to finish the work by April 30, according to the specifications. They will forfeit fifty dollars for every day after that date until the bridge is finished. Write the proposal or bid.
6. James W. Walker & Co. write, saying that they accept the bid above and that they enclose duplicate contracts, one of which they have signed and which the Barnard Emerson Co. is to keep. The other the Barnard Emerson Co. is to sign and return to James W. Walker & Co.
Exercise 241—Contract for the Delivery of Property
1. The Arlington Coal Company, Old Colony Building, Chicago, Ill., write to the Red Rock Coal Company, Auburn, Ill., saying that they need several cars of egg coal per week throughout the year. They ask if the Red Rock Coal Co. wish to offer some on contract. If so, they must state how the coal is screened, and give their lowest price. Write the letter.2. The Red Rock Coal Co. reply that they will offer egg coal for shipment at the rate of two cars per week throughout the year, at $1.15 per net ton, cars f.o.b. mines. If a contract were drawn up for three or more cars per week, they would give the coal for $1.12½ per net ton. They say their egg is an excellent steam producing coal and gives general satisfaction. It is shipped from the Red Rock mine via the Chicago & Alton Railroad, freight rate being 82¢ per ton. Write the letter.3. The Arlington Coal Co. write that the Red Rock Coal Co. may send a one year contract drawn in triplicate for three cars of egg coal per week at $1.12½ per net ton, cars f.o.b. mines. Of course it is understood that the usual clauses regarding accidents or other unavoidable happenings on either side will be inserted. Write the letter.
1. The Arlington Coal Company, Old Colony Building, Chicago, Ill., write to the Red Rock Coal Company, Auburn, Ill., saying that they need several cars of egg coal per week throughout the year. They ask if the Red Rock Coal Co. wish to offer some on contract. If so, they must state how the coal is screened, and give their lowest price. Write the letter.
2. The Red Rock Coal Co. reply that they will offer egg coal for shipment at the rate of two cars per week throughout the year, at $1.15 per net ton, cars f.o.b. mines. If a contract were drawn up for three or more cars per week, they would give the coal for $1.12½ per net ton. They say their egg is an excellent steam producing coal and gives general satisfaction. It is shipped from the Red Rock mine via the Chicago & Alton Railroad, freight rate being 82¢ per ton. Write the letter.
3. The Arlington Coal Co. write that the Red Rock Coal Co. may send a one year contract drawn in triplicate for three cars of egg coal per week at $1.12½ per net ton, cars f.o.b. mines. Of course it is understood that the usual clauses regarding accidents or other unavoidable happenings on either side will be inserted. Write the letter.
Exercise 242—Contract for Construction
News Item.—Bids will be received until Dec. 12 by the Chairman of the Board of Public Works, North Bend, Washington, for the construction of a solid concrete bridge over the Snoqualmie River at North Bend; double arch, with one pier in the river; span of arch 92 feet; width of bridge 50 feet. Plans may be had by addressing the Chairman.
News Item.—Bids will be received until Dec. 12 by the Chairman of the Board of Public Works, North Bend, Washington, for the construction of a solid concrete bridge over the Snoqualmie River at North Bend; double arch, with one pier in the river; span of arch 92 feet; width of bridge 50 feet. Plans may be had by addressing the Chairman.
The McClaine Construction Co., of Spokane, Wash., send in a bid for $25,000, guaranteeing to use Atlas Portland cement, crushed rock for the coarse aggregate, and torpedo sand for the fine aggregate, the concrete to be reinforced with the Kahn system of reinforcement as set forth in the specifications. The company specify, further, that they shall be paid extra for excavation, on the scale of 25¢ a yard for earth, 75¢ a yard for loose rock and hard pan, and $1.00 a yard for solid rock. Write the letter that they send.
Exercise 243—Form Letters
It frequently happens in business that you receive a number of letters requiring practically the same answer. In such cases, the best plan is to have one letter that is as good a letter of its kind as you can write. Use that as an answer to all those to which it can be made to apply. You may have to add a bit of information or change a word here and there, but, practically, you are using the same form for all the letters. When you have mastered the form, the answering of letters of this class will be a simple matter. The letter accompanying a catalogue may easily be a form. (See the second letter inExercise 223.)
The danger, however, is that the use of form letters tends to make work mechanical. When letters are different, they must receive different replies. A form letter should never be used just because it is easy to use when it does not really apply.
Mandel Bros., Chicago, Ill., announce their annual sale of silk remnants. Make this a good advertisement that will reach several classes of customers. Have in it as one item white wash silk of heavy quality, 36 inches wide, at 47 cents a yard.
1. Make out a sales letter for the above.2. Several mail orders have been received in excess of the supply. Make out a form letter that could be sent when the money is returned. What is the advantage of a form letter in this case?
1. Make out a sales letter for the above.
2. Several mail orders have been received in excess of the supply. Make out a form letter that could be sent when the money is returned. What is the advantage of a form letter in this case?
