The other day we accidentally backed our car into another which was parked at the curb. The parked automobile was an old “klunk” and the dent we put in its rear fender could have been straightened out for less than a dollar. Nevertheless, we found the owner and admitted our guilt. We offered to report the matter to our insurance company. This was done.
The next day the owner of the dented fender called us on the ’phone to find out if we had reported the case. We told him that we had and that he would hear from the insurance adjustor. Since that time he has been calling us on the ’phone every day. He had an estimate of $4.00 to roll out the dent we caused. At the same time, he said he could have the rest of his fenders fixed up for an additional $5.00, which expense he would, of course, stand. He admitted that one of his front fenders had been hit by a truck, nevertheless the one we had put a dent in was going to cost $4.00 to iron out. We suggested that he have the car painted while he was at it. Now we are hoping that the insurance adjustor will make him settle for a dollar. The next time it will be difficult to be fair in matters of this kind.
We think the aforementioned “pest” must be a first “cousin” to a manufacturer who “pulled one” on a machinery dealer we know. He asked the dealer to lay out a complete production set-up for a special manufacturing operation and to recommend the kind and type of machinery to install.
The dealer, an expert in this field, furnished the manufacturer with the necessary information. His recommendations meant some thousands of dollars in savings to this party. It was mutually understood that the dealer’s only compensation would be in the machinery he might be able to furnish for this job.
Well, after this service was rendered the manufacturer showed his acceptance of these recommendations by immediately starting to “shop” all over the counter try for machinery in question. The prices the dealer quoted on the machinery were fair. He was not trying to take advantage of the situation because of the engineering services he rendered.
Chiseling happens in all kinds of transactions and the existence of “sharp-shooters” of this caliber soon becomes known—but not by enough people. We think that this form of business ethics cannot be given too much publicity. It’s too bad we cannot mention names.
Speaking about the service to American industry of the dealer in used machinery, we have found during our sixteen years of contacting the personnel in this field that there are many who are giving technical advice as natural course in their business service procedure. Of course, the main idea is to sell machinery or equipment but a dealer in used industrial machinery is in unique position. He is not confined to one particular brand or make. His experience is with all types and makes. A certain type of Milling Machine may have advantages over other makes. In other cases, the situation may be reversed.
As machine after machine is dismantled for reconditioning the knowledge of the rebuilder is increased. The comparative merits of competing machines can be judged. It is this practical knowledge which goes to make experts in the machinery industry. Many buyers of machinery recognize this fact and have learned to depend a great deal upon the recommendation of the used machinery dealer; whether the case involves new or used equipment.
Beginning with the June we are inaugurating a new service—namely QUICKMAIL COUPON SYSTEM. The purpose of QUICKMAIL system is to facilitate getting quotations on the equipment advertised in SURPLUS RECORD. Further announcement of QUICKMAIL is contained in the following pages. We feel sure that it will be great help to the reader.
