Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 232, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 September 1916 — GOODS ON APPROVAL [ARTICLE]

GOODS ON APPROVAL

By DR. SAMUEL G. DIXON

Commissioner of Health of Pennsylvania. It Is the 1 custom with many firms to send certain classes of goods to their customers’ homes on approval. If they are not satisfactory the prospective purchaser has the privilege of exchanging them. Obviously It is impossible for the salesman to know what conditions are In the house where such goods go, who handles Them and how they are tried or examined. The possibility of spreading communicable' dlseuse is very real. When new things go into a home, curiosity and Interest is naturally aroused in all the members of the family. Children and adults Join tn the examination. Of course where there are cases of communicable disease which have been "reported and quarantined no goods are delivered on approval. There are often cases of disease, however, in the early stages unrecognised or so mild in form as to make it seein unnecessary to call a physician. Into these homes merchandise is delivered without question. • Modern salesmanship is far removed from the sharp barter of earlier days and fair dealing and honest representation are recognized as necessary foundations for success. Sending goods on approval however, is carrying things so far that it may Yesult in harm to the purchaser.