John H. Riddel

John H. Riddel, Machinery Merchant, Jamaica Chambers, 49, Jamaica Street.—

    It is a notable feature in good machinery that it does not so much wear out as it becomes antiquated, and that therefore, while yet capable of performing its allotted task as well as ever, true regard for the best interests of its owners involve that it should be superseded by an improved pattern doing more or better work. It is often retained, however, simply because it represents a certain sum in the stock-book, which will be lost and must be written off if the old but serviceable machine be carried to the scrap-heap or sold for old metal, as is usually its fate.

    The aid of Mr. John H. Riddel, however, might preserve it for better use. He has long recognised the important fact that a machine which is all but worthless to one firm may be almost invaluable to another and smaller one, or in a different line of business. In 1876, therefore, he established his business for the purchase and sale of new and second-hand machinery of all kinds. Machinery of all kinds and for all purposes is on sale, and as most of it is in or near Glasgow, and can be inspected in actual work, the advantage to intending purchasers is very great.

    Special lists are prepared and published monthly, giving particulars of engines, machinery, or other appliances suitable to the particular industry to which the list is addressed. One list is for bleachers, calico printers, dyers, finishers, &c., another for papermakers, while a third is for builders, public works contractors, and so on. One list is confined entirely to steam engines of various kinds, while another comprises every article that can possibly be required in connection with the particular industry for which it was compiled. The particulars given in the lists are always sufficiently detailed to enable any practical man to at once determine whether an article is likely to suit his purpose. If he thinks it is, he inquires the price, and if that also suits he makes an appointment to inspect it, from which point the business assumes the ordinary commercial relations.

    Mr. Riddel invites communication from both buyers and sellers, and by his experience and knowledge of the markets he is often able to give very valuable advice. His registered telegraphic address is ‘Riddel, Glasgow,’ and his business connections extend to all parts of the world. Persons open to buy and those wishing to sell find a ready market by sending him full particulars of their requirements. The advantage of such an intermediary cannot be overstated. That it is appreciated by business men is shown by the great number of transactions effected through the agency. In cases of forced sale, great benefit is often experienced by the avoidance of the sacrifice which otherwise takes place by the dearth of persons wishing to purchase. To buyers, a second-hand machine is often even better than a new one, while the price is very much less.

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