Exercise 244—Circular and Follow-up Letters
There is a class of letters that usually originates in the advertising department of a firm. They are not sent out to answer inquiries, but to solicit new customers and to keep old ones. Such letters are printed in large numbers in imitation of typewriting, and the introduction and the salutation are afterward carefully filled in on the typewriter.The intention, of course, is to make the recipient feel that he has received a personal letter. Firms are generally careful to fill in the signature in pen and ink. These are calledcircularletters. (See the last letter inExercise 223.)
These letters are very important and each year more numerous. Frequently a series of them is written, each one expanding one argument in a series of arguments. If all the letters are read, one after the other, you have a complete list of reasons why you should buy the particular article which the letters advertise. These letters are sent out regularly, so that the effect of one may not quite wear off before the next arrives. It is frequently the case that not until the third or fourth letter is sent out does any reply come. Such letters should be definitely planned in order to present arguments that are true and attractive. They must be simply and clearly written. They are calledfollow-upletters.
The following series of follow-up letters was intended to be sent to women who keep no maids. The series was planned to contain five letters. Write two more, using different appeals from those in the letters here given.
1
Dear Madam:Do you remember the fairy tale of Little Two-Eyes?A fairy, out of pity for the child's hunger, spread a table before her each day as she was watching the goat in the field, and when her appetite was satisfied all the child had to say was, "Table clear yourself," and the dishes magically disappeared."This is a beautiful way to keep house," was Two-Eyes' verdict, and every woman, thinking of her own distaste of dirty dishes, will agree."How I hate dishwashing!" You have said it hundreds of times—after every meal, probably."I like to cook and bake," you declare. "They are really interesting. There is fun in trying new recipes—but the dishes!"You enjoy giving luncheon and dinner parties. It is a delightful way of meeting one's friends. Moreover, you are justlyproud of your skill in cooking, and you like to show your beautiful china. But what a damper it is on your spirit of good-fellowship, after the guests are gone, to have to spend an hour or more washing the dishes. Then you would like to say, with the child in the story, "Dishes wash yourselves!" Wouldn't you?Well, you may. For thirty days—ninety meals—we will put the Fairy Dishwasher in your home, without charging you a penny.The machine is simplicity itself. Wheel the cabinet into your dining room, alongside your serving table, and, as a course is finished, without rising from your place, stack the dishes into the washer. When you have finished the meal, wheel the cabinet into your kitchen, make the connection, and turn the switch. In a few minutes the dishes are washed and dried. Having friends in to dinner is fun when the Fairy washes the dishes.Let the Fairy do yours. Simply return this letter to us in the enclosed envelope, making sure that your name and address are correct, and we'll send you the Fairy. Use it three times a day for thirty days. Then if you think you can get along as well without the machine, all that you need to do is to send us a postal card, telling us so. We'll take back the Fairy and ask no questions.But send to-day.Yours very truly,
Do you remember the fairy tale of Little Two-Eyes?
A fairy, out of pity for the child's hunger, spread a table before her each day as she was watching the goat in the field, and when her appetite was satisfied all the child had to say was, "Table clear yourself," and the dishes magically disappeared.
"This is a beautiful way to keep house," was Two-Eyes' verdict, and every woman, thinking of her own distaste of dirty dishes, will agree.
"How I hate dishwashing!" You have said it hundreds of times—after every meal, probably.
"I like to cook and bake," you declare. "They are really interesting. There is fun in trying new recipes—but the dishes!"
You enjoy giving luncheon and dinner parties. It is a delightful way of meeting one's friends. Moreover, you are justlyproud of your skill in cooking, and you like to show your beautiful china. But what a damper it is on your spirit of good-fellowship, after the guests are gone, to have to spend an hour or more washing the dishes. Then you would like to say, with the child in the story, "Dishes wash yourselves!" Wouldn't you?
Well, you may. For thirty days—ninety meals—we will put the Fairy Dishwasher in your home, without charging you a penny.
The machine is simplicity itself. Wheel the cabinet into your dining room, alongside your serving table, and, as a course is finished, without rising from your place, stack the dishes into the washer. When you have finished the meal, wheel the cabinet into your kitchen, make the connection, and turn the switch. In a few minutes the dishes are washed and dried. Having friends in to dinner is fun when the Fairy washes the dishes.
Let the Fairy do yours. Simply return this letter to us in the enclosed envelope, making sure that your name and address are correct, and we'll send you the Fairy. Use it three times a day for thirty days. Then if you think you can get along as well without the machine, all that you need to do is to send us a postal card, telling us so. We'll take back the Fairy and ask no questions.
But send to-day.
