THE FRUIT MARKET 5 



in large quantities ; the special market in small quan- 

 tities. 



2. Margin of profit. — In the general market the 

 profit on each bushel or quart or package is much less 

 (usually) than in the special market. 



3. Salesman. — The fruit grower who grows fruit 

 in large quantities for the general market sells it 

 through a commission man. He never reaches the 

 final customer. The man who grows fruit in small 

 quantities for a special market frequently, or usually, 

 sells to the customer direct. He is his own salesman. 

 He thus becomes more immediately responsible for his 

 goods. 



4. Competition. — In the general market one meets 

 the competition of the world. The price of apples in 

 London is influenced by the crop in Tasmania, New 

 Zealand, Canada, or the United States. The price in 

 London (sometimes) influences the price in New York. 

 Missouri apples in the general market meet the apples 

 from Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and New 

 York. In the special market the fruit grower meets 

 only local competition ; and when regular customers 

 are secured, even this competition is eliminated. 



5. Varieties. — The general market demands a few 

 varieties. The private market demands more, and will 

 accept an almost unlimited number. Furthermore, 

 the general market demands standard varieties — those 

 which are known, and which are commonly offered in 

 such quantities as to have a regular rating. The pri- 

 vate market cares not whether a variety is a standard 

 or not, so it suits the customer. 



