Quote:
Originally Posted by orthophonic
Why do sellers always call the mini RCA a salesman sample? It was a regular
production item, I remember seeing them on the store shelves back in the
'70's (along with the denim clad Zeniths!).
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Because "salesman samples" is a whole sub-set of collectibles, and people think they're going to score an extra buck by throwing in that term.
The thing is, salesman's samples are usually for products that would be unfamiliar to a new (usually rural) customer, and carrying a full-sized version is impractical. Think of the guy circa 1930, trying to sell a washing machine to a farmer's wife who is still using a washboard and tub. He carries around a little bucket-sized washer to show how she only need pile the clothes inside, then wring them out to dry.
What makes the ebay auction "salesman sample" TV so stupid is the idea a salesman would have to show people living in 1969 or later (judging by the modern RCA logo) what a television set was. Granted I wasn't born until the 70s, but I hear-tell TV was already quite popular by then!