HUN BUSINESS METHODS

Patea Mail, Volume XLVI, 24 August 1923, Page 2

HUN BUSINESS METHODS

The story is told that in the early days of settlement in Otago preference was always given to Scotchmen; in fact many people went so far as to say that unless one were a Scotchman it was very little use tendering for a contract. At one time tenders were invited for a very large contract, and as one Andrew Macphorsou was the lowest tenderer his tender was accepted. When the contract came to be signed, ‘ ‘Andrew Macphersou" turned out to be a wily Chinaman who had adopted the name to obtain the contract. The wily Hun has apparently taken a leaf out of the Chinaman's book, for quite recently a local business man obtained a circular from one “Walter Thomas,'' of Pforzheim, Germany, soliciting business. As the circular is in execrable English, the effort of the writer to pose as a Britisher domiciled in Germany is too transparent. The following is the circular verbatim et literatim:— Dear Sir, — As J know you are buying regularly great quantities of goods in our country, J allow to offer you my services of commissioner-agent for your esteemed house. * J am sure you know the advantages, which the above will procure you, beeing in ultramarine, separated from our country by a great distance. In the first place to have an agent in our country who knows profoundly the german market, allows to a house transoceanic to buy the goods directly from the manufacturers at prices very advantageous. This is indispensable for a business-house of the importance like, yours. , i At the same time to have in Germany a person interested to take care of the interests of your appreciated house, avoids often damages, which otherwise could overcome you. Also in this manner the commercial relations with all your purveyors can be dispatched without any conflict or difference to your full satisfaction. The consignments ensue prompter, because the commissioner-agent w r ho is near the manufacturers, reclaims insistently at every time the ordered goods. Por this reason the deliveries are regularly delivered within the desired time. 'The representative collects the goods from the different manufacturers and makes collective deliveries, sending them directly by the cheapest and most suitable way. But the greatest advantage which has a house, disposing of an able and expert agent, is the fact, that he looks out continuable for new articles, both considering novelties and the perfection of the samples. Also it is rccommendable to have a commissioner-agent under the point of view of payments which are to be effected to the purveyors by reasons easy u> understand. In view of all J exposed you before. J would be glad you would entrust me your representation and give me at least an essay-order. J am at your disposal for all informations you want to have and for references, J am at your disposal with several addresses. Hoping soon to hear from you and awaiting your reply, J am, Yours faithfully, WALTEE THOMAS.