Yours very truly,
2
Dear Madam:Did you ever envy another woman's smooth, white hands? You looked at hers, and then you looked at yours; you sighed and thought, "It's dishwashing."But what can you do? Haven't you tried everything to make dishwashing less drudgery? Haven't you tried patent soaps and tepid water, only to find that the dishes were not clean? Haven't you tried dish mops, scrapers, and rubber gloves, only to find that the mop and the scraper saved but one hand? As for rubber gloves, as likely as not, the first time you used them they were caught on the prong of a fork and were thereafter useless. Yes, you've tried everything; haven't you?No, you haven't. You have not tried the only sure help that there is. Stop your drudgery and let the Fairy wash your dishes.For thirty days—ninety trials—we will put the Fairy Dishwasher in your home, absolutely free of charge, guaranteed towash and sterilize your dishes in boiling water, without a touch of your hand.Do your manicuring while the Fairy does the dishes.Pay no money, but send the enclosed postal card to-day. It will bring the Fairy at once.Very truly yours,
Did you ever envy another woman's smooth, white hands? You looked at hers, and then you looked at yours; you sighed and thought, "It's dishwashing."
But what can you do? Haven't you tried everything to make dishwashing less drudgery? Haven't you tried patent soaps and tepid water, only to find that the dishes were not clean? Haven't you tried dish mops, scrapers, and rubber gloves, only to find that the mop and the scraper saved but one hand? As for rubber gloves, as likely as not, the first time you used them they were caught on the prong of a fork and were thereafter useless. Yes, you've tried everything; haven't you?
No, you haven't. You have not tried the only sure help that there is. Stop your drudgery and let the Fairy wash your dishes.
For thirty days—ninety trials—we will put the Fairy Dishwasher in your home, absolutely free of charge, guaranteed towash and sterilize your dishes in boiling water, without a touch of your hand.
Do your manicuring while the Fairy does the dishes.
Pay no money, but send the enclosed postal card to-day. It will bring the Fairy at once.
Very truly yours,
3
Dear Madam:An extra hour of leisure every day! What is it worth to you?Think what you could do if some one would give you an extra hour of leisure every day. There's the book you would like to read, the call you ought to make, the embroidery you wish you could finish. There are the thousand and one things that a housekeeper continually wishes she could do—but where can she get the time?And yet you waste at least an hour each day washing dishes when the Fairy Dishwasher will not only save you the time but rid you of a distasteful task. You pay 162/3cents a day for five months and the Fairy does your dishes every day; you buy yourself an extra hour every day,—you are an hour ahead every day for the rest of your life.Is it worth the price?Remember that we allow you to use the Fairy for thirty days—ninety meals—before you pay a penny. Then for five months you send us five dollars a month, and we guarantee that you will declare it the best twenty-five dollars that you ever spent.Send the enclosed postal card to-day. It will bring the Fairy and a booklet of full directions.Very truly yours,
An extra hour of leisure every day! What is it worth to you?
Think what you could do if some one would give you an extra hour of leisure every day. There's the book you would like to read, the call you ought to make, the embroidery you wish you could finish. There are the thousand and one things that a housekeeper continually wishes she could do—but where can she get the time?
And yet you waste at least an hour each day washing dishes when the Fairy Dishwasher will not only save you the time but rid you of a distasteful task. You pay 162/3cents a day for five months and the Fairy does your dishes every day; you buy yourself an extra hour every day,—you are an hour ahead every day for the rest of your life.
Is it worth the price?
Remember that we allow you to use the Fairy for thirty days—ninety meals—before you pay a penny. Then for five months you send us five dollars a month, and we guarantee that you will declare it the best twenty-five dollars that you ever spent.
Send the enclosed postal card to-day. It will bring the Fairy and a booklet of full directions.
Very truly yours,
Exercise 245
You have bought a big tract of land in Alabama. You wish to sell a part uncleared, to set out a part in pecan trees, and to devote a part to truck farms. Write three letters to the same man, making each one stronger than the one before. Keep in mind the five essentials of a good letter. (Seepage 230.)
1. Offer the uncleared land at a very low price. Offer as many inducements as you can, such as desirability of location,fertility of the soil, and comparison in price with other land in the same neighborhood.2. You received no response from (1). Try to sell the section in which you are planting pecan trees. What inducements could you offer that might reach a man who was not affected by (1)?3. You received no response from (1) or (2). Try to sell a truck farm. What inducements could you offer that might lead a man to buy a truck farm when he had no interest in either uncleared land or pecan trees?
1. Offer the uncleared land at a very low price. Offer as many inducements as you can, such as desirability of location,fertility of the soil, and comparison in price with other land in the same neighborhood.
2. You received no response from (1). Try to sell the section in which you are planting pecan trees. What inducements could you offer that might reach a man who was not affected by (1)?
3. You received no response from (1) or (2). Try to sell a truck farm. What inducements could you offer that might lead a man to buy a truck farm when he had no interest in either uncleared land or pecan trees?
