| |
By E. H. GREEN
ELLING a collection of raw furs properly, is at present a serious (or juggling) proposition. One man ships to the highest quoter, another to the lowest, and still another to an average quoter. Some sell at auctions to the highest bidder, and still others sell at home, to a traveling buyer.
Which is the proper way is sure a perplexing question to answer. As I figure, it largely lies with the man with whom you are dealing. Some are in the business because they like it, and are satisfied with a fair profit, while others are trying to get rich quick by digging the last cent out of the trapper. And let me say right here, it is very hard to distinguish some of those dishonest houses. Some deliberately put out lists which are so high that any one, not considered a lunatic, should know they could not be paid— and that the sender only put those prices out to get the fur. When once they have them in their warehouse, they can grade; large down to medium, medium down to small, or 1's down to 2's, etc.
There are others who put out lists just as the market stands, and still, when shipments arrive, sort them down and give the trapper about half value. This seems to me to be a more "nasty" way of doing business than the former, as one with a little common sense should detect their idea. The second style of concern generally go into business, and pay good prices to the fellows who send in their first trial shipment, just to bait another larger one, and when it arrives the sort is so "rotten," it makes one think of fox bait. These people plan on running the business but a couple of years or so, and generally use, (practically always) very cheap stationary, often using all colors of ink and paper. They cannot afford to waste much valuable coin by using good material for their lists. Their main object
is to "get the money while they can," and when business does not pay, quit the place and start in again in a new territory where they are not known.
This sort of business of course hurts the reliable houses, and it's too bad that a house operating in such a manner could not be blotted out before the "dirty work" is done.
My experience is as follows in selling furs. When you find a man who treats you fair each and every time, stick to him. Some may say that you can't find an honest fur dealer in the trade. While I will admit that there are many who will take advantage when they get a chance, I have managed to find some honest ones, too. It largely depends on the attitude of the trapper towards the dealer. If the trapper is a "tight wad," nearly everyone is trying to "do" him. (Some trappers are very mean, and really deserve being "humbugged," but this does, not apply to the average, as I have found them). It does not pay to be too avaricious. A "square deal" is fair with both parties concerned. Many times when a trapper is dissatisfied with a dealer's treatment, it is because he is not thoroughly posted, and cannot tell a good piece of fur from a poor one. Often an extra large pelt is secured which is not worth as much as an ordinary sized one; but because of the size alone a No. 1 price is expected. (This extra large skin is often faded, short furred and coarse, but the trapper, in noting the size, slights the most important points). Un-prime, small or springy furs are generally the cause of "kicks" in the fur trade.
In disposing of a collection I try and see if I can make a deal with a local buyer or ship to some house which will "hold separate." I choose a dealer who gives special reasons why he can handle goods to best advantage (some give reasons that are absurd, but let your head do some of the work) and offers fair treatment. If a dealer will not hold goods separate, I don't want anything to do with him. If he is fair, why should he not be willing to hold separate?
If I can sell to a local buyer, who is at all times up and coming, I think that is the best way. If the price he offers is satisfactory, he can take the goods, if not, they are not off your premises and it docs not take a sheriff to get them back, as I have heard some had to do, when shipping to the crooked ones.
Use your own judgment and be satisfied with a "square deal" man when you find him, and do not look for some one who will pay a "little" more than your furs are worth. It's human nature to always look for something "nicer;" but it's the little "er" that bites the most of us.
Hampden Co., Mass.
Fur, News. Fur News, January 1916.
| |
| |
