THE COUPON SYSTEM.

Auckland Star, Issue LXI, 5 December 1930, Page 6

THE COUPON SYSTEM.

The protest that Las been made to the Government against the issue in trading of coupons and certificates for prizes is impressive in volume and in quality. The deputation that waited on the Minister of Internal Affairs yesterday included, the Associated Chambers of Commerce, the New Zealand Employers' Federation, and several bodies representing the wholesale and retail trades. This means that an overwhelming; majority of business men and shopkeepers object to the system, and, indeed, the manifestations of it to which they call'attention have little or nothing to commend them. Giving coupons for prizes introduces an indeterminate factor between seller and buyer, involves both parties in extra and unproductive expenditure, and leads to undesirable competition in this form of inducement. It is a truism that no one gives away anything for nothing, but there are many buyers who do not realise that the prizes they receive for coupons are not really free gifts. Somebody has to pay for these things, and ultimately that somebody is the buyer. It was stated yesterday that no exception was taken to a trader giving coupons and redeeming them out of his own stock, but this is. not so satisfactory to either party as the custom of straight-out discount for cash or monthly payment. Then the customer knows exactly where he stands. There is a New Zealand precedent for legislative action in this matter, and the Minister of Internal Affairs has promised to extend the law.