THE CUBA REVIEW 21 



In this trade tlie question of credits is sure to arise. With the improved bank- 

 ing facilities iu Cuba it should be possible iu most eases for the responsible buyer 

 to pay cash, aud especially so it the prices at which he buys are reasonable aud ship- 

 ments are promptly made, with special care given to details. Careful observance 

 of the minor points of foreign trade will always remain an important factor, espe- 

 cially in countries where competition is keen and the smaller details of trade arc 

 decisive factors. 



It seems that the position of the United States in the furniture trade of Cuba 

 should be secure if the demands of the market are carefully studied aud due care 

 is given to meeting these demands.— I ice (Jonsul Herman V. Vogenitz, Havana. 



MARKET FOR BICYCLES IN SANTIAGO DE CUBA 



Vice-Consul John L. Griffith reports from Santiago that there is a noticeable 

 growth in the demand for bicycles in the Santiago de Cuba consular district (tlie 

 Province of Oriente), and the prospects for future development of the trade seem 

 bright. From the time the United States entered the war until tne signing ol tne 

 armistice, local importers, on account of varying prices, irregular deliveries, aud 

 unsettled trade conditions, were forced to curtail their purchases. The upward trend 

 of the market was also a factor in limiting prospective sales. At present, however, 

 with the gradual adjustment of the trade to normal conditions, the demand, so long 

 dormant, is ready to develop to larger proportions than it assumed before the war. 



POPULAR TYPES AAD PRICES OF BICYCLES 

 The types of bicycles desired in this market are men's and boys' (there is no 

 demand for women's bicycles) built with low-hanging frames 20, 2ti, and 28 inch 

 wheels, and medium gears. Brakes should be provided, preferably of the coaster 

 type, on account of the heavy grades in this district, particularly in the City of 

 Santiago. If the bicycles are not so equipped, prices should include bicycle and 

 brake as a unit. Quotations should also be made on extra parts. The matter of 

 enameling is important, as bright colors are preferred. Red or black with colored 

 trimmings seem to find the most favor. The saddles should be of the double-coil 

 spring type, and the handlebars of the forward-extension style with long grips, whicn 

 lend a motorcycle appearance. 



Low-priced bicycles are in demand at costs to the dealer of $22 to $25 f. o. b. 

 shipping point, including packing. The dealer is then able to offer them to the local 

 retail trade for $40 to $45, the popular prices. Bicycles which must be sold for more 

 than these amounts are not desired. It is expected that parts out of the ordinary will 

 be quoted separately. 



BICYCLES OF EUROPEAN MAKES 

 This market had never taken bicycles in any appreciable quantities of British, 

 French, German, or Belgian manufacture prior to the war. This fact was due 

 to their high cost as compared with those of American manufacture. A dealer 

 states that he made a trial order of French bicycles, but that, on account of the 

 high price at which he was forced to sell, he had difficulty in disposing of them, and 

 for tins reason did not place any further orders, even though he found them very 

 well made and was allowed liberal terms. 



DEALERS IN SANTIAGO DE CUBA 



Bicycles imported into Cuba through the Port of Santiago are sold throughout 

 the Provinces of Oriente and Camaguey, which include the Cities of Santiago, Man- 

 zanillo, Guantanamo, Tunas de Zaza, and Camaguey, all centers of important dls- 