Exercise 246
1. TheModern Magazineoffers a set of Mark Twain's complete works absolutely free if you subscribe for one year for theModern Magazineand theHousehold Magazineat the regular price of $2 for theModern Magazineand $1.50 for theHousehold Magazine. This offer expires —— (date). Write the letter.2. You have not responded. TheModern Magazinefeels that you could not have understood its offer. These are no cheap books. To prove this, the firm is willing to send you the books to allow you to examine them before you send any money. If you accept them, pay the express agent; if not, return the books at the expense of theModern Magazine. Remember that this offer expires —— (date).3. You have not responded. The magazine extends the time. Give a reason for the extension of the time.
1. TheModern Magazineoffers a set of Mark Twain's complete works absolutely free if you subscribe for one year for theModern Magazineand theHousehold Magazineat the regular price of $2 for theModern Magazineand $1.50 for theHousehold Magazine. This offer expires —— (date). Write the letter.
2. You have not responded. TheModern Magazinefeels that you could not have understood its offer. These are no cheap books. To prove this, the firm is willing to send you the books to allow you to examine them before you send any money. If you accept them, pay the express agent; if not, return the books at the expense of theModern Magazine. Remember that this offer expires —— (date).
3. You have not responded. The magazine extends the time. Give a reason for the extension of the time.
What criticism can you make on (3)?
Exercise 247
A druggist was obliged to move from his corner store four doors east on a side street. He decided to advertise by sending a series of follow-up letters embodying the following ideas:
1. Change of location because ——.2. Stick to your druggist because he holds the key to your health.3. What is the reason that my trade is staying with me? (Prizes for the best answer.)4. The reasons why trade stays with me—what my patrons say.5. The pure food question—why we must handle only fresh drugs.6. We are registered pharmacists—what this means to you.7. Why our sales expense is smaller now than formerly—how you profit.
1. Change of location because ——.
2. Stick to your druggist because he holds the key to your health.
3. What is the reason that my trade is staying with me? (Prizes for the best answer.)
4. The reasons why trade stays with me—what my patrons say.
5. The pure food question—why we must handle only fresh drugs.
6. We are registered pharmacists—what this means to you.
7. Why our sales expense is smaller now than formerly—how you profit.
Exercise 248
A furniture house selling goods on monthly payments decides to advertise by sending a series of follow-up letters, using the following reasons why you should buy, one in each letter:
1. Variety of stock; assurance that they can please, no matter what you wish. Amplify.2. Reliability of the firm.3. The small profit on which they run their business gives you an excellent opportunity of buying good values at low prices.4. Buying on the "easy payment" plan enables you to have the use of your furniture while you are still paying for it.
1. Variety of stock; assurance that they can please, no matter what you wish. Amplify.
2. Reliability of the firm.
3. The small profit on which they run their business gives you an excellent opportunity of buying good values at low prices.
4. Buying on the "easy payment" plan enables you to have the use of your furniture while you are still paying for it.
Why is (4) a poor argument?
Exercise 249
Write a series of letters to sell an electric washing machine, using the following items:
1. The machine is ball bearing; therefore very easy to work. You can sit down while you do your week's washing. The only work required is hanging the clothes out of doors.2. It saves laundry bills.3. Summary of (1) and (2). The investment required is not large. Special plans for payment.4. The machine is durable.5. Summary of the above. The following figures show that during the time that has elapsed since (1) was received the machine might have been paid for out of the money spent for laundry bills.
1. The machine is ball bearing; therefore very easy to work. You can sit down while you do your week's washing. The only work required is hanging the clothes out of doors.
2. It saves laundry bills.
3. Summary of (1) and (2). The investment required is not large. Special plans for payment.
4. The machine is durable.
5. Summary of the above. The following figures show that during the time that has elapsed since (1) was received the machine might have been paid for out of the money spent for laundry bills.
MANUFACTURE
Thefollowing chapters will furnish exercises in composition, both oral and written, based upon the various phases of business. They are intended to show the application of the principles underlying manufacturing, buying, and selling. Of course, we cannot expect to go into great detail in any one of the divisions. That must be reserved for future study, perhaps reserved until the time that you enter a particular business. We must remember that our first consideration is the study of English, the problem of clear-cut expression. Underlying clear-cut expression is clear-cut thinking. It cannot be repeated too often that without a definite thought there can be no definite wording of the thought. To say, "I know, but I don't know how to tell it," shows a lazy brain. Learn to exercise your thinking powers so that you can force them to stay upon a subject until you have thought it out carefully and can express it. All of the oral exercises in the following chapters require careful preparation. This does not mean that they should be written out before the recitation, but it does mean that they must be carefully thought out. The preparation need not take a particular form. The main thing is that you know exactly the points that you wish to make before you begin to speak. If the exercise calls for a paragraph, have clearly in mind the plan by which you expect to expand your thought. Perhaps you expect to begin with, or to lead up to, a topic sentence. Remember that this may be done in several ways. Choosewhichever plan seems best. If the exercise does not call for a particular form, such as a paragraph or a debate, you are left free to develop your thought in the way that you think fits your subject best and to the length which you think it demands.
