December 18, 1985, the first day of the Tokyo International Luggage Fair.
The most amazing scene of this year's event occurred in the first exhibition hall of the Tokyo Distribution Center in Ota-ku, Tokyo.
This bag show originally held its annual event close to Christmas and lacked the participation of European and American people, so its international influence was relatively limited.
Basically, it is considered good if we can recruit hundreds of exhibitors every year. The buyers who are willing to come to the exhibition basically belong to Asia.
For example, South Korea, which was still called South Korea at this time, and countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Among them, regions like Singapore, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan are considered wealthy buyers.
There are almost no buyers from Western countries and real international big names participating.
Therefore, it stands to reason that Japanese luggage brands and manufacturers should play the leading role in this kind of exhibition.
The main function should be to help these local households release excess production capacity to other Asian countries and export products.
The limelight of this clinker exhibition was completely stolen by an exhibitor from the third world.
A little-known company named "Yilade" from mainland China has become a dark horse in this luggage show.
Don't look at it. The exhibition organizer almost sold a standard booth with the worst location in a corner area to this company.
But in this remote corner, the extremely simple aluminum booth of 12 square meters could not stop the enthusiasm of buyers from various Asian countries.
It was just past noon, and the place was actually more crowded than the Japanese brand with special decorations in the middle of the exhibition area.
Even the corner was surrounded by people, and even many exhibitors and fellow bag makers were attracted.
This abnormal situation naturally alarmed the exhibition organizers, and they didn't figure out what was going on until they came over to take a look.
The reason is that this company has launched a patented trolley four-wheel suitcase.
Those who participated in the exhibition were all experts in the luggage industry, and no one ignored the huge business opportunities contained in this thing.
Anyone who has seen a live demonstration of the product and received promotional materials will find that this thing is awesome.
Compared with the most fashionable traction rope suitcase currently on the market from the American company Samsonite, it is much easier to use in terms of function.
While the appearance is equally beautiful, this kind of suitcase is more convenient to control the direction and saves effort.
Perfectly makes up for the shortcomings of the traction rope suitcase.
It is completely conceivable that even a weak woman can easily carry such a suitcase on a long journey.
And the key is that the price is still cheap.
The Pierre Cardon brand suitcases represented by Yi La De Company are high-end products they sell.
Depending on the size and material, the wholesale price is US$300 to US$400 each, which is only half the price of Samsonite's patented products.
Also, the Goldlion brand in Hong Kong City is mid-range, with wholesale prices ranging from US$150 to US$200.
The price is about 40% higher than ordinary suitcases from famous brands, which makes it more attractive and can be said to be extremely cost-effective.
However, the most incredible thing has to be said to be the trolley suitcase produced by Yi Lade Company in Mainland China.
Because it is aimed at the low-end market, the wholesale price only ranges from US$50 to US$100.
This is completely equivalent to the price of ordinary suitcases sold in Western countries.
The price is even slightly lower, especially in line with the actual needs of the Asian market.
The quality is decent, not comparable to Western products, and much worse than Japanese products, but the quality is much better than products produced in other Asian countries.
As a result, not only buyers from various countries rushed to inquire about prices and place orders enthusiastically, but even luggage manufacturers from various countries also wanted to invest and strive to obtain patent authorization.
Everyone can see that this is an epoch-making product that can change the structure of the suitcase market, and this transaction contains unlimited profits.
It's a pity that although Yi La De Company is new in this industry, it is not in a hurry for success and is full of confidence.
They were sure that their goods would be sold.
Therefore, we only cooperate with powerful buyers from various countries and only accept orders above US$50,000.
And they also completely rejected the luggage manufacturers who requested authorized production.
As a result, their booth became increasingly overcrowded, and many rejected people couldn't leave.
The scene was a chaos. Many people were talking to themselves around the booth, and it was impossible to hear who was talking through the noise.
This scene even frightened the organizers of the exhibition.
In order to avoid unexpected events and safety incidents, they had to come forward to persuade and lead people to clear the blocked flow of people.
In the end, the exhibitors at Yi La De Company took the initiative to change their words and keep their stories alive.
Regarding authorization issues, we need to consult with China for instructions.
And after leaving the contact information of Huaxia Company to some well-known Japanese manufacturers.
The chaotic situation and crowd congestion at the scene began to gradually improve.
Of course, for this reason, even the exhibition organizers no longer dared to underestimate this easy-to-read company that they had never heard of.
