Page 45 - Past Chair Book-Pre 2020

First Annual Convention 49

M r. W. M. P a t t is o x : There seems to be a fear on the part
of members that the manufacturers will be averse to increasing
the discount because we will cut the prices. Would not it
strengthen our committee if they would go before the manufac­
turers with a resolution by which we bind ourselves to maintain
these list prices? (Applause).

P r e sid e n t S t r o n g : I had thought probably somebody
would offer such a resolution as that.
M r. S t r e i.i x g e r : There is one question that comes in
when we adopt that resolution saying we will stick to these
prices: would not it be well to say “we will not cut these prices?’’
Some of us sell to people we have to carry a long time, and would
not it suffice if we say—

M r. W. M. P a t t iso x : I say “Maintain that price.” If we
add to it, of course it is maintaining it.
M r. P r e n t is s : Your Committee tried all day long to get
a better proposition for the dealer, but found they could not, and
they got the best they could, and had it adopted.
The question is, if what your committee has done is unsatis­
factory to the Association, say so, and say what you want done,
and then we can go to them and tell them facts. It seems to
me we are in confusion. Some say we want fifteen per cent. Your
Committee has practically agreed to twelve and a half. Shall
we go through on it and see if we can get it on that, or say that
we have not handled it properly, and see if we can get fifteen?
Do you want it carried through, and see whether the manufac­
turers’ association will consent to give us this increase. It is
very little, to be sure, but we had to work hard to get that. We
wanted more.
I never allow a salesman to figure on how much money we
make on the cost, but on the selling price. The dealers tried to
have it done in Cincinnati, but we could not get them to assent
to it. We wanted fifteen per cent, and we were disappointed,
but 1 said half a loaf was better than none. Let us decide now.
if it be proper, as to whether we ought to get fifteen per cent, or
stand by what your Committee agreed to.