There are many different kinds of businesses. We shall not attempt to consider any except the most common and fundamental. Some, like farming or mining, consist in bringing forth certain products from the ground. Such products are called raw materials, of which an example is wheat. Some raw materials are sold and used unchanged, but most of them go through the process of manufacture in order to be directly usable. The miller is an example of a manufacturer, because from wheat he makes flour. In this chapter we shall study the principles underlying manufacture.
The exercises do not by any means exhaust the subject. Each one is to be considered as a nucleus about which others are to be grouped. If you live in a manufacturing district, other subjects will easily suggest themselves. If you have studied Industrial History or Commercial Geography, you probably have in mind a number of topics for discussion. If you know but little about raw materials, read some of the books suggested in Exercise 257. At all events let your work be definite. Whatever statements you make be able to substantiate by an illustration of something that you have seen or heard or read.
Exercise 250—Manufacture
Almost all the things we eat, wear, and use every day are manufactured articles. Each one of them requires its own particular process in the making, involving the necessity in most cases of complex and expensive machinery, of expert workmen, and of still more expert management. Take, for example, the shoes we wear, in the manufacture of which an amazing number of complicated machines and of expertworkmen is necessary. According to the United States Department of Labor, men's rough shoes go through eighty-four distinct processes performed by skilled workmen and automatic machines. No less amazing is the amount of work turned out by these machines. It has been estimated that the McKay machine, which attaches the soles to the uppers, sews up in about one hour and a half one hundred pairs, an amount which it would take ninety-eight hours, or about eleven whole working days, to sew by hand.
Each manufacturing business has peculiarities, machinery, methods, and even a language of its own; sometimes men must spend years in the study of the technicalities of certain manufacturing businesses before they become expert in them. It is evident that we cannot take up any one of them here except in so far as the principles of one apply to all, and these can be set down only very briefly.
The first essential to successful manufacturing is correct buying. In fact, in some businesses this is so essential that the buyer gets a larger salary than the manager himself. We can see the reason for this when we consider that a good buyer must understand not only the materials that he buys, but also the manufacturing processes, so that, knowing the process through which the raw materials will go in his particular business, he will buy those materials that will make the most profitable manufactured articles.
The next essential, and in most cases the most important one from the manufacturing standpoint, is a management capable of producing the best product at the least cost. The managers decide what shall be produced and how; they hire the workmen and decide what each shall do; they decide what shall be done by hand and what by machinery; and they choose the machines. Sometimes they go even so far as to determine exactly the method in which each task shall be done, and whenever they see that it would be advantageous to install a machine, they do so. Pursuing this policy, aChicago yeast concern not long ago put in three machines for wrapping the small yeast cakes, eliminating the services of 140 girls and cutting the cost of wrapping to three-fifths of what it had been. In the steel business the early success of Andrew Carnegie and the famous Bill Jones was largely due to the fact that on several occasions they did not hesitate to break up half a million dollars' worth of machinery and replace it with newer and more efficient kinds.
The third essential to manufacturing success is aggressive marketing of the product. From the standpoint of money success this is probably the most important consideration; so important is it, in fact, that it will be more fully discussed in the chapter following.
Exercise 251—Manufactured Articles
Oral
1. Define the wordindustry. When is a business called an industry? (Consult an unabridged dictionary.)2.a.Name several raw materials.b.Name some industries whose business it is to produce raw materials.3. Name some companies or industries whose business it is, or whose principal function it is, to manufacture from raw materials.4. Name some companies or groups of companies that make articles more useful by transporting them to places where they are needed.5. Name some wholesale houses. In what does their business consist?6. Name several kinds of retail businesses. In what does their business consist?7. Name some companies that manufacture only one article.8. Name some companies that manufacture more than one article, but all of the same class. This is the largest group.9. Name some companies that manufacture several different kinds of articles.10. Name some companies which, in manufacturing one product, make a secondary or by-product.11. Name a number of by-products and what they are by-products of.
1. Define the wordindustry. When is a business called an industry? (Consult an unabridged dictionary.)
2.a.Name several raw materials.
b.Name some industries whose business it is to produce raw materials.
3. Name some companies or industries whose business it is, or whose principal function it is, to manufacture from raw materials.
4. Name some companies or groups of companies that make articles more useful by transporting them to places where they are needed.
