Clothing wholesaler Scott came to Hong Kong from South Africa. He knew that Hong Kong's garment industry was developing well, so he planned to seek partners here.
Because they are both members of the Commonwealth, both parties can enjoy the convenience of low tax rates. In addition, the cost of Hong Kong's own garment industry is relatively low, which prompted Scott to make this trip.
The first manufacturer.
There was a language barrier between the two parties, so the boss finally found an English translator and we were finally able to talk to each other.
The boss was also very happy. He didn't expect to meet a foreign customer. Maybe his fortune had changed and he might be able to bring clothing to Europe and the United States. He immediately felt happy when he thought about it. He knew that if he could do it, he would be the number one in Hong Kong's garment industry.
people.
"Mr. Scott, which country are you a distinguished guest from?"
"I am a clothing wholesaler in South Africa."
"South Africa?"
The translator had some knowledge and explained: "It's Africa!"
"Sa? Africa?"
Because of the influence of traditional concepts, the boss does not have a particularly good impression of Africans. He thinks they are lazy and stupid, and is worried that they will engage in credit transactions.
Therefore, he was greatly disappointed at this time!
And Scott is not particularly satisfied with the size of the boss, the production factory, and the quality of the clothing.
However, he wanted to shop around, so he also said: "I need 700 dozen (1 dozen, 12 pieces) shirts, and I need you to use man-made fiber cloth. After making them, I will send them to Cape Town, South Africa immediately."
The boss quickly said: "Mr. Scott, we may not be able to make this order. We don't have the man-made fiber cloth you mentioned in Hong Kong."
In fact, it was a hidden refusal, because even if Hong Kong didn't have it, it could be imported overseas, and Japan had this kind of fabric. He didn't even think about it, obviously because he was worried that Scott would default on his debt.
8,400 shirts are indeed very tempting, but this is a cooperation with Africa! Although I don’t know why there are white people in Africa, the buyers must be black, so this business is very dangerous, and it might be a trap.
Scott could only shake his head and leave. He already understood the boss's thoughts, and suddenly felt a little incredible, how could these people do business with such insincerity.
Of course, since Laidu has come to Hong Kong, he still hopes to complete this order in Hong Kong.
The second home.
The boss asked Scott to pay first before delivering the goods, and he also needed to give him time to purchase fabrics, which almost showed his "distrust" on his face.
So, Scott returned disappointed again.
Soon, word spread that an African wholesaler was seeking an order for 700 dozen in Sham Shui Po, and garment factories in Hong Kong shook their heads. They all had the same idea, that is, they had a bad impression of Africans, and they were worried that they would
There is an act of credit in transactions.
Located in the Cheung Kong Garment Factory store in Sham Shui Po, Chow Siu-fai inside also heard the news and immediately took the initiative to look for clues about Scott, and told people in the store to keep people there and wait for him if Scott came to visit.
return.
The reason why Zhou Zhaohui reacted like this was because he once heard his boss say that in terms of market, Hong Kong's textile products are currently only available in the local market and Southeast Asia, but whoever can open up the markets in Indonesia and South Africa will become the leader in the industry; as for Europe and the United States,
Hong Kong is currently barely qualified to enter the market.
What's wrong with South Africa? South Africa is not 'Africa'. It is a potential country with about 24% white people.
Based on this, Zhou Zhaohui felt that his opportunity had come. He was the deputy general manager of Yangtze River Garment Factory, responsible for business and other tasks. If he could make a contribution, his boss would be impressed.
After asking around, Zhou Zhaohui actually found Scott in the hotel because he had left his contact information for others.
"Hi, I heard that you are looking for cooperation with a garment factory. We are the first-class garment factory in Hong Kong. We have a large number of Singer's new electric car clothing, and we are very sincere in cooperating with you!" Zhou Zhaohui quickly said to Scott who was staying in the hotel.
Te said.
Scott was immediately surprised because he had been passed by four garment factories today. Of course, there was also a reason why he felt that the other parties were not sincere in cooperating, so they could not reach an agreement.
Unexpectedly, a very proactive garment manufacturer has arrived.
