2003: Starting with Foreign Trade

Chapter 23 Procurement Contract Signing
On October 14th, the business license was finally issued, one day later than the agency had anticipated.

However, Tan Jincheng was already quite satisfied with this speed.

The administrative efficiency of this era, no matter which city it is, cannot be compared with that of later generations. If you were to run these procedures yourself, it would take at least half a month or even longer to get them done.

You don't even know which door to run into.

In special circumstances, these well-connected agencies can save you a lot of trouble; naturally, the cost will also be higher.

Their wallets were much emptier than last time.

"Besides the payment for the goods, I only have 1 yuan left. I don't know if that's enough for the rent," Zhang Xupeng said with some worry.

“How could it not be enough? We’re not paying rent all at once. Besides, we can use the rest of the 4 yuan prepayment.”

When you're doing business, there's never a time when you don't have enough money. You just have to live like this, scraping together every penny. These days, having 20 yuan in start-up capital is not a small amount.

"Hey, Xiao Tan, this company's legal representative is you. Does that mean you'll go to jail if the company gets into trouble in the future?"

Looking at the business license on the table, Zhang Xupeng suddenly asked a question.

The two have now moved into a rented two-bedroom apartment, and no longer have to listen to each other's snoring at night.

However, Zhang Xupeng's thought process was really fast. He was just worried about the rent, and now he's asking about the legal representative.

"Yes, if I ever end up in jail, remember to come visit me often and bring me some good food or something," Tan Jincheng said without a smile.

The business license, company seal, and corporate bank account are all ready. As for the most important thing, the import and export operating rights, that's still in the process and should be issued in about three or four days.

However, with these, it's enough; at least signing a contract won't be a problem.

"Let's go, let's go find your family to sign the contract."

It was a day later than the agreed date, and Mr. Zhang called yesterday to inquire about it.

I took the bus and arrived at Zhang Haiping's factory in Xiaxi Village once again; compared to the last time, Zhang Haiping was a little more enthusiastic this time.

Tan Jincheng didn't waste any words. He took out the printed official contract, which was already stamped with his company seal and signature. He just needed Zhang Haiping to fill in his information.

"Jinpeng Trading Co., Ltd., you two brothers have really set it up quite well," Zhang Haiping laughed.

"Haha, I wasn't familiar with Boss Zhang before, so please don't take offense," Tan Jincheng laughed.

"I understand, I understand; but isn't this order a bit too small for your export business?"

"This is just a sample order to test the waters; so please make sure Mr. Zhang keeps a close eye on the quality. We'll have many more opportunities to cooperate in the future."

"Don't worry about the quality, brother; it won't cause any delays. By the way, brother, have a seat, I'll go get the samples."

The contract has been confirmed to be correct and is exactly as agreed upon that day, which puts Zhang Haiping at ease.

After Tan Jincheng received the samples, he was also much more at ease.

Judging the quality of a garment is simply a matter of the material, the density of the stitching, whether there are any loose threads, observing the openings at the buttons, and whether the fabric wrinkles after you squeeze the garment for a few seconds and then release it.

If it's wrinkled, it means the clothes aren't durable and are of poor quality.

These days, the garment export business in Jiangsu and Zhejiang has developed quite well, and the fabrics and quality of the clothes are up to standard.

Judging from the density of the stitches, Zhang Haiping was indeed telling the truth; their mechanics' sewing skills were truly excellent. "Okay, but let's make it clear first, we need to maintain this quality going forward. We can't let the product not match the description."

After a thorough inspection, Tan Jincheng said with satisfaction.

"Of course, we value integrity in business. What we show in the sample is exactly what we ship," Zhang Haiping said confidently.

"In that case, we can sign the contract. After the contract is signed, we will arrange the payment tomorrow."

After saying that, Tan Jincheng handed the contract he had just retrieved back to Zhang Haiping.

After the contract was signed, both parties were happy. Then Tan Jincheng said to Zhang Haiping, "Mr. Zhang, my brother here will be in charge of the handover of goods from now on. He is new to the industry, so if there is anything he doesn't understand, I will have to trouble you to guide him."

Tan Jincheng's idea was that after he went to Guangzhou, Zhang Xupeng would not only be responsible for setting up the company, but also learn some clothing knowledge from Zhang Haiping so that it would be easier to connect 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 wages, as long as meals were provided.

Then, Tan Jincheng shared his thoughts with Zhang Haiping.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Haiping was both amused and exasperated. Now he fully understood that these two young men were just greenhorns fresh out of school, passionately starting their own businesses.

They should have some social experience; Xiao Tan is quite shrewd, but Xiao Zhang is a bit lacking. Also, their family background should be quite good; these days, not many families can afford to start a company and let their children run around.

“Sure, Xiao Zhang, if you want to learn, come over and see how a garment is made. It will be helpful for you in the future.”

It was just a meal, so Zhang Haiping didn't take it to heart. As for the work, Zhang Haiping didn't expect anything from it; he just treated him as a factory-based quality inspector.

"Thank you, Mr. Zhang. In a few days, when I'm not in Beicang, if there's anything Xiao Zhang can't handle, you can call me."

"No problem, but are you going out to do some sales?"

"Yes, I'm going to Guangzhou, and it will probably be a while before I come back."

"Guangzhou, the Canton Fair?" Zhang Haiping asked Tan Jincheng with some surprise.

"Yes," Tan Jincheng replied with a smile.

"Wow, so promising at such a young age. It seems I underestimated our young boss, Tan."

"No, we still need Mr. Zhang's help."

These days, the Canton Fair is still considered an export commodity exchange fair, and the booth fees are not cheap; not every company can afford to participate.

At the Canton Fair, the most sought-after items are not the goods, but the exhibition booths.

It's common for any booth to be resold for tens of thousands of yuan, and a large number of booth allocation companies have even emerged in Guangzhou.

Tan Jincheng certainly couldn't afford the booth fee of over 10 yuan, and besides, the other party might not be willing to sell it to him. The reason he was so confident in going to Guangzhou to participate in the Canton Fair was that he used other methods to enter the venue.

However, there's no need to tell Zhang Haiping any of this. Let him misunderstand. In business, it's not necessarily a bad thing to leave others with the impression that you are quite capable.

This is also why Tan Jincheng deliberately revealed his itinerary.

I just said I was going to Guangzhou, and I really was going to attend the Canton Fair. As for how you interpret it, that's none of my business.

(End of this chapter)