CUSTOMERS' INTERESTS 427 



number of hands through which the product has passed; cost of 

 production; and cost of handling, which varies with the market 

 and manner of fitting for market. 



Supply. In many ways the supply of poultry products in 

 various markets is affected by the following: Quality; the higher 

 the quality the less the supply; variations in amount of products, 

 such as eggs, being produced in great numbers, while with capons 

 and turkeys, for example, the production is very limited. The 

 source of supply very often affects the amount of a given product 

 in certain markets according to the distance from place of pro- 

 duction and size of producing plant. The amount of capital in- 

 vested in production and distribution affects the total supply, 

 especially during seasons of limited output. The extent to which 

 business is carried on in a community determines largely the 

 available supply of products handled. 



Accessibility. This is one of the chief factors from the con- 

 sumer's standpoint, for if large quantities of first-class products 

 are in the vicinity, yet not readily accessible, they are of no value. 

 Distance from point of consumption, proximity of reserve sup- 

 plies, telephone and railroad connections, mail facilities, all 

 play an important part in bringing producer, middle man, and 

 consumer closer together. 



Systematic Delivery. The customer desires regular and sys- 

 tematic supply, whether it be eggs or dressed poultry, and this 

 supply is affected by the location of the distributing point, 

 express rates, method and regularity of final delivery to cus- 

 tomer. The exact method of delivery varies according to the 

 customer. 



Responsibility of Salesman. The ultimate seller has the re- 

 sponsibility of delivering goods to the consumer that will be 

 satisfactory and thus keep up the demand for these goods. His 

 ability to please the customer will depend largely on his distance 

 from the consumer, his business methods, care in filling orders, 

 financial standing, acquaintance with customers, and amount of 

 business handled. 



The consumer is a valuable partner in a profitable poultry 

 trade, and the salesman who caters to the interests of the con- 

 sumer will not only increase the demand for his products, but can 

 demand and will be gladly paid by the customer a price so 

 much higher that it will more than cover the time and expense 

 involved. 



