"What do you mean 'getting something for nothing'? I also put in effort, okay? Besides, it's not like we're not paying."
This model certainly isn't getting something for nothing; it merely reduces initial operating costs by having oneself act as a foreign trade salesperson to secure orders, then finding an OEM factory for processing.
The earliest form of foreign trade was actually the "three imports and one compensation":
"processing imported materials, processing imported samples, assembling imported parts, and compensation trade."
This was the earliest form of foreign trade in our history, mainly characterized by factories established by Hong Kong and foreign capital, recruiting migrant workers from the mainland to earn profits through cheap labor.
Domestic enterprises were not yet well-developed at that time, and getting into a factory usually required 'backdoor' connections.
After entering the new millennium, with China's accession to the WTO, domestic enterprises began to flourish, and the period from 2000 to 2008 was considered the golden age for the foreign trade industry.
The biggest advantage for domestic enterprises was their cost advantage; many businesses were even 'husband-and-wife shops,' where the husband handled sales and the wife managed the factory.
Recruit a few more workers, and the basic setup would be established.
Tan Jincheng currently wants to adopt this model as well: he will personally secure orders, while Zhang Xupeng manages the factory from the rear, leading workers in production.
However, a big problem in the early stages is that their initial capital is insufficient; setting up a small stall with a few people might be feasible.
On the other hand, even if it truly gets off the ground, Zhang Xupeng's current capabilities are also an issue.
Therefore, in the early stages, Tan Jincheng plans to use the OEM factory model, collaborating with OEM factories through sample processing to first cultivate a group of loyal customers.
As for Zhang Xupeng, he'll first be thrown into an OEM factory to operate a sewing machine for a few days, learn factory management, and get some experience.
This model is somewhat similar to how smartphones would be handled a few years later, or even new energy vehicles a decade or more later.
Designing a phone or a car, pre-selling it, then finding an OEM factory to assemble it based on the number of orders; however, there are also some specific differences.
In the wild, pioneering phase, as long as they can make money, that's enough.
There's no need to stick to formalities, no need to standardize everything, as long as it's not illegal.
With perfect exchange rates and a golden age for the industry, what Tan Jincheng needed to do was to quickly immerse himself in it, make money, and make more money.
With more capital, he could then do what he wanted.
Subsequently, Tan Jincheng briefed Zhang Xupeng on some basic knowledge of foreign trade, how a novice should 'exit the beginner's village,' and what they could do with their existing capital.
All of this was based on some memories from his previous life, as well as what he had gathered during the past half month at home, and even some knowledge he had learned on the boat.
Since his rebirth, Tan Jincheng had been contemplating his future direction, how to utilize the knowledge and experience from his previous life, and the question of making money from general trends.
It could be said that he had made thorough preparations before starting his business.
After returning home, Tan Jincheng was far from as casual as one might imagine; he had been busy preparing these things all the time.
In his backpack, there was even a complete business plan.
How could Zhang Xupeng know any of this?
He listened, utterly bewildered, just feeling that Xiao Tan was amazing and seemed to know everything.
After a long while, Zhang Xupeng finally came to his senses:
"I was wondering why you were studying English whenever you had free time on the boat. You had already planned all of this?"
Back on the boat, Xiao Tan would seize any opportunity to converse with foreigners and even bought many English books.
Zhang Xupeng thought it was preparation for retaking exams after landing.
Now it seems Xiao Tan has had this idea for more than just a day or two and has already made so many preparations.
"I knew it. No wonder when I suggested opening a restaurant back then, you flat-out refused. So you had already made preparations."
Then, Zhang Xupeng thought again:
"Wait a minute, you've been preparing for so long, why didn't you tell me?"
"How was I to know what you were thinking? Maybe you still wanted to study. I only told you after you said you didn't want to study and wanted to open a restaurant."
"That's true, I also only decided after getting a beating when I got home. But you've made so many preparations, wouldn't it be a loss to bring me along? You could do it alone; just hire someone to help out."
