260  SELLING  LATIN  AMERICA

the  order  has  been  signed  the  merchant  should
have  a  copy,  another  sent  to  the  house,  while
you  retain  the  third  one  for  your  personal  files
and  for  future  reference.
If  possible  always  carry  your  samples  in
one  or  more  cases.  Clothes  should  never  be
packed  with  them,  but  in  separate  trunks.
Now  and  then  you  will  find  officious  and  over
energetic  customs  officials.  Treat  them  with
courtesy,  even  if  they  irritate  you.  Remember
that  they  can  make  you  endless  trouble  and
that  they  may  understand  any  caustic  remarks
you  may  venture  to  make  in  English.  As  a
rule,  however,  these  officials  are  very  considerate. ­
  If  you  are  selling  shoes,  it  is  wise  to  bring
only  one  sample  of  each  pair.  If  you  carry  a
line  of  silverware,  have  each  sample  sawed  in
half.  This  will  at  once  remove  suspicion
from  you  as  far  as  the  customs  are  concerned.
If  you  are  to  travel  the  West  Indies,  Central
America  and  the  northern  countries  of  South
America,  including  Brazil,  Colombia,  Venezuela ­
  and  Ecuador,  light  clothes  should  be  relied ­
  upon.  Remember  too  that  in  the  high-