employers can do one another or the employee no greater wrong than to virtually become "bidders" for his services. A fair wage for a fair day's work should be the thought in fixing the rates of pay of our employees, having also due regard to general living conditions. Securing a fair profit on all work we do is doubly necessary for the protection of the employer, and the just remuneration of the workman, that he may maintain himself under such proper living conditions as will conduce to good citizens and good workmanship. We should recognize that only by training all the apprentices which trade customs allow, can there be maintained a sufficient body of trained workmen in this industry, and that it is the duty of every employer to do his share in this most important work. Therefore, the selection of apprentices should not be left to chance, but rather be given the careful study of the employer himself, to the end that the industry be not harmed by the introduction of unsuitable or undesirable men. When an apprentice is taken into the shop, much care should be taken in seeing that he be properly trained and given the opportunity to become a thoroughly proficient workman. We desire to promote the Millwork business for the general good of the entire industry and the welfare of our country. To refuse to pay bribes or "commissions" to buyers, purchasing agents or others who may thus be induced to place orders with us. Business so acquired is sure to develop undesirable characteristics. We believe in publicity and research, the education of all branches of the industry to the highest standards, and in the dissemination of the proper knowledge of the economic uses of such material that enters into the production of millwork. And finally, let the Millworker be ever diligent in business; quick to perceive the good and alert to repel the evil; ever mindful of the rights of others; as quick to take blame as to place it on others; courteous and considerate of others, particularly if they be less fortunate than himself; and in every way a true American gentleman. MONUMENTS INTERNATIONAL MONUMENTAL GRANITE Adopted Aug. 13, 1918: CODE OF ETHICS Members of this Association shall regard themselves as being engaged in a business in which there is a well defined duty and obligation towards the public and themselves. The industry demands that members use every honorable means to uphold the honor and dignity of their vocation, and that clean, honorable and legitimate business customs should prevail in buying, in selling, and in competition with others, and present in the following Articles a declaration of business policy which should be adhered to by all engaged in the industry as representative of a square deal. ARTICLE I. The success of business being dependent upon marketing product at a reasonable profit, no product of this industry should be sold below a price that gives the producer the cost of production plus a fair percentage of profit. ART. II. A knowledge of the cost of production being absolutely essential to the successful conduct of business, producers should universally adopt an intelligent check on their business operations and by imparting information to others and exchanging experiences, elevate the business by every means within their power to a sound business basis. ART. III. As following the general policy of maintaining fair and reasonable prices, producers should consider the initial low bidder entitled to a contract, and decline to change prices once quoted unless changes in the quantity of, or the specifications for the work in question have been made. ART. IV. A standard of quality should be so maintained as to impress customers that the producers are honest and trustworthy and that without competitive bidding contracts can be placed and settlement of accounts made with assurance of firstclass workmanship, fair treatment and reasonable prices. ART. V. It shall be the aim of the members of this Association to cooperate with members of the retail trade for the improvement of designs and to encourage the erection of memorials that are architecturally correct, artistic and dignified. ART. VI. Members of this Association should absolutely refrain from statements or actions calculated to maliciously injure, directly or indirectly, the business reputation, prospects or business of others. "Knocking" should be held as a practice unworthy of the business. ART. VII. Good feeling among the members being essential to the success of the industry, no member should judge the action or course taken by another member without full knowledge of all conditions in relation to the matter in question. ART. VIII. Whenever disputes or differences arise in the course of business relations, members should encourage amicable adjustment by friendly intercourse or arbitration; and upon becoming a party to arbitration consider the finding therein final and binding. ART. IX. It shall be the purpose of the producers to hold themselves open to the cooperation of all responsible mediums with every organization and every movement of whatever kind, looking to the real betterment of the industry, believing that only by broad cooperation and understanding can the business be advanced in the interests of our customers and the consuming public. ART. X. Members who have in their employ persons in official positions, or salesmen for the solicitation of business, should consider it their duty to instruct such employees and salesmen as to the policy to be followed under the provisions of this code. MEMORIAL CRAFTSMEN OF AMERICA Formerly Nat. Retail Monument Dealers of Am. CODE OF ETHICS First: To consider my vocation worthy and one which affords me distinct opportunity to serve society; to which end I should be dignified in my attitude and bearing before all men, increase my efficiency and enlarge my service. Second: To have confidence in myself and my capabilities; considering it unethical for any designer of Memorials, or Quarry Salesman to assist in the sale of any Memorial, or visit a prospective customer unless he is in the sole employ of the retail dealer endeavoring to make the sale of such Memorial. Third: To have an orderly and inviting place of business; realizing that it is not only a source of satisfaction to the owner, but compels the respect of his patrons. Fourth: To conduct my business upon an honorable, legitimate and ethical basis; placing adequate foundation under all work; eliminating "bargain sales," and holding that decency requires at least reasonable time should elapse after death before a call upon prospective customers is undertaken, without an invitation. Fifth: To adopt some rational and efficient cost system; so that I may realize a just and fair percentage of profit on all work sold or service rendered. Sixth: To assist in establishing the practice of quoting all prices "letters extra," and of securing a 25 per cent deposit with all orders; to cover foundation, freight and immediate labor costs. Seventh: To strive to educate my customers to a higher standard of design and workmanship; keeping ever in mind that originality of design is of prime importance, and duplication of Monuments already in the Cemetery is an evil to be combated and overcome by all legitimate means. Eighth: To give full value for money received and never take unfair advantage of a customer; sell Marble for Granite nor substitute a cheaper grade of material than that sold. Ninth: To worthily represent my goods and take pride in well executed work; realizing that a poor base does not look well under a good Monument, and the practice of using such is not fit for a legitimate dealer who should always talk quality and not price and advertise nothing but the truth. Tenth: To treat brother dealers as I would like to be treated; and never figure on a design or plans furnished by a brother dealer when so marked as to indicate his ownership. Eleventh: To hold honesty and fair dealing with my competitors are paramount in relation with my customer; that it is degrading to "knock" a brother dealer, unfair to make any further price to a prospect after being satisfied the work in question has been contracted for, and positively dishonest to influence the countermanding of an order already given a competitor; or to prevail upon an employe to leave his employer without the employer's consent. Twelfth: To co-operate with my competitors and to assist them with their work when called upon; such assistance being charged for upon the usual basis of profit. Thirteenth: To recognize the legitimate fields of the manufacturers and encourage them in all worthy endeavors; but to severely condemn and disapprove the practice of those who do a retail business under the cloak of an obscure dealer, or who set up work for the retail dealer not adequately equipped. Fourteenth: To pay my bills promptly; realizing that 60 days is the limit of a reasonable time in which to adjust same; and that it is dishonest to claim unjust allowance from the Manufacturers, and unfair to accept an inferior or damaged piece of work at a discount. Fifteenth: To heartily encourage our trade journals; which are devoted to the improvement of our trade and the dissemination of useful and practical knowledge. |