Being able to say this shows that Zhang Xupeng is still very rational.
It's fine for brothers to do business together reasonably, and it's fine to get rich together.
But if one party clearly invested a lot of time and effort in the early stages, and the other only needed to follow with money, then the latter would be taking advantage.
It's actually fine to take a small advantage of a brother, but the premise is to be aware of it and not pretend to be ignorant after taking advantage.
"What are you talking about? You came to me first when you wanted to open a restaurant. If I want to earn US dollars, shouldn't I bring you along?"
"But that's different. Back then, I just had an idea, it hadn't taken shape yet. You've clearly made thorough preparations; even if you miss this Canton Fair, you'd still be in time for next year's Spring Canton Fair."
Through the recent explanation, Zhang Xupeng already knew that the Canton Fair is held in spring and autumn, and that there are other major trade events besides this one, including some online channels Tan Jincheng had also talked about.
"That's true, what you said, but of course, the sooner we make money, the better," Tan Jincheng replied with a smile. "Besides, when brothers are of one mind, their strength can break metal."
"Alright, since you put it that way, I won't say anything more. I'll accept this favor from you."
"No need to talk about favors. But even among brothers, accounts should be clear. Let's first discuss the issue of equity distribution."
Zhang Xupeng and I are both relatively rational people.
In their previous life, they partnered in business very well in the early stages, and both decision-making power and equity were equally divided.
Although there were some disputes, they were all perfectly resolved.
It wasn't until Zhang Xupeng got a girlfriend and was preparing to get married that the two discussed splitting up.
In Zhang Xupeng's words, he didn't want their brotherhood to fall apart due to reasons related to their respective families.
In fact, it was true.
In his previous life, Tan Jincheng had seen many partners who broke up unhappily due to 'pillow talk.'
This wasn't entirely due to women.
When men are single, they don't care much about earning a little more or a little less, but once they have a family, their sense of responsibility changes.
Many aspects need to be considered, and with some external factors, it's normal for disagreements to arise.
In their previous life, their business wasn't big, and it was easy to start anew separately.
But in this life, Tan Jincheng couldn't guarantee that the two would split up again.
Therefore, he must have a certain say in the company's operations.
A legitimate company can have several founders and many shareholders, but in operations, there must only be one voice.
"You say, how should we distribute it?"
Zhang Xupeng said nonchalantly, as he didn't understand this aspect.
In his opinion, the equity distribution should be equal.
However, since Xiao Tan had prepared so much in advance, it was only right for him to ask for a bit more.
Subsequently, Tan Jincheng educated him on some company law and knowledge regarding company operations.
Having had experience running a company in his previous life, he still understood some basic principles.
"So, to avoid having two different voices in operations, that's indeed the case. What if in the future, I want to sell a batch of goods to 'Old America,' and you want to sell to Europe? It would be bad to listen to either of us,"
Zhang Xupeng nodded.
At this moment, he was like a blank slate, but years of brotherhood made him feel that Xiao Tan would definitely not trick him.
Listening to Xiao Tan was also not wrong.
Although he was a bit older than Xiao Tan, this kid had been smart since childhood and often came up with clever ideas.
For example, back in junior high, one summer vacation he followed Xiao Tan to his rural hometown to play.
He and Xiao Tan's younger brothers wanted to sneakily pick peaches from the neighbor's tree to eat.
But unfortunately, the neighbor was taking a nap at home, and if they climbed the tree inside the courtyard wall, they would definitely be discovered.
Just when everyone didn't know what to do, Xiao Tan came up with a good idea almost without thinking:
"'I'll run in front, and a few younger brothers will chase me from behind with long poles, pretending to hit me. When we pass the peach tree, we'll stop and knock down a peach with a pole. That way, we can eat peaches.'"
When it comes to coming up with ideas, it has to be Xiao Tan.
Listening to him is always right.
(End of Chapter)
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