Page 361 - One Thousand Ways to Make $1000

merchants in their fight against chain competition. To stage the affair
successfully a large hall is needed. Display space is sold for a nominal
amount, five to ten dollars, to local merchants. The merchant puts in a display
of select merchandise and arranges with as many sources of supply as
possible for samples to be distributed from his booth. There is no limit to the
number of samples that one exhibitor may distribute. Thus the food shop may
pass out samples of breakfast food, coffee, etc. The druggist may sample such
items as toilet soaps, tooth paste, and medicines. The tobacconist may sample
cigarettes, smoking tobacco, etc. The confectioner may pass out samples of
gum and candies. These samples will be furnished in most cases without cost
to the local merchant by the manufacturer whose advertising budget carries a
provision for this kind of sampling. Some manufacturers will be glad to send
demonstrators to prepare foods, or to demonstrate their products, if invited.
To get out the crowd, a major attraction should be arranged. Door prizes are
usually given. These sample nights are quite popular, and it is an easy matter
to sell tickets at 25 cents each. In fact, a reasonable charge is desirable to hold
down the number of children attending. Arrangements should be made with a
paper house to furnish everyone who attends, a large paper bag with handles
to carry home the samples. Additional revenue may be raised by permitting
the exhibitors to sell the products they have on display, paying the
organization sponsoring the “Sample Night” a small percentage of their sales
in addition to the rental of the space.

ChristmasPuddingSale

I

T IS hard to beat a food sale as a means of raising money, especially if
arrangements can be made with a centrally located store to hold it there. A
hardware merchant in Eagle River, Wisconsin, gives one of the churches the
use of his store for one morning each year to hold a bake sale, a feature of
which is a baking demonstration in the store while the sale is in progress. An
electric range, for which the merchant is the local agent, is used for the
demonstration, and the church gets 10 per cent on all ranges which are sold as
a result of leads secured during the bake sale. Another charitable organization