PRAIRIE FARMER'S POULTRY BOOK 



Sale." I think that is unnecessary. No one would think you 

 were telling the world what you had, just to pass out infor- 

 mation. Others use the terms "Full Blood," or worse yet 

 "Thoroughbred,"' meaning "Purebred." It is not even neces- 

 sary to pay for saying "Purebred." No one advertises scrub or 

 grade poultry. 



"Satisfaction Guaranteed" is another catch word that means 

 little. If a customer is really dissatisfied, it is best to refund 

 purchase price without argument. That's the way big mail 

 order houses do, and it is their best advertising point. One 

 disgruntled woman can do a lot of talking. I know for I have 

 done it myself. When a certain commission firm gave me 25 

 pounds shrink on one coop of chickens, I certainly did not keep 

 the news to myself, and I always think that my customers may 

 be able to talk as much and as fast as I can. Of course no one 

 ought to expect a bird that will win sweepstakes at the Na- 

 tional Poultry Show for $5 but it is just as well not to promise 

 perfection. I always prefer to send something just a little 

 better than what is expected, if I can. 



Going back to writing the advertisement it seeims better to 

 put a price in the first ad. I have tried both ways, and I know 

 that an ad with a price in it gets more business. It scares ofif 

 those who would not pay your price anyway, and saves the 

 trouble and expense of answering their letters. Finally, a 

 good clear letter often helps to finish what the advertising 

 starts. A typewritten letter is preferable, and a letterhead also 

 adds to the appearance of a letter. Most of your customers 

 have only your letter to judge you and your stuff by, and the 

 more businesslike it appears, the better impression it will make. 



Timeliness is important in advertising. Most people are 

 not ready to buy breeding stock, except hens or pullets, before 

 Christmas, though there are always some forehanded enough 

 to buy early in the winter so as to get first choice. The sharpest 

 demand for cockerels and turkey toms comes in February, but 

 I usually start to advertise after Christmas if I have many to 

 sell. The heaviest demand for hatching eggs is in April, though 

 some orders will come in March and some as late as May. 

 Turkey eggs are in demand in May and early June. 



Intelligent marketing through careful, consistent advertis- 

 ing undoubtedly pays even when poultry is only kept as a side- 

 line, as it is on most Corn Belt farms. While the farmer's wife 

 with her small flock of farm-bred, range-grown, chickens can- 

 not, compete with the professional fancier, she can have the 



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