The Silk Maker by Michael Legat

Author:Michael Legat
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: The Silk Maker
ISBN: 9780755126675
Publisher: House of Stratus
Published: 2013-06-11T00:00:00+00:00

Mr Hill’s pricing suggestions were put into effect. The increases were accepted by the trade with little resistance, most retailers being happy enough to enjoy their own improved profits, and sales to the public were scarcely affected.

Christmas came and went, and in the first months of 1868 money began to flow into the mill, and most of the bank loan was repaid. The crape department was working to capacity, and when the flow of orders grew, additional staff were trained and a shift system instituted so that longer hours could be worked. A parallel system was set up alongside the original, ready to go into production once Alfred Bunn had completed the engraving of a new cylinder.

Prideau’s attack started in April. The retail price of Harcourt’s Crape for Gentlemen had been increased in two stages to five shillings and sixpence a yard, but now Prideau’s announced their new line at one and sixpence less.

‘We should reduce ours to three and sixpence,’ Tom said.

‘No,’ said Sarah. ‘Prideau knows that four shillings is an economic price, and that we can match it. He has evidently decided not to fight on prices, but hopes to wipe us out by his strength in the market place. We’ll come down to our original four shillings, the same as his, and rely on our customers’ loyalty, and your efforts, my dear.’

‘I still think we should undercut him.’

‘No. We must fight by providing the best possible service – quick deliveries, maintenance of quality, and good relations with our customers.’

The impact of Prideau’s competition was felt immediately. Orders declined dramatically, and though some customers remained loyal to Harcourt’s, Tom was in the depths of gloom. ‘We might just as well pack up,’ he said.

‘We’re not beaten yet,’ Sarah told him, though she herself was near to despair.

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