Ever since, Scott invited Zhou Zhaohui to his room to talk, and soon he decided to go to the Yangtze River Garment Factory to inspect the factory the next day.
After Zhou Zhaohui left the hotel, after thinking for a while, he called Tang Zhongyuan again because he hoped that Tang Zhongyuan could receive him in person tomorrow. After all, this customer was very important.
"Boss Tang, the situation is like this. So, can you personally receive me tomorrow?"
Tang Zhongyuan on the phone immediately said: "Manager Zhou, don't worry, this African customer, there are more than 8,000 pieces, and they require man-made fiber. This seems to have to be imported from Japan."
He also doubts whether this order is worth doing. 8,000 shirts is definitely a big order, but often the customers for this kind of order are also very important, because others cannot pay first and then deliver the goods. They usually pay first.
A small deposit is required, and the balance will be paid after inspecting the goods.
So at this point, many manufacturers feel that African businessmen are unreliable, even if you are white.
Zhou Zhaohui immediately said: "Boss Tang, why don't you talk to the boss? He once told me that South Africa is a very important market. Although this country is in Africa, it is indeed a white-dominated country."
If those businessmen had learned geography and humanities, they would not have missed out on business.
Tang Zhongyuan trusted his son-in-law the most, and said quickly: "Okay, I will receive him in person tomorrow, and I will communicate with him as soon as possible in the morning. Thank you for your hard work!"
"You're welcome, this is my duty!"
After hanging up the phone, Tang Zhongyuan couldn't help but look forward to it.
The next morning, Tang Zhongyuan knocked on the door of Lin's house very early. Of course, Lin Zhichao had woken up and was sitting on the sofa reading the newspaper.
"Father-in-law, it's so early!"
Tang Zhongyuan said: "I have something to tell you. Manager Zhou said that the order seems to be a bit troublesome. He needs to import man-made fibers from Japan, then bring the shirts back to Hong Kong to be produced, and then send them to South Africa."
Lin Zhichao suddenly became energetic and said: "How can we bother about making money? There are so many markets in South Africa, whether it is textile fabrics or garment industries. Whoever enters can become an industry leader."
Tang Zhongyuan suddenly became energetic and said: "Okay, I will take this order no matter what, and strive to bring the garment industry into South Africa."
This list is really troublesome!
The kind that would give anyone a headache if they saw it, so Tang Zhongyuan had doubts at first.
Now, he realized that he really should ask his son-in-law for more advice on this part of the market.
At this time, Lin Zhichao added: "The trouble with this list is far more than what you said. As far as I know, there is only one flight from Japan to Hong Kong and then to South Africa every month. This flight only stops in Hong Kong for three days.
It takes four days, so we need to purchase man-made fibers from Japan and ship them to Hong Kong by sea. Then we need to make the garments in three days, package them, and send them to South Africa on the same flight. Otherwise, if we don’t have one flight
Once it’s done, it can only be issued in the second month, and by then, the letter of credit will be gone!”
The so-called letter of credit is a way of saying "credit". If others think that you only made it two months ago, they will definitely not cooperate with you next time.
Tang Zhongyuan immediately said: "There is no problem with 8,400 pieces in three days. It is nothing more than working overtime all night. What's more, we have advanced Singer electric sewing machines."
He is very confident in production!
Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "Well, you and Manager Zhou will take over the business first, and receive others well. As long as the business takes over, you can go all out; if it doesn't take over, then it's useless to say anything."
Tang Zhongyuan said: "Yes!"
Afterwards, he left the Lin family.
At this time, Tang Zhongyuan also understood his shortcomings, which was his lack of market ability. It seemed that he would have to ask his son-in-law for advice.
In fact, Lin Zhichao also thought about guiding his father-in-law to develop the textile market in South Africa and Indonesia. However, he believed that the time had not come yet, so he did not say anything.
The so-called timing is that firstly, Tang Zhongyuan's Oriental Textile still needs to develop stably for a while. Secondly, although these two markets are large, they have not yet developed stably. Thirdly, these two markets have special requirements for textile technology.
Very high.
Sham Shui Po, Lai Yan Garment Factory.
Lin Baixin came to the factory early in the morning, and a female worker came to him.
