SELLING LUMBER 315 



Claims and Disputes; Their 

 Cause and Settlement 



By M. L. Wuescher 



Auditor, Great Southern Lumber Company 

 Bogalusa, La. 



A claim in its final analysis is the result of a mistake or 

 misunderstanding. To treat this subject intelligently, it is neces- 

 sary to first determine definitely at what points claims develop and 

 their causes. 



A careful study of the matter brings forth the fact that usu- 

 ally the causes of all claims develop at three given points. 



First In taking the order from the customer by the salesman. Develop at 



Second Execution of the order by the mill. Three Points 



Third Inspection and tallying of stock on receipt of car by 

 the customer. 



In order to treat this broad subject in a logical manner let 

 us first consider the causes of claims, originating at the time the 

 salesman solicits and accepts the order from the customer. 



Experience teaches us that the usual causes of claims at the 

 first point, or at the time of taking the order by the salesman, can 

 be classified as follows: 



Making errors in the description or in the price of lumber in Claims Aris- 

 transmitting the order to the mill, and by not having all data per- ing from Sell- 

 taining to the order written into the order, rather than in an 

 accompanying letter. 



Inserting wrong routing or incorrect rates in the order trans- 

 mitted to the mill. 



Making special agreements with the customer regarding stock 

 and not sending sufficient information to the mill covering the trans- 

 action. 



By not advising the mill on orders for special stock, for what 

 purpose it is to be used if possible to ascertain this information, 

 and in the case of orders for special worked stock not accompany- 

 ing same with blue print, whenever possible. 



Selling lumber on comparison. , 



Salesmen not being entirely familiar with conditions at the 

 mill and its operation. 



