The following advertisement, by the Courrier des Etats Unis, will be interesting to readers at a distance no less than in New-York, as it promises means of executing with ease and economy commissions that have hitherto given a great deal of trouble both to the principal and agent.
After promising that their position, as the only French journal in the United States, has brought them continually more and more advertisements from France, they say:—
“Our American readers find now, in our columns, a catalogue of the triple products of French industry, science and literature. This has suggested to us a way of rendering more profitable all around the part of mediator which we have filled passively till now, by the establishment of a double house of commission both at Paris and New-York, so that the reader who sees advertised something that he wants, may no longer be at a loss how to procure it.
“This agency will be under the responsibility of the Editor of the Courrier in New-York, and of M. Henri Gaillardet in Paris. It will take charge of the purchase and transmission of any and every kind of merchandise for all the cities of the New World. Agents versed in all the branches of commerce will be attached to the Paris house, who will offer sufficient guarantees by their knowledge and probity. They will take charge of purchases by wholesale, or for the smallest quantity or article. The merchant or proprietor who shall have need, the one of a bale of merchandise, the other of a simple article of stationery, medicine, jewelry, furniture or dress, can obtain them through our office, and on account of the profit which the advertisements will bring us we can afford that they should obtain them at less expense than by any other way.”
They go on to state the exact terms, and add:
“We do not however engage to get articles at a cheaper rate than they are usually sold except where the purchase is of the value of at least twenty dollars and from houses which send us their advertisements, either now, or in consequence of the order transmitted through us. On other houses, and for every order for a less amount than twenty dollars, sent directly to us, we engage only to buy at the current price, or below if possible, without expenses of commission. If the order is transmitted to us or the money remitted through the agents employed by the Courrier in the principal cities of the New World, as they claim in their accounts with us a profit of ten per cent on all business done, we must claim it for them. But whoever wishes, can spare himself this expense, by remitting us directly and post paid, the money necessary for the purchase. The only expenses which will then be incurred will be the usual ones of transportation, freight, customs and exchange. The purchases will all be made in ready money; therefore the orders must be accompanied either by specie of drafts on New-York or Paris payable in 90 days at farthest.
“Commissions will be executed in the shortest possible time, the Courrier always receiving packages by the packet ships from Havre, which leave the 1st, 8th, 16th, and 24th of each month. Any person visiting Paris who wishes there to make purchases, need only present himself at the bureau of the Courrier there, and an agent will be furnished to accompany and instruct him in making his purchases. The services of these persons will be entirely gratuitous, the superintendents having made arrangements with them to that effect. The ladies will be accompanied or directed by the women of taste and experience who transmits to us our bulletins of Parisian fashions, and who will also watch over the thorough execution of commands that may be confided to her.
OFFICES.—At New York, 12 Park-place. At Paris, M. H. Gaillardet, rue de Trévise, No. 21.—1845.”
It would be a good thing if, in all large cities strangers could secure the aid of guides in their shopping perfectly to be depended on for integrity, good taste, and judgment. It would save a great deal of time and labor, especially to ladies.*
