Commercial Travellers

In the 1870s, travelling carpet salesmen in the UK were a part of a burgeoning trade network that catered to both urban and rural areas. These salesmen, often referred to as “hawkers” or “commercial travelers,” played a crucial role in distributing goods, including carpets, to a wide range of customers.

Key Aspects of a Travelling Carpet Salesman’s Life in the 1870s UK:

1. Mode of Transport:
   • Typically, these salesmen traveled by horse-drawn carts or carriages. The carts were often equipped to carry a substantial amount of merchandise, including large and heavy carpets.
2. Goods Carried:
   • Besides carpets, they might also carry a variety of other textiles and household goods. Carpets were a significant investment for households, and salesmen needed to have a range of styles and qualities to suit different tastes and budgets.
3. Sales Techniques:
   • Salesmen used persuasive techniques to demonstrate the quality and durability of their carpets. They might unroll carpets in potential customers’ homes to showcase their appearance and fit.
   • Offering credit or installment plans was common to make expensive items more accessible to average families.
4. Challenges:
   • Traveling salesmen faced numerous challenges, including rough roads, inclement weather, and the risk of robbery. They had to be resourceful and resilient to maintain their business.
5. Impact on Society:
   • These salesmen helped to bring goods to remote areas that had limited access to urban markets, thereby contributing to the spread of consumer goods and influencing domestic lifestyles.
   • They played a part in the commercialization and modernization of the British economy by facilitating the flow of goods and information.
6. Competition:
   • There was significant competition among salesmen, and establishing a reputation for reliability and quality was crucial. Word of mouth and repeat business were vital for success.
7. Regulation:
   • By the 1870s, there were some regulatory measures in place, such as requiring hawkers to have licenses. This was part of broader efforts to regulate trade and protect consumers.

The role of the travelling carpet salesman in the 1870s UK highlights the interconnectedness of local and national markets during a period of significant economic and social change.