5. Name some wholesale houses. In what does their business consist?
6. Name several kinds of retail businesses. In what does their business consist?
7. Name some companies that manufacture only one article.
8. Name some companies that manufacture more than one article, but all of the same class. This is the largest group.
9. Name some companies that manufacture several different kinds of articles.
10. Name some companies which, in manufacturing one product, make a secondary or by-product.
11. Name a number of by-products and what they are by-products of.
Oral or Written
In each of the following emphasize the labor involved, not the machinery used; prepare outlines:
1. Select any manufactured article that you have seen on a grocer's shelves, and trace it through (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) above, from the raw material until the product is in the housekeeper's hands. If possible make your information exact by visiting a factory in which the article is made. The information contained in advertisements of well-known articles may help you.2. Trace the labor that is necessary to put a loaf of bread on the table.3. Trace the changes that the mineral undergoes to be suitable for the making of edged tools, such as knives or axes.4. Trace the changes that cotton must undergo before it is suitable for wearing as a dress or a pair of stockings.5. Trace the changes that wool undergoes before it can be worn as a sweater or a winter coat.6. Trace the changes that the skins of animals undergo before they can be worn as a muff.7. Trace the changes that silk undergoes before it can be worn as a neck-tie.8. Trace the changes that hemp undergoes before it can be used as a rope.9. Trace the changes that hides undergo before they can be worn as shoes.10. Trace wood from the tree to a piece of fine furniture or to the case of a musical instrument.11. Trace the steps in the process of making maple sugar.12. Trace the steps in making a piece of glazed pottery.13. Trace clay to bricks.14. Trace flax to a tablecloth.15. Trace the steps necessary to make a five dollar gold piece.
1. Select any manufactured article that you have seen on a grocer's shelves, and trace it through (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) above, from the raw material until the product is in the housekeeper's hands. If possible make your information exact by visiting a factory in which the article is made. The information contained in advertisements of well-known articles may help you.
2. Trace the labor that is necessary to put a loaf of bread on the table.
3. Trace the changes that the mineral undergoes to be suitable for the making of edged tools, such as knives or axes.
4. Trace the changes that cotton must undergo before it is suitable for wearing as a dress or a pair of stockings.
5. Trace the changes that wool undergoes before it can be worn as a sweater or a winter coat.
6. Trace the changes that the skins of animals undergo before they can be worn as a muff.
7. Trace the changes that silk undergoes before it can be worn as a neck-tie.
8. Trace the changes that hemp undergoes before it can be used as a rope.
9. Trace the changes that hides undergo before they can be worn as shoes.
10. Trace wood from the tree to a piece of fine furniture or to the case of a musical instrument.
11. Trace the steps in the process of making maple sugar.
12. Trace the steps in making a piece of glazed pottery.
13. Trace clay to bricks.
14. Trace flax to a tablecloth.
15. Trace the steps necessary to make a five dollar gold piece.
Exercise 252
Subjects for Themes, Oral or Written
The following are suggestions for theme subjects on manufacture. Develop one or more as the teacher directs.
1. Household uses for asbestos.2. Making turpentine from wood.3. A convenient electrical device.4. The advantages of the fireless cooker.5. The advantages of concrete as a building material.6. The way to make a plaster cast.7. How iron castings are made.8. Artificial flowers from feathers, paper, or cloth.9. How a suction sweeper works.10. The safety match.11. The uses of wood pulp.12. Patent roofing.13. The manufacture of plate glass.14. Utilizing cotton seed.15. The advantages and the disadvantages of using baking powder.
Exercise 253
Suggestions for Debates
1. The average young man has a better chance to succeed in business than in a profession.2. A manufacturing business offers a better opportunity for a young man at the present time than a mercantile business.3. Manufacturing industries would suffer if immigration were restricted.4. The labor union should be abolished.5. The labor union has no right to restrict the number of apprentices.6. The profit-sharing plan produces greater efficiency in the working-force.
1. The average young man has a better chance to succeed in business than in a profession.
2. A manufacturing business offers a better opportunity for a young man at the present time than a mercantile business.
3. Manufacturing industries would suffer if immigration were restricted.
4. The labor union should be abolished.
5. The labor union has no right to restrict the number of apprentices.
6. The profit-sharing plan produces greater efficiency in the working-force.
Exercise 254
Imagine that you are Stanley M. Benner, 171 South St., Buffalo, N. Y., proprietor of a factory making men's shirts and collars.
1. Write an order to The American Printing Mill, 1038 Canal St., Passaic, N. J., for several bolts each of percale, madras, corded madras, and silk striped madras. Use catalogue numbers.2. Write another order to The Trescott Silk Mill, 976 River St., Paterson, N. J., for several bolts each of No. 62, No. 14, and No. 20 shirting silks, No. 62 being a striped silk and the others figured. Be definite in ordering the colors that you wish.3. You have received an order from Spencer & Mitchell, 1925 Pearl St., Albany, N. Y. Write a letter, thanking them for the order and explaining when and how the goods will be sent.4. You have received an order from William F. Atwood, 590 Jackson St., Wilmington, Del., for a certain style of collar on which there has been a run. Write a letter, explaining that it will take about three weeks to fill the orders that you now have for this collar and that you therefore cannot send Mr. Atwood's goods before the end of the month.5. The goods have arrived from The Trescott Silk Mill. You find, however, that two bolts of No. 14 are badly soiled. Write a letter, saying that you are returning the bolts and asking to have the matter adjusted.6. A. W. Trescott, President of The Trescott Silk Mill, replies, expressing regret that the goods were soiled and saying that two clean bolts of No. 14 are being sent at once. Write his letter.7. You have on hand about 50 gross men's striped madras collars, for which there is no longer a call. Write to Markham Bros., wholesale jobbers, 1765 Greenwich St., New York City, asking what price they will offer for the lot.8. Accept their offer of $1.50 a gross for the collars.9. A customer sends a cash order for goods at last year's prices, 10% below present prices. Write a politic reply.10. Owing to the mildness of the winter, you fear that you will not sell your stock of men's flannel shirts. Write a circular letter, offering the shirts in lots of 25 dozen each, assorted sizes and colors, at a 35% reduction in price. Address one letter to. Frederick H. Howard, a dealer at 775 Cedar St., Harrisburg, Pa.11. A teamsters' strike has delayed your shipments. You have received so many complaints of the non-arrival of goods that you decide to prepare a form letter that will answer all the complaints. Address one letter to William A. Spaulding, 2937 Waterman St., Providence, R. I.12. Miss Sarah MacComb has a small dry goods store in Norwich, Conn. She has owed you $125 for six months. You have been lenient with Miss MacComb because you know that she has had difficulty in meeting her bills. However, you feel that she should pay at least a part of her indebtedness to you. Write a courteous letter, longer and more persuasive than if it were to go to a man, demanding payment but retaining the customer's good will. This is a difficult letter to write. Prepare it carefully.
