How To Profit From Sales

It's no secret that sales are a great way to increase profits. Two types of sales are discusses below.

A TAG SALE

One of the big stores in Boston has had considerable success in attracting trade during the dull weeks, by what they called a Tag Sale. This sale immediately followed a sale of another concern's bankrupt stock, which was closed out sooner than was expected. They had planned the bankrupt sale to last at least two weeks, but low prices and the well-known high quality of the stock caused it to be closed out in three days. They immediately telegraphed to fifty manufacturers to send them any small odd lots they had left over, on approval, the only stipulation being that the price must not be over one-half what the goods sold for at the first of the season.

The result was that they were soon in receipt of enough goods at very low prices to carry on the sale. The newspapers announced that they had bought all the over-production of the manufacturers who usually supplied them, at half-price. In the newspaper ads were printed photographic reproductions of several letters and telegrams to and from manufacturers. These had the effect of convincing the public of the genuineness of the sale. The goods were exactly the same grade and quality as the goods they usually carried, which in fact they were, and would be offered at one-half the price asked a month previous.

All the goods were displayed in the windows and store in as careful a manner as if it were the opening of a new season. The only noticeable difference being that all articles were marked with price tickets with the selling price and the "First of the Season Price”. These tickets were various sizes of manila shipping tags, the prices being painted in red on the lower part of the tag. On the upper part of the tag was printed in red ink the story of the sale, explaining that all the goods were similar in grade and quality to their regular stock, but owing to the over-production of over fifty manufacturers, with whom they did business every year, they were enabled to offer these goods at one-half price.

All the newspaper announcements were enclosed in rule in the shape of a shipping tag, and all large signs about the store and in the windows were cut from manila paper in facsimile of tags. The sale was entirely successful; in fact, business was so brisk for over a week that it was necessary to engage temporary clerks and delay the date for vacations. All manufacturers have lots at the end of the season which they are glad to dispose of at most any price and there is no reason why other concerns may not use the same idea to stimulate business in July and August. This gives them an opportunity of closing out their own odds and ends, which may be broken in sizes and colors, and makes it unnecessary to take a loss, as the goods they receive from the manufacturers are sold at the same percentage of profit.

A JAPANESE SALE

A novel and successful sale was held by J. N. Euwer's Sons, of Youngstown, O. This firm is noted for its elaborate store decorations on special occasions, but on this occasion they determined to excel all previous attempts in that line. Accordingly their decorator was given carte-blanche in the matter of decorations, with the result that the affair was a shining success. The entire scheme of decoration was in the Japanese style. All over the store were hung hundreds of Japanese lanterns of all colors, sizes and shapes. Then there were paper parasols, banners, strings of flags and cherry blossoms everywhere. In addition, about 500 tissue paper bells were used with good effect. The expense of these decorations was less than nothing as practically all of them were sold at a profit of from fifty to one hundred per cent long before the closing day of the sale.

Stationed at the door was a small Japanese boy who gave every one who entered a ticket announcing free tea and coffee at the "Geisha" as a specially decorated booth was called. This feature proved a great success. One of the leading wholesale grocers demonstrated a certain brand of coffee with such success that an average of 100 pounds a day was sold. A luncheon was served and sandwiches were sold at five and ten cents, as high as seventy loaves of bread being used in a single day. Of course all this helped to swell the profits. On the first day of the sale, chrysanthemums with ribbons attached were presented to visitors.

All show cards and price tickets were done in the Japanese style, but one of the most novel and pleasing features of the affair was the costuming of the saleswomen. These were all attired in kimonos and wore their hair dressed after the manner of Japanese maidens with chrysanthemums and miniature fans as ornaments. A hundred girls thus arrayed made a charming picture and one which was much admired by the public. The entire store was perfumed with Japanese incense. Another feature that helped to popularize the sale was the giving away of free photographs with purchases of a certain amount. Considered from every point of view, the affair was a great success. On the first day a tremendous crowd packed the store and each succeeding day the interest continued with little abatement.