[D9211AEN], Letter from Alfred Ord Tate to Thomas Alva Edison, October 4th, 1892
https://edisondigital.rutgers.edu/document/D9211AEN
Transcription
Oct. 4, 1892. Mr. Edison,- In regard to Hutchinson’s Socket: I have had a number of conversations with Mr. Hutchinson concerning the terms upon which we should take the socket up, and finally I asked him to address a letter to me stating exactly what he wanted, which would be a basis upon which we could negotiate. I enclose herewith Mr. Hutchinson’s letter and would like you to read and criticize the same. The guarantee which he [illegible] us to make in regard to sales is too high and should be cut down one half. Mr. Hutchinson basis this on the assumption that there are sold annually three million sockets. I have investigated this matter and so far it is possible to obtain such data it appears that the annual sales are from 1 1/2 to 2 millions. The prices noted by Mr. Hutchinson[?] are perfectly satisfactory and could leave as a margin of from 33 1/3% to 50%. The ruling prices for Key Sockets in quantities of les than 10,000 is 18 cents, and McKay Sockets 15 cents. For orders of 10,00 and upwards, better terms would have to be made, but we would have ample margin. A. O. TATE. M.