as you have always dressed--with easy-fitting business garments.
Absolutely nothing on your person gives offense, either in newness or
oldness. You enter the store to whose proprietor you intend to sell
goods. If you know him and he is busy, you nod and avoid a talk. This is
both difficult and unlucky. If he is at your service, you state that you
have come to show him your samples. You do not hope he needs anything at
the start. Of course, he needs nothing. That does not enter into the
question. He will buy at the end. You now, if your samples are with you,
pick out some medium bargains. Reserve your powerful arguments. Try to
make him understand the true value of these goods. Nothing under the sun
is so powerful as example. Now, to furnish examples, you must state who
sells this particular line of goods. Mention the names with all the
precision, volubility and confidence in the world. He may evince no
interest, but it has moved him greatly to hear all those names! Now he
begins to talk prices to you. The chances are that he is "drawing the
long bow"--that is, that he is putting the prices at which he buys full
low enough! Do not dispute him. Never argue with him. Accept all he says
as gospel. Very soon he will be on the other tack. You will be talking,
and you can judge whether he has told the truth or not. Now you are both
on excellent terms. He thinks you are a very decent young fellow.