1. Write an order to The American Printing Mill, 1038 Canal St., Passaic, N. J., for several bolts each of percale, madras, corded madras, and silk striped madras. Use catalogue numbers.
2. Write another order to The Trescott Silk Mill, 976 River St., Paterson, N. J., for several bolts each of No. 62, No. 14, and No. 20 shirting silks, No. 62 being a striped silk and the others figured. Be definite in ordering the colors that you wish.
3. You have received an order from Spencer & Mitchell, 1925 Pearl St., Albany, N. Y. Write a letter, thanking them for the order and explaining when and how the goods will be sent.
4. You have received an order from William F. Atwood, 590 Jackson St., Wilmington, Del., for a certain style of collar on which there has been a run. Write a letter, explaining that it will take about three weeks to fill the orders that you now have for this collar and that you therefore cannot send Mr. Atwood's goods before the end of the month.
5. The goods have arrived from The Trescott Silk Mill. You find, however, that two bolts of No. 14 are badly soiled. Write a letter, saying that you are returning the bolts and asking to have the matter adjusted.
6. A. W. Trescott, President of The Trescott Silk Mill, replies, expressing regret that the goods were soiled and saying that two clean bolts of No. 14 are being sent at once. Write his letter.
7. You have on hand about 50 gross men's striped madras collars, for which there is no longer a call. Write to Markham Bros., wholesale jobbers, 1765 Greenwich St., New York City, asking what price they will offer for the lot.
8. Accept their offer of $1.50 a gross for the collars.
9. A customer sends a cash order for goods at last year's prices, 10% below present prices. Write a politic reply.
10. Owing to the mildness of the winter, you fear that you will not sell your stock of men's flannel shirts. Write a circular letter, offering the shirts in lots of 25 dozen each, assorted sizes and colors, at a 35% reduction in price. Address one letter to. Frederick H. Howard, a dealer at 775 Cedar St., Harrisburg, Pa.
11. A teamsters' strike has delayed your shipments. You have received so many complaints of the non-arrival of goods that you decide to prepare a form letter that will answer all the complaints. Address one letter to William A. Spaulding, 2937 Waterman St., Providence, R. I.
12. Miss Sarah MacComb has a small dry goods store in Norwich, Conn. She has owed you $125 for six months. You have been lenient with Miss MacComb because you know that she has had difficulty in meeting her bills. However, you feel that she should pay at least a part of her indebtedness to you. Write a courteous letter, longer and more persuasive than if it were to go to a man, demanding payment but retaining the customer's good will. This is a difficult letter to write. Prepare it carefully.
