Yuan Wenqing nodded, then asked, "How much stock do you plan to take?"
"Five hundred units." Gu Hongwei spoke the number that they had agreed upon beforehand.
They had pondered this issue beforehand. If they ordered too little, Yuan Wenqing might look down at the business for being too small and not wish to cooperate. Moreover, even if Yuan Wenqing was willing, too few units wouldn’t be cost-effective since they needed to consider shipping costs.
If the order was too large, it would strain their capital. Five hundred units was within their means.
Yuan Wenqing nodded, but he didn’t give an immediate answer or mention the price. Gu Hongwei found it tricky to gauge Yuan Wenqing’s intentions, so he remained silent and waited patiently.
Seeing this, Yuan Zhichu helped, saying: "Uncle, they are still young and don’t have much savings from just starting their business. Therefore, they could only make a small order initially. When their path is cleared, they would increase the order. Maybe next time they won’t just want radios, but TVs as well. Please, for my sake, give these young men a chance to start their venture."
Upon hearing his nephew’s words, Yuan Wenqing laughed heartily, "You, despite still in school, have already learned the smooth talk of a businessman."
After speaking, he looked at Gu Hongwei and said, "Young man, Zhichu has mentioned your ideas to me before. I don’t mind selling to you as selling goods to anyone is a way to make money. However, I have a better suggestion. I don’t know if you’ll mind me being verbose, are you willing to hear what this old man has to say?"
At these words, their eyes instantly lit up. Yuan Wenqing’s massive success in business couldn’t be achieved without exceptional acumen. He had many years of business experience and his business instincts were unquestionable.
Those who can seize the opportunities brought by reform are all shrewd individuals. If he was willing to share his wisdom, it would be foolish not to listen.
Gu Hongwei controlled his excitement and replied: "We are all ears."
Yuan Wenqing was quite pleased with Gu Hongwei’s attitude, neither arrogant nor impatient. He indeed saw good potential in him.
He said, "Zhichu told me earlier that you intend to resell radios to more remote cities. It’s indeed a good idea. But since you’ve just entered the industry and probably don’t have many contacts, carrying a few hundred units of goods out, there could be problem of unsold stock. Without a reliable partner to take over, it could create significant financial pressure for you. Therefore, I suggest you start with smaller items."
Unexpectedly, Yuan Wenqing recommended they start somewhere else, this was something they had not considered and was completely beyond their expectations.
Gu Hongwei didn’t want to make a hasty decision. He wasn’t in a rush, but asked, "Mr. Yuan, do you have any other goods to recommend?"
"Smart." Yuan Wenqing laughed and nodded, "To tell you the truth, I indeed have some other goods that I’d like to recommend. I currently have a batch of stagnated goods. Hard to sell here in Kyoto, but in remote cities, they would be best sellers."
"Uncle, quit being mysterious, my curiosity is killing me, just tell us!" Yuan Zhichu couldn’t wait and urged him.
Yuan Wenqing laughed and said, "You young man, are too impatient. You still need some polishing."
After speaking, he looked back at Gu Hongwei, this time refraining from being mysterious", he said: "There are two thousand flashlights in our factory that can’t sell well in Kyoto, but in the countryside, they would certainly sell like hotcakes. If you’re willing to resell them, I can offer them at cost price. Additionally, you can first pay a deposit of a thousand yuan, then sell the goods and pay me the rest later. If you can’t sell all of them, you can return them back to factory. Now, take some time to consider."
Gu Hongwei didn’t expect Yuan Wenqing to trust them so much, allowing them to pay after selling the goods, and to return unsold goods. This no-risk deal is indeed an opportunity, but he didn’t have the authority to make the decision alone. Subconsciously, he looked at Tong Yao and Guo Jinnian.
Guo Jinnian felt astounded by the suggestion and almost accepted on the spot. Flashlights would indeed sell well in the countryside, especially as Yuan Wenqing sweetened the deal further, making it even more tempting.
Compared to them, Tong Yao wasn’t surprised by Yuan Wenqing’s immense trust in them, but rather by the fact that his business strategies were so advanced for this era.
This kind of sales methods, was quite commonplace in the 21st century.
The old man is indeed impressive.
While this plan seems to benefit them, it doesn’t mean that Yuan Wenqing gets the short end of the stick. Unused stock in the factory for a long period would just become junk.
Giving it to them to sell, not only does it build goodwill, but if they sell all the goods, it would also solve the problem of clearing the unused stock. She would never believe that the cost price quoted by a businessman is the actual cost. It would certainly be less than what other merchants get, that’s for sure.
This win-win strategy was indeed not bad. She shared a glance with Guo Jinnian, and then signaled Gu Hongwei.
Yuan Wenqing noted the silent interaction among the three people, and thought even more of them. Such courage and teamwork were rare among their peers.
Therefore, he retracted a bit and said, "If you don’t wish to accept this proposal and still want to purchase the radios, it’s totally fine. I respect your decision."
Gu Hongwei spoke: "Mr. Yuan, we are willing to accept your proposal. You have given us such a good opportunity, if we pass it up, we will surely regret it later."
"Haha, excellent. Since you have no objections, I will take you to see the goods this afternoon. You can pick up the goods whenever you like, even taking a little less than ordered is fine." Yuan Wenqing was in a good mood. As Tong Yao had thought, while he intended to offer a more advantageous price, it was not the cost price. After all, he was a businessman.
To get to where he was today, he first had to be honest and wise, followed by being ruthless when needed. He could not afford to let any opportunities to earn money slip by.
With hundreds of workers waiting for their wages, he couldn’t just do charity. How else would he feed so many workers?
Gu Hongwei’s eyes lit up. He immediately nodded and agreed. Not only did they close a deal this time, but they also got a pleasant surprise. He was very pleased.
Cheng Feng swept his gaze over Tong Yao without anyone noticing, then said, "Now that everyone is here and the deal is done, I would like to invite everyone out for a meal. Do you have time?"
"Cousin, it’s your treat, of course we have time!"
Yuan Zhichu joyfully agreed, then turned to Gu Hongwei and said, "Hongwei, my cousin has just taken over the family business, and now he’s the owner of the Egg Waffle Cake Factory."
Upon hearing this, Gu Hongwei looked at Cheng Feng in surprise. Last time when Tong Yao and Tong Yaohui wanted to pave a path towards him, they were unable to meet him. But this time, they met him unexpectedly?
With that in mind, he acknowledged Cheng Feng and said some complementary remarks, "Never would I have thought that Boss Cheng is so young and is already a big boss. It’s hard to believe."
Tong Yao feigned surprise as well.
Cheng Feng smiled modestly, "I have merely taken over the family business. It is the previous generation who are capable, not me."
"Boss Cheng is too modest," Gu Hongwei said.