The success of the Sears company is all the more remarkable when you consider that in its early days it was not terribly noted for scruples. In one early ad, it offered a sewing machine at the exceptional price of $1. Customers who responded received a needle and thread. In 1899 it ran ads offering, for the next sixty days only, a luxuriously upholstered sofa and two matching chairs for just ninety-five cents. Thousands sent in their orders - and received three pieces of doll's house furniture. ("Made in America" by Bill Bryson)