Vagabond Editorials

(Continued from Page 6) to say so, yet I am convinced thatthe National Retail Ilardware Association, Meyer-Kiser Building, Indianapolis, Indiana, would gladly send that folder, "Business Opportunities", to the lumber dealers who write and ask for it. It is worth any nominal sum they might ask, and any lumber dealer that reads it and doesn't get a "kick" out of it-one that will help his business-otrght to arrange for his own funeral and guit*ch:*?* the undertaker.

Too many of us, when we receive a business suggestion from an outsider, are inclined to say, "What do you know about this business? You've had no real experience in it?" Which is a silly question and a foolish viewpoint. Remember, when you are inclined to that attitude, that it was a school teacher who had never had any cotton experience who created the cotton gin; that an army officer became the father of photography; that the electric motor was developed by a book-binder; that the typewriter was developed by a farmer; that the pneumatic tire was the creation of a doctor; that the typesetting machine was the idea of a grocer. Outside opinions have re-made plenty of industries. Don't discard it, just because it comes from a nonlumberman rt has often been ,"ia trl"t:;" is not really made until the money for the goods is collected. Forbes Magazinc adds a good thought to that one. It says: "A sale is nevcr made until the customer is satisfied."

Many unpleasant things may happen to yorlr physical business assets and properties. Depressions may come. Trade may fall off. Collections may drop. Profits may disappear. Prospects may become gloomy. Inventories may depreciate. But there's one asset which, if you recognize it, and cling tightto it, and keep it in good working order and in plain view all the time, will keep your business riding high, and that is your own PLEASING PERSONALITY. Don't underestimate it. Don't overlook it.

It's the greatest'thing you have or can have in your business. It surpasses in continuous value all your other business possessions. Keep it polished and iq.good condition. "Let your light so shine, etc."

"FIow can price cutting be "tfp"af" asks a well-known American banking authority. And then he answers his own question as follows: "Onlyby casting out the craze for volume and the fear of not getting the volume. This means: (a) The scientific quoting of prices based on actual cost plus reasonable profits; (b) sticking to quotations; (c) going after only a reasonable proportion of the total business; (d) sticking as much ras possible to your own ec(F nomic territory; (e) getting business by sane and ethical methods and making sure of a legitimate profit on it."

Owen D. Young, one of the big men of America today, is quoted as saying that the way to get the most happiness and satisfaction out of life is "not to expect very much-" Then you are more likely to be pleased with what you get. Lowering your expectations will increase your average of satisfaction. Good philosophy. It is less wise to hitch your wagon to a star and start working star-wards, than it is to start your wagon in a good direction, work like the very devil to drive it along, and then view with surprise the ground you have covered. It's got star chasing beat to death for results and satisfaction. both.

Burnett-Carr Lumber Co. Sold J Progress Lumber Co. To Spaulding Lumber Co. Incorporated

Progress Lumber Company of Redwood City has been incorporated with a capitalization of $250,000. Paul M. P. Merner is president of the company.