SHOES, WHOLESALE SOUTHWESTERN SHOE TRAVELERS ASSOCIATION Adopted 1923: CODE OF ETHICS 1. We affirm that the vocation of Traveling Shoe Salesmen is an honorable and worthy one, and is justified by its opportunity for service. 2. We announce our ambition to elevate the standards of our vocation and it is our desire and purpose to conduct our business dealings and personal relations in such manner as to make manifest our sincere endeavor. 3. We believe that the greatest efficiency can only be attained by the highest ideals. Therefore, we measure our efforts by the standards of courtesy, honesty and truth. 4. We believe that since the law of barter makes the buyer and seller equal factors in every sale, that each is amenable to the same standards of courtesy and honor. 5. We recognize fair competition as a legitimate factor in the progress of the industry, and believe in a spirit of emulation as a means of rendering the greatest service. 6. We believe in individual responsibility, initiative and action, therefore proclaim the right of separate contract as opposed to collective bargaining. 7. We declare the right of every one to all emoluments and accruements justly earned and resulting from the exchange of his services and denounce any attempt to deprive or abridge this right as unfair, unjust and prejudicial to the best interests of the industry. 8. We affirm the justness of the constitutional right of every citizen to the free exercise of his political and religious belief and therefore resent any discrimination because of such belief. 9. We acclaim success won by merit and abhor any success attained by deception, fraud or the circulating of harmful rumors respecting a competitor's product, prices, business or personal standing. 10. We believe good citizenship a basis for good salesmanship, therefore pledge our assistance to the Government under which we live, whenever and wherever needed and will support and participate in all worthy movements for the public welfare. SHOES, RETAIL NATIONAL SHOE RETAILERS ASSOCIATION Adopted Jan. 10, 1923: CODE OF ETHICS No. 1. That our vocation is a worthy one, affording us a distinct opportunity to serve society. No. 2. That the exchange of our goods and service, and our ideas for profit, are legitimate and ethical, provided that all parties in the exchange are benefited thereby and no deception is practiced. No. 3. That our business dealings, ambitions and relations shall cause us to take into consideration our highest duties as members of society. No. 4. That our best endeavors should be to elevate the standards of the vocation in which we are engaged and so conduct our affairs that others in our vocation shall find it wise, profitable and conducive to happiness to emulate our example. No. 5. That our business should be conducted in such a manner as to give a perfect service, and when in doubt, to give added service beyond the strict measure of doubt or obligation. No. 6. That we will consider no personal success legitimate or ethical which is secured by taking unfair advantage of certain opportunities in the social order that are absolutely denied to others. No. 7. That our employes be paid wages consistent with living conditions and services rendered and given every opportunity of advancement. No. 8. That to all our customers be quoted the same prices. That price reductions be passed promptly to the public. That we will make no misrepresentations of goods-in any manner in our advertising-nor allow our salespeople to do so. No. 9. That truth, honesty and courtesy will be observed with all factories and houses of whom we buy. No. 10. That we will strive to increase the efficiency of the craft, by the exchange of ideas and business methods, not to make or allow our employes to make false or disparaging remarks or circulate harmful rumors respecting a competitor's product, price, business or personal standing. No. 11. That we will assist the Government wherever possible in our line, or otherwise, and participate in all worthy movements for the public welfare that our special training or experience qualifies us for. SLATE NATIONAL SLATE ASSOCIATION Adopted Jan. 23, 1923: CODE OF ETHICS With the desire to place the slate industry on a high plane of integrity and efficiency, the members of the National Slate Association pledge their best efforts to see that the following principles govern and guide the business practices of the industry. All ethical rules may in the final analysis be comprehended within the statement of the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." 1. To keep the welfare of the public first and foremost in the conduct of the slate business. 2. To produce and sell slate to give lasting satisfaction for the use intended and in accordance with standards adopted by the Association. 3. To so conduct every business transaction that architects, builders, engineers, owners and all parties will recognize and appreciate the superior service rendered them by the members of the Association. 4. To accept the principle that the slate buyer is guided by the same motives as the seller, urging that all disputes be submitted to the Board of Directors of the Association for the final satisfaction of the customer. 5. To welcome fair competition as an assurance of the largest opportunity for service to architects, builders, engineers, owners and all parties, making service and the adaptability of slate rather than price the basis of preference. 6. To train salesmen to be more than mere bid-filers or order-takers, and to recognize the vital principles of truth and personal service to owners and the public who will use slate. 7. To urge architects, contractors and all buyers of slate to give full details in requests for slate bids, to practice the Code of Ethics of the Building Industry adopted by the New York Building Congress and to pay bills promptly that the credit standing of all branches of the slate industry may be high, and unnecessary costs and losses of deferred or defaulted payments held to a minimum. 8. To base all selling prices on the cost of production and selling allowing only a legitimate profit as related to the investment in the business. 9. To be constantly on the alert to find better methods of production and distribution. 10. To follow sound ethical principles in the conduct of our business, and to put every transaction on the very highest plane of business honor. 11. Not to make false or disparaging statements respecting competitors' products, business, financial credit, etc., that would appear to the disadvantage of any slate, but at all times encourage the use of slate for purposes where it is unexcelled. 12. Not to harass competitors by fake requests for estimates, for catalogs, etc. 13. Not to sell slate at or below cost, coupled with statements misleading the public into the belief it was sold at a profit by reason of the seller's superior facilities. 14. Not to use the samples or reputation of one manufacturer for the purpose of getting an order and filling it with similar goods made by another manufacturer. 15. Regardless of reported actions by competitors the facts should be ascertained before acting upon reports or inferences that would cast suspicion upon a fellow member. 16. Make no deductions, rebates, or discounts which would camouflage the contents or amount of a contract unless plainly stated on the face of the bid and invoice when shipment is made. 17. Any member of the Association who influences the cancellation of a contract already taken in good faith by another member of the Association and who profits by the cancellation, shall be subjected to an investigation on the part of the Board of Directors if the party injured so desires, and findings of the Board shall be final. 18. The members of this Association are responsible for the merchandising methods and for all acts or activities on the part of their representatives and salesmen in the field. 19. To discourage advertising of an unfair, misleading or demoralizing nature. 20. To aid every legitimate effort to elevate the standing of the slate business in the eyes of buyers and sellers, to uphold the prestige of the National Slate Association, and to make prompt report to the Secretary of any established violation of this Code of Business Practices and any subsequent additions thereto, whether by a member of the Association or by another. 21. To foster and encourage craftsmanship among those who produce, apply or install slate. To co-operate with contractors, and dealers who believe in and practice sound business methods, and advance the sale and proper use of slate. |