W.W. Thomas sales promotions collection, 1890s

Navigate the Collection

Using These Materials Teaser

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials


Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
More about accessing and using these materials...

Summary

Creator:
Thomas, W.W., active approximately 1890-1920
Abstract:
W.W. Thomas was a merchant active in the Cincinnati, Ohio area from the 1890s to the early part of the 20th century. Collection consists of newsprint prospectuses that advertise incentive awards to potential sales agents who met time-sensitive selling goals. Bicycles were prominent rewards for sales performance, in lieu of paying salaries or commissions, but dinnerware and a range of lesser premiums were also offered. Frequently, the items for sale themselves were offered with a premium of goods such as teaspoons or condiments. Acquired as part of the John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising & Marketing History.
Extent:
0.1 Linear Feet
Language:
Materials in English.
Collection ID:
RL.12088

Background

Scope and content:

Collection consists of newsprint prospectuses that advertise incentive awards to potential sales agents who met time-sensitive selling goals. Bicycles were prominent rewards for sales performance, in lieu of paying salaries or commissions, but dinnerware and a range of lesser premiums were also offered. Frequently, the items for sale themselves were offered with a premium of goods such as teaspoons or condiments.

Biographical / historical:

W.W. Thomas was a merchant active in the Cincinnati, Ohio area from the 1890s to the early part of the 20th century. Thomas sold a range of goods under various entities, including the Cream Tartar Baking Powder Company; Dr. Thomas; and the People's Tea, Spice and Baking Powder Co.

Acquisition information:
The W.W. Thomas sales promotions collection was received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a purchase in 2022.
Processing information:

Processed by Richard Collier, Aug. 2023;

Accessions described in this collection guide: 2022-0191.

Arrangement:

Organized alphabetically.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Subjects

Click on terms below to find related finding aids on this site. For other related materials in the Duke University Libraries, search for these terms in the Catalog.

Subjects:
Sales personnel
Sales promotion -- United States -- History
Salesmanship and sales training literature.
Premiums (Retail trade)
Performance awards
Incentive awards
Prospectuses
Bicycles
Names:
John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising & Marketing History
Places:
Cincinnati (Ohio)

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials


Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the Rubenstein Library's Citations, Permissions, and Copyright guide.

Before you visit:
Please consult our up-to-date information for visitors page, as our services and guidelines periodically change.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], W.W. Thomas sales promotions collection, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.