The person in charge of the exhibition organizing company not only arranged dedicated personnel in the left and right aisles of the Easy Lade Company to clear the flow of people.
Moreover, after the exhibition closed, I made a special trip to visit the exhibitors of Yirad Company and handed over my business card.
After expressing a false apology for not being able to provide a better booth this time.
The person in charge of the exhibition organizing company sincerely sent out the invitation in advance, hoping that Yi La De Company will continue to participate in the exhibition next year.
He also stated that he would provide certain discounts on fees and would also give them priority in selecting booths.
This kind of "top student" treatment is in the eyes of peers and can't help but make other companies in the same aluminum booth feel envious.
However, you know that everything has two sides.
As soon as they left the first exhibition hall of the Tokyo Circulation Center, the two exhibitors from the Easy-Lad Company, which had a great reputation in the exhibition today, showed signs of exhaustion.
Not to mention the droopy hands carrying the leather bag, the whole person looked like it was leaning against the wind.
Just looking at that unlucky behavior, you can tell that this day has exhausted both of them.
"Hey, Wei Min, can you give me a drink? I've talked so much today. My throat is almost smoking. You said you wouldn't prepare two more bottles of water..." Zou Guodong said softly.
He rubbed his throat and said hoarsely.
"Stop complaining. Even if we prepare water, you still have to be free to drink it." Ning Weimin's voice didn't sound much better.
"Don't make me fuss, just tell me what to drink..."
"Water! Of course, drink water!"
"No. Just coffee and oolong tea, or beer..."
Ning Weimin looked at the two vending machines in the distance and responded like this.
"Then let's have beer..." Zou Guodong had to settle for the next best thing.
But as a result, Ning Weimin came back not long after, and what he brought back was two oolong teas.
"You did it on purpose, right? I can't get used to this..." Zou Guodong couldn't help but complain.
"Let's make do with it, this is the only one left there. We have no choice, we won't leave until the exhibition is over, and others have already sold out..."
In this way, Zou Guodong sadly accepted the reality, sighed, and opened the can.
"Oh, my legs are really sore after standing all day..."
"Mr. Zou, otherwise you don't come here tomorrow. You can go back after a good rest for a day. Seeing you so tired, I really can't bear it..." Ning Weimin looked at his appearance and said a little hypocritically.
Zou Guodong did not confuse him, "Okay, don't do this with me. I took the initiative to cancel the air ticket, and I took the initiative to help you with this favor. Of course, I have to help you to the end. Where can I help you?"
The reason for giving up halfway. Besides, you gave me such an expensive watch. If I don’t persist to the end, I will feel sorry for you."
"Haha, it's not that bad."
Ning Weimin smiled and said, "Mr. Zou, to be honest, with you here, I feel at ease. Who would have thought that trolley suitcases are so popular. I can't stand it alone. Thanks to you,
You take care of the English-speaking customers, and I take care of the Japanese-speaking customers. Our cooperation is called tacit understanding, and we complement each other."
"Don't be modest. If you didn't expect it, you wouldn't sign up for this exhibition. I know you very well. You were born as the son of the God of Wealth. But I'm curious why you only accept orders.
What if we don’t sell patent licenses? Based on our domestic production capacity alone, the annual output is still limited. And the market is too big. Selling licenses, isn’t it free money? It’s the same as collecting taxes on the market. Why don’t you agree?”
"It's not that we won't sell it, but that we have to wait. Don't look at it, it's only one year away, but it's a big difference. If there is one year's time, if the products of several of our companies are put on the market, not only can they have a preemptive effect, but they can also
It will create a demonstration effect and tell others with facts how popular this travel trolley is. Then it will be much easier to negotiate the price if we sell the license next year. We simply cannot afford to be in such a hurry."
"Well, that's right. It's obvious that your invention has been a big success again. This is enough to prove that your market vision is not wrong. I believe in your prediction. What's more, today alone, you have received no less than one million US dollars."
Order, right? This exhibition only lasts for four days. You can send it out as soon as it is over. With this show, it will not be a problem for Yi La to make a profit of two to three million US dollars this year. There is no need for you to be anxious.
It is to our advantage to delay."
"That's what I thought."
Seeing that Zou Guodong agreed with his opinion, Ning Weimin was a little proud.
However, Ning Weimin couldn't bear what Zou Guodong said.
"Well, now I completely understand why you don't want to be the vice president of the company. It seems that the company Yi La De is still valuable. Once the trolley suitcases started mass production, you held the shares of Yi La De, but you
You can make money while lying down. Why worry about things like that anymore? If you sell the authorization to others, you will become the richest man in the country. And you will soon be richer than Mr. Song."
