2003: Starting with Foreign Trade

Chapter 93 James's Scheme
As a major importer and exporter, James will naturally not miss the Spring Canton Fair. Moreover, James will increase its purchasing volume this year.

Policy changes mean that losses suffered by one side will naturally be transferred to the other side as a result of the remaining profits. This year's policies are favorable to large importers like James.

Due to flight and visa issues, James did not appear at the Canton Fair venue immediately, but in his opinion, it did not have a significant impact.

Because he had his own goals, and Tan Jincheng was one of them.

Through regular emails and phone conversations, James had a thorough understanding of Jinpeng Trading's production capacity, and he was aware that Jinpeng Trading had expanded its production capacity at the beginning of the year.

Don't ask him how he knew; the business intelligence analysis capabilities of large importers are beyond question.

At the end of last year and the beginning of this year, the policy environment was very favorable for textile companies in mainland China. At that time, orders were booming. Not only Jinpeng Trading was expanding its production capacity, but many other companies were also following suit.

Unfortunately, the EU and the US made significant policy changes in March, which caught all small and medium-sized enterprises off guard. Currently, China's economic and trade departments are negotiating with the EU and the US, and it is still unknown when there will be a result.

Unfortunately, the Canton Fair was scheduled to proceed as planned at this time and could not be changed. In James's intelligence analysis, the fact that China raised the entry threshold for this year's Canton Fair was very timely.

When the variables are still unknown, appropriate contraction is necessary to avoid blind expansion and unnecessary, bottomless price competition. Accumulating strength and waiting for the next opportunity is the best way of doing business for many small and medium-sized enterprises at present.

Jinpeng Trading, which had only been established for half a year, was not on James's target list. However, to James's surprise, Jinpeng Trading successfully passed the threshold and even got a booth.

It seems that this amazing kid Tan has some skills, but it doesn't matter. I'm the buyer, and the policy direction is also in my favor. This time I can drive down the price significantly. Even so, the other party might even be grateful to me.

Manufacturers that have expanded their production capacity need orders to maintain daily production; otherwise, their fate will be very difficult.

"Tan, how about a couple of drinks tonight?" After exchanging pleasantries, James wasn't in a hurry to talk business, but instead extended an invitation to Tan Jincheng to have a drink.

“No problem, but I’m not very familiar with Guangzhou. If you have any favorite places, feel free to mention them,” Tan Jincheng shrugged.

"I don't have any either. I'll just find a bar and have a couple of drinks."

"In that case, I'll make the arrangements. Wait for my call tonight, okay?"

"Is this appropriate?"

"Don't worry, I'm an adult now, James," Tan Jincheng said seriously.

"Hahaha, interesting. See you tonight. I have other things to do, so I'll be going now," James laughed.

"Won't you take a look at our brochure?"

“No rush, but you can give me a copy first and give it to my entourage,” James said with a smile.

Sure enough, Tan needed my order, which gave me a lot of room for negotiation.

Tan Jincheng nodded and instructed Sun Wenbin to prepare a detailed promotional document and hand it over to James's entourage. After a few casual words, James went to another booth.

Currently, Jinpeng Trading is just a relatively small supplier for James, and frankly, it's not that important. There are plenty of suppliers like that in China. The reason James is willing to cooperate for a long time is mainly because his experience last year was quite remarkable. Jinpeng Trading is in a similar situation; without control and with their own schedules, Tan Jincheng can't stop James from leaving without a reasonable explanation.

But at least the other party is willing to accept your promotional materials, which is a good sign.

After James had walked a distance, Zhang Xupeng said, "Why did that tall guy leave? Didn't we discuss the cooperation?"

"No, but I've asked you out for drinks tonight. Do you want to come?" Tan Jincheng replied.

"Huh? Drinking? The previous foreigners were all very straightforward. They signed contracts as soon as the cooperation was agreed upon. I've never heard of foreigners doing this kind of thing over drinks?"

"Who told you that all foreigners are straightforward? They have their own social skills too. I bet this guy is trying to lower the price," Tan Jincheng said with a smile.

"Price gouging? Holy crap, are they really that greedy?"

"Is he a ruthless person? I wouldn't say that. If it were me, I would also try to lower the price. It's quite normal. By the way, Brother Liu, who's a better drinker, you or Brother Zhang? I want to hear the truth."

Liu Wenbin scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "Old Sun is definitely better. He's from the north and drinks a lot. I can drink a bit too, but I can't beat him."

Tan Jincheng thought for a moment and said, "Then, Brother Liu, you and Brother Sun will come with me tonight. Pengya, you stay home and make sure nothing is stolen."

"Brother Liu, if you have any valuables in your room, please bring them to our room tonight. We'll probably be back quite late."

Liu Wenbin smiled and said, "What valuables can we bring on a business trip? It's just a few clothes, it's no problem."

"Okay, that's fine. We should drink tonight. Brother Liu, just do what you can. If you can't drink, just say so. We can't ruin our health."

"Understood, I'll call Lao Sun right now?"

"Okay, you can inform him." Tan Jincheng nodded, then looked at Zhang Xupeng: "You don't mind having me guard the house, do you?"

Zhang Xupeng pouted and said, "No objection. I understand the importance of the information. Go ahead and try to take down this old guy."

Although Zhang Xupeng also wanted to see for himself, he understood the importance of the materials he had brought, especially the contracts that had just been signed. He always carried them in and out of the hotel and never left them unattended.

"Okay, I understand. It's not that I don't want to take you. I'll make a call first." After saying that, Tan Jincheng took out his phone.

Because he carries the memories of his previous life, Tan Jincheng is honestly a little afraid of Guangzhou in this era, so apart from the area around the exhibition hall, he is completely unfamiliar with the rest of the city.

So the only option is to call in reinforcements. Cheng Yongjun is the most suitable person to ask. He has business in Dongguan, so I can go and see for myself. I didn't have this opportunity in my previous life, hehe.

It's a bit of a pity about Lao Zhang. As he thought about it, Tan Jincheng looked at Zhang Xupeng with some pity.

"Hey, Uncle, there's something I want to ask you about. I have a client..."

(End of this chapter)