Exercise 255
1. You have been manager of the Forsyth Furniture Co., Grand Rapids, Mich. You have financial backing for $25,000 and are looking for a location for a factory of your own. Write the same letter to the Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce of Great Falls, Mont.; Memphis, Tenn.; Houston, Texas; Indianapolis, Ind. Ask the Secretary to tell you the prospects for such a factory in his city, and what inducements the city will offer you. (By writing to different cities, the teacher can obtain their booklets and their special offers to manufacturers.)2. Investigate the conditions in one of the cities mentioned above and reproduce the letter that the Secretary wrote.3. Of the four cities, Great Falls appeals to you as the best location for your factory. Write again, asking the Secretary especially about the water power facilities offered and the rates charged for electrical power.4. He replies that Great Falls has the most extensive power in the United States, the hydro-electric power being ready for delivery in any quantity at exceptionally low rates. He tells of the many factories that are already located in Great Falls because of its water power facilities.5. Great Falls is your choice. After your factory is built and your machinery installed, write to the Secretary of the Sand Point Lumber Co., Sand Point, Idaho, asking him to submit figures for a contract for supplying all your fir lumber. Tell him you think you will use about a million board feet a year.6. The Secretary replies, offering you a contract on the following terms: For all amounts under 250,000 feet a year, a rate of 12 cents a foot; under 500,000, 11 cents; over 500,000, 10 cents. All goods are to be billed at the highest rate and rebates made at the end of the year, terms of payment being 90 days, 5% for 30 days.7. Write to the Central American Supply Co., Tehuantepec, Mexico, ordering 50,000 feet No. 1 Mahogany Veneer. Have it charged to your account, which you have previously opened.8. Write to Gregory Bros., wholesale dry goods merchants, 12141 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, Minn., ordering 15 bolts No. 7 Green Denim; 10 bolts No. 09 Green Panne Velvet; 50 yds. No. 216 Tapestry; 50 yds. No. 16 Tapestry; 100 bolts Green and 100 bolts Brown No. 5 Guimpe. Instruct them to ship the goods at once and draw on you at sight through the First National Bank of Great Falls. (Seepage 344.)9. Write to the Excelsior Varnish Co., Merchants' National Bank Building, St. Paul, Minn., ordering articles such as varnish, stains, oils, enamels, and finishing wax.10. Write an order to a St. Louis firm for leather.11. Write an order to a Spokane firm for springs.12. Find out where a Great Falls merchant would buy oak and birch, and write an order for each.13. Write to the Hanover National Bank of New York City (because you happen to know the cashier of that bank), explaining that you are having a very decided increase in your business and that, in order to take care of the demand, you require a loan of $10,000. Explain further that the rates are too high in Great Falls for you to take a loan there. Say that you are enclosing a statement of your assets and liabilities.14. A dealer in Portland, Ore., writes, complaining that he has not yet received the goods that he ordered ten days ago. Write an appropriate reply.15. You receive an order, one item of which is 3 doz. oil mops, which you do not carry. Reply that you have referred the matter to —— a firm which you can recommend highly.
1. You have been manager of the Forsyth Furniture Co., Grand Rapids, Mich. You have financial backing for $25,000 and are looking for a location for a factory of your own. Write the same letter to the Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce of Great Falls, Mont.; Memphis, Tenn.; Houston, Texas; Indianapolis, Ind. Ask the Secretary to tell you the prospects for such a factory in his city, and what inducements the city will offer you. (By writing to different cities, the teacher can obtain their booklets and their special offers to manufacturers.)
2. Investigate the conditions in one of the cities mentioned above and reproduce the letter that the Secretary wrote.
3. Of the four cities, Great Falls appeals to you as the best location for your factory. Write again, asking the Secretary especially about the water power facilities offered and the rates charged for electrical power.
4. He replies that Great Falls has the most extensive power in the United States, the hydro-electric power being ready for delivery in any quantity at exceptionally low rates. He tells of the many factories that are already located in Great Falls because of its water power facilities.
5. Great Falls is your choice. After your factory is built and your machinery installed, write to the Secretary of the Sand Point Lumber Co., Sand Point, Idaho, asking him to submit figures for a contract for supplying all your fir lumber. Tell him you think you will use about a million board feet a year.
6. The Secretary replies, offering you a contract on the following terms: For all amounts under 250,000 feet a year, a rate of 12 cents a foot; under 500,000, 11 cents; over 500,000, 10 cents. All goods are to be billed at the highest rate and rebates made at the end of the year, terms of payment being 90 days, 5% for 30 days.
7. Write to the Central American Supply Co., Tehuantepec, Mexico, ordering 50,000 feet No. 1 Mahogany Veneer. Have it charged to your account, which you have previously opened.
8. Write to Gregory Bros., wholesale dry goods merchants, 12141 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, Minn., ordering 15 bolts No. 7 Green Denim; 10 bolts No. 09 Green Panne Velvet; 50 yds. No. 216 Tapestry; 50 yds. No. 16 Tapestry; 100 bolts Green and 100 bolts Brown No. 5 Guimpe. Instruct them to ship the goods at once and draw on you at sight through the First National Bank of Great Falls. (Seepage 344.)
9. Write to the Excelsior Varnish Co., Merchants' National Bank Building, St. Paul, Minn., ordering articles such as varnish, stains, oils, enamels, and finishing wax.
10. Write an order to a St. Louis firm for leather.
11. Write an order to a Spokane firm for springs.
12. Find out where a Great Falls merchant would buy oak and birch, and write an order for each.
13. Write to the Hanover National Bank of New York City (because you happen to know the cashier of that bank), explaining that you are having a very decided increase in your business and that, in order to take care of the demand, you require a loan of $10,000. Explain further that the rates are too high in Great Falls for you to take a loan there. Say that you are enclosing a statement of your assets and liabilities.
14. A dealer in Portland, Ore., writes, complaining that he has not yet received the goods that he ordered ten days ago. Write an appropriate reply.
15. You receive an order, one item of which is 3 doz. oil mops, which you do not carry. Reply that you have referred the matter to —— a firm which you can recommend highly.