money and the great outlet for all
classes of merchandise. Several of the largest stores render valuable
assistance to their buyers by establishing permanent foreign buying
offices, thus enabling them to keep in close touch with the newest
styles and novelties; and from these offices the shipment of a
considerable amount of foreign goods is managed, the service being so
facilitated and systematized that a prompt and rapid delivery of goods
is effected.

But the buyers' duties do not end with the purchase of goods. He is also
manager of the department which is made up of the various lines he buys,
and is responsible for the proper management of the same. In his absence
while buying, he must provide a capable assistant to represent him and
the department, one whose services are esteemed as second only to his
own, and who, if need be, in many instances is quite capable of acting
as buyer and manager in his stead. He is given almost complete control
of everything pertaining to his department, must sell the goods he buys,
and his permanent position depends entirely upon the success with which
his department is handled. As "head of a department," he is expected to
comply with the rules of the house and set an example to all those under
him. He should be first in the department in the morning and last to
leave in the evening. He should be thoroughly acquainted with all rules
pertaining to employees, and any new instructions which may be issued
from time to time, and see that they are carried out. He is expected to
use his best efforts to aid salespeople in making sales, instruct
inexperienced help how to handle and display goods, how to wait on
customers, make out checks, and, in fact, see that all duties are
intelligently understood. It is not sufficient that new, inexperienced
help be given a number and salesbook and told to go ahead, but thorough
instructions must be given as to the methods of doing business. In order
that enquiries of customers may be intelligently answered, he should
know the location of all the stocks of the house. If travelers' samples
are to be examined, it should be done in the sample room provided for
that purpose, and in forenoons only. Only in special cases is it
permissible to examine samples in the afternoon, as he is expected to be
in his department during the busy hours of every day, to watch the trade
and see that customers are properly waited upon.

Certain expenses are almost wholly within