"No, Mr. Zou, please don't say that. I'll thank you. Can you please say goodbye to me, the richest man? I don't dare to compare with Mr. Song. You don't want me to go back to China."
Ning Weimin wiped his hands with cold sweat before continuing.
"I've said it a long time ago. I'm avoiding domestic matters, which is a bit sorry. But there's nothing we can do about it. We need to fight on two fronts at home and abroad so that we can move forward faster. Frankly speaking,
He said, apart from you, I really can’t find anyone I can entrust and trust to take charge of domestic affairs. If you really feel that you are losing money, then at worst, let Yi La find the money to buy you a luxury car.
Car. You can choose any car you like, and I will give you dividends at the end of the year. I will report to Mr. Song..."
"Ouch, this... has been passed. If this is really the case, it would be blackmail."
At this point in the conversation, it was a bit off target.
Zou Guodong couldn't help but regain his integrity to save his name.
"I don't mean anything else, don't get me wrong. I'm just joking with you. To be honest, I value your trust in me, and I'm very excited to be able to participate in such a major plan for the company's development.
I also agree with your cake theory, so what I care about is how we get things done. I am not a good boss who will suffer from pink eye and hate you. Besides, I don’t know what you think? I have seen it with my own eyes.
As I can see, it’s not easy for you in Japan, and you are even busier than at home. At this exhibition, you are also working hard to block business for Pierre Cardin and Jinli. If you are really a person who loves to enjoy yourself, how can you do such a thankless job?
What about the matter? It is definitely the most cost-effective for you to sell easy-to-use products. So as for me, please rest assured, I will not go back and sue you. On the contrary, I will go to Mr. Song in front of
I’m so proud of you.”
With this, Ning Weimin finally relaxed and smiled again.
"It's an honor, it's such an honor. Don't I still believe in you? The famous Zou Principle. He is always upright in his conduct and work. But even so, I also want to try sugar-coated bullets. How about it, let's not be vain.
Okay. How about going to a high-end place to spend money at night? Give me a chance, so that you, the god, won’t go back and say bad things about me in the company and scold me for being stingy..."
"Go away, you are doing this again."
Zou Guodong said jokingly to himself, "You really think of me as the Kitchen God. I have to say hello to you when I eat your candy. Okay, let's go back quickly. To be honest, I'm so tired today that I just want to go back and have a bite. It's so good."
Go to bed. I don’t even want to take a bath in sento. Just don’t give me anything else. If you really want to make me happy, it’s actually very easy to do. At the convenience store outside the apartment building, you can give me a Kirin.
Just beer and a fancy bento."
"That's it?"
"That's it!"
Zou Guodong said categorically, "Ah, by the way, if you still feel sorry for yourself, then you can wash the dishes you didn't wash in the morning..."
Then he threw the empty can into the trash can and waved hello to Ning Weimin, who was a little stunned.
"Let's go! Take the subway! What are you still thinking about?"
At this moment, Zou Guodong thought that Ning Weimin had been moved by his honesty.
However, he was just wishful thinking, because he never expected that Ning Weimin would answer him with his eyes straightened, as if he was sleepwalking.
"Wait, wait... don't talk yet, let me think of something..."
"What, what? Can you stop nagging? Let's go."
"No, no... that's right, I thought of it, I thought of it..."
"What did you think of? Why did you suddenly become so confused..."
"I came up with a great idea that can make me rich! Roll-up! Yes, I thought of roll-up!"
Ning Weimin suddenly returned to normal and happily patted Zou Guodong on the shoulder.
"Mr. Zou, my Yi La De company has a new project now. This time, I want to make a portable display for exhibitions!"
Ning Weimin then excitedly explained to Zou Guodong how inconvenient it was to display some pictures in exhibitions today.
And what exactly was he thinking about and how it could change the current situation.
Now, Zou Guodong was dumbfounded by Ning Weimin's description of the roll-up roll-up that would become popular all over the world in the future.
He was completely stunned on the spot.
My heart said, what kind of brain do you have?
How come you can come up with such an idea just after a visit to the exhibition hall? Even the name is so good and wonderful.
Is this... a genius?
Damn it, when you said you wanted to surpass Song Zongzong just now, weren't you being conservative?
You are clearly trying to surpass Einstein and Edison!
You are not a business wizard, you are an all-rounder in business and invention!