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 consider 
ate. 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, Vene 
zuela and Ecuador, light clothes should be re 
lied upon. Remember too that in the high-