"Baozhu, what's the matter?" Lin Baixin looked at the female worker Yu Baozhu and said with a smile.
He took a fancy to this female worker, who was both capable and good-looking, so he wanted to take a concubine.
When Yu Baozhu saw her boss looking at her, she straightened her back immediately to show off her youth.
Of course, she didn't forget about business.
"Boss, I heard people say that if we take this order, we will definitely open a new channel and avoid the most competitive local market and Southeast Asian market. Although I don't know what South Africa is like, but it can attract
If white people do business there, it must not be an ordinary African country."
Lin Baixin's eyes immediately lit up, and she became serious and said: "It makes sense! But you know where the guest is, let's contact him quickly!"
Yu Baozhu said: "You can find out the guest's address by asking around. After all, he will also leave his hotel for easy contact!"
Lin Baixin immediately pulled Yu Baozhu out of the house, leaving hundreds of workers watching this scene.
"Tsk, tsk, this girl Yu Baozhu is probably going to be the second aunt!"
"Isn't it obvious? The boss and her are going back and forth every day, and something will happen sooner or later. I just don't know if Boss Lin's real wife will cause trouble?"
"Yes, although it is very promising to be a concubine for a wealthy person these days, if you meet a more aggressive wife, you will also suffer."
"Tch, this hardship is nothing, it's better than working without enough food and clothing. It's a pity that I don't have a beautiful daughter, otherwise I would have introduced her to the factory."
"Boss Lin only cares about Baozhu's appearance. This girl is so charming!"
A group of men and women started gossiping and didn't shut up until the supervisor came over.
Here, Lin Baixin and Yu Baozhu finally inquired about Scott's hotel, but they were sure that he was no longer there, so they decided to leave their contact information at the front desk of the hotel.
Lin Baixin was still worried and said: "Baozhu, why don't you just stay in the hotel and call me as soon as you have any news!"
This girl won his heart. She was capable and good-looking. He was determined to marry this second aunt.
Yu Baozhu nodded and said, "Yeah."
As a result, Lin Baixin and Yu Baozhu got a room together and took the opportunity to get intimate for a while before reluctantly leaving.
Here, Scott visited the Yangtze Garment Factory (inside the Oriental Textile Factory) and was very satisfied with the reception - he was picked up and dropped off from the hotel by car.
At the same time, when I saw the Yangtze River Garment Factory, I immediately felt a lot better.
"Mr. Scott, our factory is the largest garment factory in Hong Kong and can guarantee the quality and delivery time of clothes, so please rest assured!" Tang Zhongyuan said in English.
Scott nodded. When he saw that the Yangtze Garment Factory had many new electric sewing machines, he felt that this factory had advantages that others did not have.
"Your factory management seems to be in good order, which is a little different from other factories. Could it be that Mr. Tang studied abroad?"
Tang Zhongyuan said with a smile: "This is 4S management that originated from a factory in Hong Kong. So, I didn't study abroad, but I learned from other people's factory management experience."
Scott said with satisfaction: "Okay, such a sincere and excellent factory, I am willing to cooperate with you once."
Immediately, Tang Zhongyuan invited Scott to his office to understand the requirements of this order.
At this time, Tang Zhongyuan already knew that this order would be difficult for others to accept, but for him, it was the best opportunity.
In addition to the risks, the most important thing is to produce 700 dozen shirts in three days in order to obtain Scott's letter of credit. This is how business is done, as long as the cooperation is pleasant the first time, you can continue to cooperate next time.
If the first cooperation is not pleasant, how can we cooperate for the second time?
Therefore, the man-made fiber cloth successfully caught the Japan-Hong Kong-South Africa direct flight. This flight will stop in Hong Kong for three to four days. The Yangtze River Garment Factory must complete the cutting, sewing, collaring, and sewing within three days.
New. Ironing, packaging, and some processes must be completed overtime.
Fortunately, the workers of this era are very good!
If it were replaced by the sub-discipline assembly line workers of later generations, it would definitely not be possible, let alone working all night long.
In the morning, Lin Zhichao specially came to Dongfang Textile Factory to communicate with Tang Zhongyuan.
