Hauntingly Beautiful Girls

"This Is How They Get You (Part 4)"

"To go somewhere that provides transportation by water craft, is to find [docks] and [piers].

These were also places where rents were high and they expected fees.

In contrast, they were places where travelers and strangers were expected. There was more acceptance. Lots of wariness, but acceptance.

It was also a place of odd opportunity. Ships could arrive damaged and need to raise funds quickly to cover repair costs. Cheap passage away was often available.

The Captain would liquidate goods meant to be delivered. He would make good by insurance or other contract term, but they authorized him to sell goods.

Sometimes interesting goods sold for the price of scrap.

Docks and piers were places to sell things. Goods bought cheaply might be sold the same day just a little further down the boardwalk.

This was a perfect environment for a business model known as 'The Pitchmen'.

A strong man (good in a fight) could carry goods and not suffer theft. He could demonstrate something unusual and try to make sales out where people would walk.

A conversational man that could talk with store-owners and [police] and customers to make a living.

A dexterous man that could make using things look like child's play (with devoted practice).

Examples of these salesmen could be found at many ports.

It sometimes was enough to earn passage away from a place.

Enough of the 'pitchmen' moved to new places and became more conventionally successful. Insurance firms. Financial firms.

Anyplace where good people skills were an asset.

'Pitchmen' were being recalled as bright and successful by travelers and people who 'pitched' a little in their lives.

When innovation brought sound and picture broadcast inventions, 'Pitchmen' were the model for selling."

They expected people to be told what they wanted. Not simply informed about how good products were in comparison.

This was the rise of the pitchmen."