A card which provides for reports, other than those furnished by the agencies, is shown in Fig. 7. A line for the folder number will be noted at the top, a numerical system of filing the folders being used. Although the numerical system is frequently found, it has no practical advantages, and the alphabetical system is to be preferred. The form shown in Fig. 8 provides for more general information about the business--such information as would be gathered from the reports of salesmen and local correspondents. It will be noted, also, that the financial information refers more especially to the firm members. This card is used to supplement the books of the agencies. [Illustration: Fig. 6. Credit Agency Report Card] [Illustration: Fig. 7. General Credit Report Card] The card shown in Fig. 9 gives a complete history of reports asked and received, and of credits granted. This form is used in a business in which the purchases of a customer are infrequent, and involve considerable sums. The credit risk is considered each time an order is received. The card shown in Fig. 10 is used by a retailer. As is usual in retail credits, the information provided for in this form refers to past experiences and the general reputation of the customer. [Illustration: Fig. 8. General Credit Information Card] Like the folders used for filing credit statements and reports, credit cards should be indexed alphabetically, subdivided by states and towns when necessary. Filed in this manner, each card is accessible, and can be referred to quickly. An advantage of cards for this and many other purposes is that obsolete matter is quickly eliminated, and new names are added at will without disturbing the general arrangement of the records. BRANCH HOUSE CREDITS Many businesses are conducted through branch houses, each in charge of a local manager. Customers are supplied by the branches, and it is customary to have each branch house collect its own accounts. Weekly reports of the business transacted, including sales, collections, and stock on hand, are made by each branch to the home office. Duplicate accounts, made up from these reports, enable the home office to keep in as close touch with each account as though collections were made direct. [Illustration: Fig. 9. Card Record of Reports Received and Credit Granted] [Illustration: Fig. 10. Credit Card for Retailer's Use] Large concerns, operating many branches, have found by experience that it is best to pass on all local applications for credit at the home office. This work is handled by a division of the credit organization, known as the _branch house credit department_.