As evidenced by our fully-stocked showroom --typical in urban markets such as Baltimore or Raleigh, but unknown in rural communities-- the 'master dealership' was a success. There is a ''sales story'' which bears repeating as a sign of the times:
Sometime in 1948 or '49, the Jordan Co. placed an order for three boxcar loads of major appliances to be shipped to the railhead in Elizabeth City. Frigidaire (GM / Delco) was hesitant to release the order, and the company salesmen were openly skeptical about the possibility of selling such a large quantity. Furthermore, there wasn't enough warehouse storage available to accommodate the order. Finally the order was released and the shipment scheduled.
When notified of the shipping date, Mr. Jordan announced to the sales staff of 3 that they were to call on or phone retail prospects as well as all sub-dealers and book orders. When the boxcars arrived, the sales staff was temporarily moved to the rail siding. The customers came to claim their appliances at the rail yard. After a few days, the boxcars were shipped out empty. 100% of the order had been sold, none of the appliances had ever been shipped to the warehouse!