"Father-in-law, I have already found out that the flight from Japan to South Africa will depart from Tokyo in five days. So there is enough time. You send someone to Japan to purchase man-made fibers, and I have someone over there who can handle you."
Tang Zhongyuan said excitedly at this time: "Let me take someone there myself. Scott looks very capable and will definitely bring us more orders in the future."
Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "In short, South Africa boldly accepts orders. As long as word of mouth comes out, Yangtze Garment Factory will be the 'King of Africa'. Coupled with my crocodile shirt brand and our new machines, these combined reasons,
It can make us stand out from Hong Kong garment factories."
Only then did Tang Zhongyuan realize how powerful his son-in-law was in business. No matter which business he was in, he could always do it better than others and have more advantages.
He also thought of a possibility. If Lin Zhichao married his first woman, he would give him 30% of the shares as a bride price. If he married his second daughter, he might be planning to give him 20% as a bride price.
What should he get back then?
When he first offered 30%, the value of the Yangtze River Garment Factory was only HK$30,000. He could still afford it, but now the value of the Yangtze River Garment Factory is between HK$800,000 and 1 million.
On the other side, Zhou Zhaohui took Boss Tang's car and took Scott around Hong Kong.
His idea was very simple, just to prevent Scott from looking for a second one. At this time, Scott was also a satisfied partner, so he relaxed and visited Hong Kong.
In the evening, Zhou Zhaohui said: "Mr. Scott, our boss told you to open the safest hotel in Hong Kong - the Peninsula Hotel, so do you still have anything to take from that hotel?"
Scott asked curiously: "Why does your boss trust me so much?"
He felt vaguely moved in his heart. After all, the scene yesterday was still vivid in his mind. Those garment manufacturers looked down upon others. When they heard that he was from South Africa, they reacted indifferently!
Zhou Zhaohui smiled and said: "Why don't you trust you? Your order is 700 dozen, which is a big order for any Hong Kong factory. And as far as we know, South Africa is a Commonwealth country, and white people dominate this country.
The country's development is better than ours in Hong Kong."
After a round of flattery, Scott felt so happy!
He is a South African, and what he likes to hear most is that only white people can govern this country.
It is conceivable that so many people do not have a good impression of Africa. Now that they are governing South Africa, it is simply a pearl of Africa.
The two happily returned to the hotel, took away their belongings, and then returned to the Peninsula Hotel.
Scott was very satisfied with this treatment.
Yu Baozhu, who was staying in the hotel, knocked on the door from time to time, but missed Scott and his party. It was not until the front desk informed her that Scott left the hotel with a Chinese that Yu Baozhu burst into tears.
She understood that Scott had been robbed, and the opponent was very smart and directly changed Scott's hotel.
Helpless, she could only inform Lin Baixin dejectedly.
In fact, Lin Baixin was not the first person to be interested in the order from South Africa. He felt that this order was very important only after Yu Baozhu's persuasion.
So even though she missed the order, Lin Baixin immediately comforted her second concubine.
"Baozhu, don't be discouraged. We will meet you again in the future. There can't be only one wholesaler in Africa. As long as we remember it, we will try to get an order next time."
"Yeah, boss!"
Although she did not receive an order this time, Lin Baixin saw the bright spots in Yu Baozhu. It would be a very good choice for her to marry home and take care of the factory business for her in the future.
"Looking at the orbs, it seems like they haven't received any orders. Do you think her concubine is going to become a prostitute?"
"No way, the boss must have handled such a big matter personally. If we don't receive the order, can we blame a little girl?"
"That's not necessarily true. The boss may like capable people, but Yu Baozhu didn't do anything good this time. Maybe the boss will just have fun when he gets angry."
For a time, everyone was talking about it.
Some people even did not shy away from the orbs and talked about some gossip.
Although Yu Baozhu heard the workers' words, she did not move. It was not yet time for her to show off her power.
Brother Xing said that he would take her in in the second half of the year. Then she would be Mrs. Lin and could assist Brother Xing in management of the factory. Then she would look good to those who spoke ill of her today.
In her opinion, there are a lot of workers like this on the street. The most important thing in Hong Kong is people, even people who can sew.