SAMPLE DISTRIBUTION BY MOTOR.
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A Biscuit Maker's Novel Scheme. The Use of Special Trailer Caravans.
INthe past manufacturers of various .classes of commodities have experienced considerable difficulty in endeavouring to find a satisfactory method of introducing their products to the general public. It has been, and still is in some quarters, a common practice amongst producers of certain artic:Vs to inaugurate sampling schemes, under which large supplies of the goods it is desired to bring to the notice of buyers are distributed. There are several ways in which this is done,but the general procedure is to employ one of two distinct methods, the first being distribution through the ordinary postal channels and the second house-tohouse calls. Both schemes involve a large expenditure of money without in any way possessing the merit of ensuring completely satisfactory distribution.
The cost of packing and postages when the first method is used has been a deterrent factor, whilst the alternative scheme of distributing from house to house by the temporary employment of local labour has proved inefficient and, therefore, uneconomical.
No specific modification of either of these methods removes the inherent drawbacks which they possess. Huntley and Palmers, Ltd., the well-known biscuit manufacturers of Reading, has realized this fact, and to overcome the difficulties is purchasing a fleet of twowheeled trailer caravans, which will be used in conjunction with 30-cwt. Albion boxvan.s. The caravans will accommodate a specially chosen staff to distribute samples of the company's products, and each will comprise a complete self-contained outfit which moves on from place to place in accordance with a prearranged schedule. It is anticipated
that this method Will result in the distribution of samples on efficient and economical lines and, if the hopes of the company are realized, it will provide yet another instance of the versatility of the motor vehicle.
The .30-cwt.. Albion subsidy chassis, which serves as the prime mover of the outfit, carries a standard mahogany van body, built in the Reading factory of IIuntley and Palmers, Ltd., to the company's own designs. This type of chassis has been selected for the reason that it has been subsidized• by the War Department as specially suitable for towing. The van is equipped with a large-capacity C.A.V. lighting set, and has two headlights, two side lights, a tail lamp and an interior lamp, whilst the caravan has two interior lights and a tail lamp. -A. particularly large battery is provided in order that ample illumination may be available in the caravan during the evenings and when the engine is not running.
The type of caravan which is used has been specially constructed by Eccles Motor Caravans, Ltd., of Gosta Green, Birmingham, and its equipment has been very carefully planned. The furniture includes six spring-mattress bunks which, when not in use as such, can be made to
fold into settees. The bunks are arranged in pairs, one above the other, and below them are good-sized lockers for carrying-bed-clothes, etc.
Each member of the distributing staff is allocated a locker and drawer for his own use. The floor is covered with linoleum, and the windows, of which there are six, are covered by curtains. Two fold-up tables complete the furnishing of the interior which, it should be mentioned, is finished in oak staining and has an attractive and cosy appearance.
The caravan is shod with pneumatic tyres and the wheels are fitted with Timken bearings ; the tyres are of the same size as those used on the van, which has twins on the rear wheels. A green canvas tent, which is arranged to fix on the side of the caravan, intended to provide additional accommodation for the personnel in the better months of the year, is provided.
The caravan is equipped with Valor Perfection cooking stoves, food safes and a complete set of kitchen and table utensils, which are housed in cupboards and held by spring clips so as to avoid rattle and prevent the possibility of damage, whilst wash basins and a lavatory are included in the layout.