There are, in the United States and Canada, hundreds of concerns who obtain their revenue almost exclusively by means of transacting business through the mails. In addition to these, many regular city retailers have of late opened departments for mail order trade.
The habit of purchasing by mail is rapidly assuming enormous proportions in this country, and the custom has been catered to, in such a manner, that the ranchman on the plains may wear a latest style metropolitan custom-made suit, while his daughters may equip herself a la Fifth Avenue—all by inspection of a catalogue, a postal money order and a letter.
Good Postal System.
These facilities have been brought about by the general march of improvement, and, perhaps, more particularly on account of the greatly improved postal system. Almost every intelligent person has had more or less experience in buying through the mails, but the object of this little book is to show how a small business can be profitably conducted for this purpose.
Start Right.
One of the most essential things to start with is an attractive article or line of goods. Shall it be in the nature of a staple or a novelty? The difficulty in handling staple goods in a small way is the lack of profit.
Staple Goods.
Staple goods are handled by retailers everywhere, and, people will not readily send away for that which they can procure at home. Of course, there is always more or less mail trade on specialties in the line of staples, such as Plymouth Rock Pants, Douglas’ Shoes, etc., but even then, manufacturers tell me that there is no profit in the mail orders, they are handled merely for the sake of augmenting regular trade by making the goods popular.
Perhaps I might make an exception in the staple list of watches, silverware and jewelry. These are good mail order sellers.