Fairtrade Detectives.

Evening Star, Issue 7406, 29 December 1887, Page 2

Fairtrade Detectives.

The other day, says the ‘Philadelphia Times,’ two pretty yonng ladies, both daintily dressed, entered one of oar latge dry-goods establishments, took the elevator to the second floor and the fur department. Here a careful examination of costly fore resulted in the selection of a sealskin dolman. One of the ladles opened her purse. At that moment tho floor-walker stopped up. Ho was excited and spoke harshly. “Put that dolman away, Williams,” ne said; “and. you,” turning to the purchasers, “ leave this Store at once.” Astonished and terrified, they stared helplessly at the roan. “Come, get out, I tell you,” he continned, “or I’ll have yon ‘ bounced’, in short order.” The ladies were thought to be “pricers." A detective and several salesmen assisted in their removal to the street. That this was a case of mistaken identity became painfnlly apparent to the startled firm a few days later. Suit was brought, aqd 5,000d0l was required to settle, in order to keep the case out of the papers. It transpired that the ladies were the daughters of wealthy residents of the city. The incident serves to show to what lengths great firms go to detect these ■“ pricers.” This term “pricer” needs explanation. Sonic of the most successful houses in Philadelphia and New York keep a ■ small book entitled “ Purchasing account.” The pages qf this brass-bound little volnme are scanned only by members of the firm and by the confidential clerk, who has exclusive control of this interesting bit of trade policy. At the close of the season the amounts which “balance” ran nearly into six figures. These represent disbursements for purchasing, salaries, carriage-hire, luncheons, messenger service, :and incidentals, and show credits for goods purchased from rival houses, ranging from laces, gloves, hosiery, silks, and satins, to imported costumes, furs, mantles, art embroideries, bronzes, and other costly articles. Some of the names of ladies which appear on these pages opposite heavy purchases also appear .prominently in the social world. The competition between big booses is so keen that the only way each,can keep even with the other Is to employ professional people to go from one to the other and inquire prices and "compare, goods. For obvious, reasons the mission of these people .is secret, white! their appearance must be unexceptionable, tit would; not do for common-looking people to be baying SOOdol sacques, 4dol silks,: and lOdol velvets every fewjdays.- Beally fashionable and wealthy people are required for the delicate service, -and, strange as It may seem, are readily 'secured.. .