Consular Reports Volume 176-179; Commerce, Manufactures, Etc (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895 Excerpt: ...generally fail to accomplish anything. Besides, even if an agent has established business connections, he will have to repeat his visits at regular intervals if he wants to keep his trade. American manufacturers and exporters would do well to follow the example of the business men in Germany and Switzerland, who have their young men specially trained for service in foreign countries. Circulars, catalogues, etc., are but poor substitutes for a live, intelligent man. The American consuls receive many circulars for distribution, and are generally willing to place them into proper hands, but they rarely lead to any substantial results, partly because they are generally printed in the English language, and partly because they fail to give the information the business men here desire. If they are to be of any benefit at all, they must be printed in either German or French, contain a clear description of the goods offered, and give the lowest price of the goods delivered in Switzerland or at one of the nearest seaports on three months' time, or at a reasonable discount for cash. The attempt of American dealers to force their home methods and terms upon business men in foreign countries is always likely to result in failure. Another, and perhaps the most promising way for American manufacturers to start a trade in Switzerland, is to send such of their goods as are likely to find a sale here, or at least samples of them, to responsible firms on consignment. That is the method by which German and Swiss manufacturers have established their large trade in all parts of the world, but American business men do not generally seem inclined to adopt this course. At least, an attempt lately made in this direction by a responsible Swiss firm, which, with the object of extendin...