On October 14th, the business license finally came through, one day later than the agency company had initially projected.
However, Tan Jincheng was already very satisfied with this speed.
The administrative efficiency in those days, no matter which city, couldn't be compared to later generations.
If he had to handle these procedures himself, it would take at least half a month or even longer to get them done.
He wouldn't even know which door to go through.
Under such special circumstances, these well-connected agency companies could save a lot of trouble; naturally, the cost would also be higher.
Compared to last time, their wallets were much emptier.
"Aside from the payment for goods, we only have 10,000 yuan left. I don't know if it'll be enough for rent,"
Zhang Xupeng said with some worry.
"How could it not be enough? We're not paying rent all at once. Besides, apart from the 40,000 yuan advance payment, the rest can be temporarily diverted."
When doing business, is there ever enough money?
You always have to live by scrambling funds together.
To start with 200,000 yuan in startup capital back then was quite a lot.
"Hey, Xiao Tan, the legal representative is listed as you. Does that mean if something happens to the company later, you'll go to jail?"
Zhang Xupeng suddenly asked, looking at the business license on the table.
The two had now moved into their rented two-bedroom apartment, and no longer had to listen to each other's snoring at night.
However, Zhang Xupeng's train of thought moved a bit too fast.
He was just worrying about rent, and now he was asking about the legal representative.
"Yes, if I ever go in, remember to visit me often and bring me some good food or something,"
Tan Jincheng said, feigning seriousness.
The business license, company seal, and corporate bank account were all set.
As for the most important import and export rights, that was still in process and should be ready in about three or four days.
But with these, it was already enough.
At least signing contracts wouldn't be a problem.
"Let's go, let's go find your relative and sign the contract."
It was a day later than planned, and Boss Zhang had already called yesterday to inquire.
They took the bus and arrived once again at Zhang Haiping's factory in Xixia Village; compared to last time, Zhang Haiping was a little more enthusiastic this time.
Tan Jincheng didn't waste any words, directly pulling out the pre-printed formal contract.
His side already had the company seal and signature, just waiting for Zhang Haiping to fill in his information.
"Jinpeng Trading Company, you two brothers have really made it look legitimate,"
Zhang Haiping said with a laugh.
"Haha, well, we weren't familiar with Boss Zhang before, so please don't take offense,"
Tan Jincheng also laughed.
"Understood, understood; but brother, isn't this order a bit small for foreign trade?"
"It's a sample order, testing the waters; so Boss Zhang, please ensure the quality. We'll have many more opportunities to cooperate in the future."
"Regarding quality, don't worry, brother, it won't be a problem; by the way, brother, have a seat, I'll go get the samples."
The contract was confirmed to be correct, consistent with what was discussed that day, which put Zhang Haiping greatly at ease.
After Tan Jincheng received the samples, he also felt much more at ease.
To judge the quality of a piece of clothing, one looks at the material, the density of the stitching at the seams, whether there are any loose threads, the opening around the buttons, and if, after being crumpled for a few seconds and then released, the fabric wrinkles easily.
If it wrinkles easily, it means the clothing is not durable and the quality is poor.
In those days, the clothing export business in Jiangsu and Zhejiang was already well-developed, and the fabric and quality of the clothes could pass muster.
And from the density of the stitching at the seams, Zhang Haiping truly wasn't exaggerating; his factory workers' sewing skills were indeed quite good.
"Alright, but let's be clear, we must maintain this quality in the future and not deliver goods that don't match the samples."
After a careful inspection, Tan Jincheng said with satisfaction.
"Of course, we value integrity in business. Whatever the samples look like, that's what the actual shipment will definitely look like,"
Zhang Haiping said confidently.
"In that case, we can sign the contract. After the contract is signed, payment will be arranged tomorrow."
After speaking, Tan Jincheng handed the contract he had just retrieved back to Zhang Haiping.
With the contract signed, both parties were very pleased. Then Tan Jincheng said to Zhang Haiping,
"Boss Zhang, this brother of mine will be responsible for goods handover in the future. He's new to the industry, so if he has any problems he doesn't understand, I'll have to trouble Boss Zhang to guide him."
Tan Jincheng's idea was that after he went to Yangcheng, in addition to setting up the company, Zhang Xupeng would learn some clothing knowledge from Zhang Haiping, which would make it easier to interface with OEM factories in the future.
If Zhang Haiping didn't mind, Tan Jincheng even wanted Zhang Xupeng to work in his factory for a few months, regardless of salary, as long as meals were provided.
Immediately, Tan Jincheng explained his idea to Zhang Haiping.
Hearing this, Zhang Haiping was both amused and exasperated.
He now fully understood that these two young men in front of him were just fresh out of society, passionate about starting a business.
They probably had some social experience; Xiao Tan was quite slick, but this Xiao Zhang was a bit lacking; also, their family backgrounds should be quite good, as not many families back then could provide money for their children to start a company.
"Alright, if Xiao Zhang wants to learn, he can come over and see how a piece of clothing is produced. It will be helpful for you both in the future."
It was just a meal, Zhang Haiping didn't take it to heart; as for the work, Zhang Haiping didn't expect much, just considering him an in-house quality inspector.
"Thank you, Boss Zhang. In a few days, I won't be in Beicang. If Xiao Zhang has any problems he can't solve, you can call me."
"No problem, but are you going to run errands?"
"Yes, I'm going to Yangcheng and will probably be back after some time."
"Yangcheng, the Canton Fair?"
Zhang Haiping asked, looking at Tan Jincheng with some surprise.
"Yes,"
Tan Jincheng replied with a smile.
"Oh, young and accomplished, it seems I underestimated the strength of our young Boss Tan."
"Not at all, I still rely on Boss Zhang's support."
Back then, the Canton Fair, still known as the Export Commodities Fair, had expensive booth fees; not every company could afford to exhibit.
The most sought-after thing at the Canton Fair wasn't the goods, but the booths.
It was common for a single booth to be resold for over a hundred thousand yuan, and a large number of booth brokerage companies even emerged in Yangcheng.
Tan Jincheng naturally couldn't afford the hundred-thousand-yuan booth fee, and besides, people might not be willing to sell to him.
The reason he was so confident about going to Yangcheng for the Canton Fair was, of course, that he planned to use other methods to enter the venue.
However, there was no need to tell Zhang Haiping these details; let him misunderstand.
In business, leaving the impression that one is strong is not necessarily a bad thing.
This was also the reason why Tan Jincheng deliberately revealed his itinerary.
I just said I was going to Yangcheng, and I truly am going to the Canton Fair.
As for what you imagine, that's not my business.
(End of Chapter)
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