METHODS AND PRACTICES OF RETAILING MEAT 5 
Practically all of the kinds of misleading practices that are found 
in the retail meat business were found in the cash-and-carry type 
of stores and in all of these instances they were confined to single or 
individual markets and to local chain systems. On the other hand, 
numerous single cash-and-carry stores were studied that are a real 
credit to the industry. They know their operating costs in detail, 
sell what they advertise, determine selling prices by frequent cutting 
tests, and keep their records always accessible. They are genuine 
merchants and practice salesmanship of a high type. 
PEDDLER WAGON ROUTES 
The retail distribution of meats by peddler wagons is of relatively 
minor importance and can in no case, among the cities studied, be 
considered a significant factor even locally. A few such systems are 
in operation on a limited scale. The routes usually traverse urban 
sections and cover from 40 to 50 miles a day. In some instances ice 
is used for refrigeration, but in most cases observed the meats are 
carried without refrigeration. As a rule sanitation is poor, and 
quality of meats handled is medium to common. The routes serve 
laboring people, as a rule. Cash transactions prevail although some 
credit is extended. 
PUBLIC MARKETS AND CENTRALIZED MARKET AREAS 
In all cities studied there are marked evidences that the plan of 
concentrating retail food markets in limited areas is gaining favor. 
The success of the cash-and-carry method is commonly assigned as 
an important influence in this direction. In all such districts stud- 
ied, the method employed is almost wholly cash-and-carry. The 
grouping together of the various food-distributing agencies, each 
comprising many units, not only creates wholesome competition, but 
because of the added convenience tends to attract consumers in large 
numbers. 
Ten markets and market centers of these types were studied. 
Some were very successful, others only moderately so. In the case 
of public-market buildings owned by corporations in which space is 
leased to individuals, much depends upon the management and extent 
of control exercised over stall holders and their operations, and much 
depends upon the type, character, and ability of the dealers and their 
relations with the public. Constant daily sales and fairly uniform 
volume mean reduced overhead expenses and the possibility of 
relatively lower prices. 
The efficient retailing of food products as conducted in a public 
market, located in one of the Pacific coast cities, deserves especial 
mention. This market is owned by a corporation which exercises 
unusually close supervision and control over all stand holders through 
a form of yearly lease. Applicants for space are judged for knowledge 
and ability and qualifications to conduct a retail business. They 
must be honest and progressive. 
Lessees who fail to show satisfactory progress or fail to measure up 
to the standard set by the management are notified to vacate at 
expiration of lease. All space holders are required to keep accurate 
records of their business and submit monthly statements to the man- 
agement. Monthly rentals based on yearly contracts are increased 
when financial statements of results justify, The management 
