METHODS AND PRACTICES OP RETAILING MEAT 
9 
store. This store, located in a middle-western city, had been estab- 
lished for 42 years. The father is still active in the business. The 
store is of the'combination type, handling groceries, fruits, vegetables, 
and meats. A bakery is operated hi connection with the business. 
Every department is systeEtrnti^cl and cost of operation by depart- 
ments is known. Monthly inventories are a regular feature. There 
is no guess work. Insufficient or excessive margins and losses are 
determined quickly and nothing is left to chance. Practical knowledge 
is apparent in every operation and thoroughness is shown by results. 
In all respects this store is a striking example of efficiency in which 
salesmanship and ability are outstanding. Every part of the store 
appeals to discriminating customers, and fairness and honesty are 
apparent in the dealings. 
This study indicates that lack of practical knowledge on the part 
of retail dealers is one of the undermining factors with which the 
industry has to deal, and there are even men of long experience 
in the business who do not appreciate the value of frequent cutting 
tests as a means of determining what prices should be. 
PER CENT 
40 50 
CARCASSES 
CARCASSES 
AND LESS 
LESS THAN 
CARCASSES 
Delivery store 
Fig. 4.— A large percentage of delivery stores purchased less than straight carcasses. Approximately 
79 per cent of stores in chain systems purchased straight carcasses, whereas only 42 per cent of 
delivery stores purchased in such units. Xo chain stores were found that confined purchases 
to wholesale cuts only 
SOURCES OF SUPPLY AND METHODS OF BUYING 
Through efficient distribution to all consuming centers, under 
normal conditions meats are available in such quantities as local needs 
require. The source of supply was therefore not found to be a sig- 
nificant factor in present-day distribution from an economic stand- 
point. Slight concessions are usually made to quantity purchasers, 
but the difference is only a minor factor. The greatest problem 
in this respect for the retail dealer is to know how to make selections 
that meet the requirements of his customers. Methods of buying 
vary with the type of store and with the degree of knowledge of the 
business which the retailer possesses. 
15285°— 26 2 
