Two shoe salespeople were sent to Africa to open up new markets. Three days after arriving, one salesperson called the office and said, "I'm returning on the next flight. Can't sell shoes here. Everybody goes barefoot." At the same time the other salesperson sent an email to the factory, telling "The prospects are unlimited. Nobody wears shoes here!"
Mahogany.
Yep, mahogany. That's the secret to selling most anything.
When the new world opened up, one of the most prized, and because of the shipping costs - most expensive, things brought back was this wonderful new wood from the Caribbean. Royalty of course got first dibs. Then the nobility wanted it badly, and had the money to pay for it, and the desire for it trickled down from there. The rest is Louis XV history.
Anybody selling shoes in Africa would be wise to make a huge fuss about presenting some dandy shoes to the tribe leaders (remember to make them comfortable shoes or it's off with your head!), and limit supply for a while until the demand builds.
RIn news: snipped-for-privacy@v25g2000yqk.googlegroups.com, Robatoy spewed forth:
Like the old saying goes.... The difference between rape and sexual intercourse is the salesmanship
O. Henry, in "Cabbages & Kings" tells the story of a man from Alabama who sells out and puts all his money in shoes and goes to central america to open a shoe store. After selling about 12 pairs to expatriates he was very discouraged. A friend ordered 500 pounds of cocklebur's from the states. He secretly goes out at night and broadcasts them all over the little town. Shoe sales skyrocketed.
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.