Hong Kong Island Chronicles: From Electrical Appliances King to Business Legend

Li Jiagang was just about to strike while the iron was hot.

At this point, Ichiro Sato spoke up again: "Undeniably, the product looks good so far," he questioned, "but is the production line keeping up? What about the quality control system? And the after-sales service?"

"Developing a product is not difficult, nor is selling it, but these are not the whole story."

"In my opinion, a complete quality control chain, along with top-notch after-sales service, is even more crucial."

"As you know, Takashimaya is not just about building a brand, but about creating high-quality products. We also value our reputation, and service is of paramount importance."

Li Jiagang smiled faintly upon hearing this.

「目前我司在香江的工厂已经增至16条生产线，每15分钟能产一台机，一天24小时运转一台生产线产量96台，16条就是1536台。」

"Soon there will also be separate factories for parts, accessories, assembly, and testing."

"We also plan to establish an integrated industrial park inland in the future, with a complete quality control chain."

"As for after-sales service, I will explain the cooperation plan in detail later."

"How long is 'soon'?" Ichiro Sato asked, focusing on the key point.

But Lijiagang came prepared.

Faced with his questioning, he replied without hesitation: "It will definitely be completed within three months."

Sato Ichiro finally nodded in satisfaction, signaling Li Jiagang to continue.

"Now, please inspect the products."

As soon as Li Jiagang finished speaking, his bodyguards carried in his company's washing machine.

Since we're talking about cooperation, we can't just talk the talk; we have to demonstrate real technology and show them our washing machine in public to gain their approval.

"This is our company's independently developed washing machine, and I'll show it to you now."

After the Takashimaya staff helped install the washing machine, Li Jiagang personally pressed the start button, and the washing machine began to run and add water on its own.

Li Jiagang would personally explain each stage of the washing machine's operation.

Until half an hour later...

As the washing machine finished spinning, Li Jiagang stepped forward, opened the lid, and took out the clothes.

The laundry, which was originally filthy, became clean and dry, and he even had a manager from Takashimaya come forward to check the cleanliness and dehydration of the clothes.

After checking that the clothes were very clean, the management couldn't squeeze out a single drop of water, no matter how hard they tried, and kept praising them.

"Yoshi...that's nice."

"President, this washing machine is really great. It's fully automatic, the washing process isn't very noisy, and it washes very clean."

Thank you for your recognition.

"Next, we'll demonstrate the product's safety features," Li Jiagang said, glancing at his secretary and indicating that she should distribute the product testing reports to everyone.

"These are the safety reports for our company's products. Of course, the reports are from Hong Kong institutions. I will also conduct safety tests here. If the products do not meet the same safety standards, I can promise that even if a contract is signed, the cooperation will be invalid."

Sato Ichiro nodded again upon hearing this.

"Mr. Li, I'm very satisfied with everything above," he paused and said seriously, "but... what if more fully automatic washing machines appear on the market soon? Your product will be at a disadvantage due to a lack of brand recognition. How will you cope then?"

What are the advantages of your product?

Sato Ichiro's question sparked a lot of discussion among his people, who all nodded in agreement.

Sato Ichiro stared intently at Li Jiagang, wanting to see how he would handle the situation and also to test his trump card.

If this is all he has, and he doesn't have any other trump cards, then Ichiro Sato would never have agreed to cooperate with Li Jiagang.

Takashimaya has no shortage of high-quality products; what it lacks is a partner who can continuously create high-quality products and help the company reach new heights.

Even Li Yongsen, who was standing to the side, looked at him nervously, because he himself found it difficult to answer the question.

Therefore, he couldn't help but feel nervous.

Li Jiagang smiled.

That smile was understated, yet like a deep, calm current, a smile that inspires trust.

"Chairman Sato, your concerns are absolutely correct." His voice was not loud, but it suppressed the whispers in the room. "The market never lacks imitators, but it lacks people who define standards and constantly innovate."

"I never said that my company only produces a single product: washing machines."

"At the same time, since I can innovate and lead other companies in a short period of time, I am naturally confident in continuing to develop better products."

"The washing machine is just the beginning of our cooperation. In the future, there will definitely be more and better collaborative products."

"I established Legendary Appliances Company, unlike other appliance companies in Hong Kong that only do OEM and assembly services."

"What I need to do is to continuously innovate, stay ahead, and make progress."

"Mr. Li, it's good to have goals," Sato Ichiro said dismissively, "Even Toshiba and Matsushita wouldn't dare say such things. What makes you think you can say that? You have to convince me."

Li Jiagang knew that if he didn't demonstrate some real skills to Sato Ichiro, all his previous efforts would be in vain.

He glanced at his secretary, and Xiao Mei immediately understood, taking her briefcase and walking up to Li Jiagang.

"Ichiro Sato," Li Jiagang said seriously, "could we move to a quiet place to talk?"

Sato Ichiro narrowed his eyes, hesitated for a moment, and then nodded.

"Come to my office."

Li Jiagang followed Sato Ichiro.

Enter the office.

"Mr. Li, why are you being so mysterious?"

"President Sato, I apologize, but this information concerns our company's critical core product, so I have to be cautious," he replied, handing him the document. "I am very confident that this product will become a global phenomenon. This is my real trump card for cooperating with your company. Please take a look."

The information that Li Jiagang gave to Sato Ichiro was information about "Walkman music players".

Of course, the information only includes drawings and descriptions, and does not involve any technical data.

Although all that was available were blueprints and product descriptions, Li Jiagang didn't want too many people at Takashimaya to know. Who knew if other companies were lurking there? Even if the concept leaked out, there was a high chance someone else would copy it and develop their own.

He didn't want people to know too soon.

Moreover, he didn't know if Sony had any concept of a portable music player or had started research and development.

If Sony also has this concept, it might cause unnecessary trouble if it finds out that they are developing it.

Therefore, he had to be on guard.

More than half an hour later...

Sato Ichiro, who had been calm all along, was now filled with shock.

"Mr. Li, are you sure this product isn't just a concept, but is actually under development?"

"Yes, Chairman Sato."

"What stage has the research and development reached? How long will it take to launch? Is there a budget?" Ichiro Sato asked several questions in succession.

This shows that he is quite optimistic about this product and sees its potential.

"We have mastered the core technology, and I am confident that we can launch our products before the Spring Festival."

call!!!!

Upon hearing this, Ichiro Sato's eyes lit up.

"Yoshi, Li-san, you really surprised me." Sato Ichiro's gaze had now become intense.

"Mr. Li, if this product can be developed and launched within six months, then Takashimaya is willing to become your partner."

"However, if you are unable to fulfill the contract within six months, your company will be permanently blacklisted by Takashimaya. Are you willing to include this clause in the contract?"

Upon hearing this, Li Jiagang felt a surge of excitement; he knew it was a success.

"Of course, partners."

"It's a pleasure working with you."

At this moment, Li Jiagang was filled with mixed emotions. All his talking and introductions had been overshadowed by showing Sato Ichiro the design drawings and data of the "Portable Music Player".

If he had known, why would he have gone through all this trouble? He could have just unleashed his ultimate move right away, saving himself a lot of trouble.

"Mr. Li, please, we need to go outside and continue our discussions on how to develop the most advantageous cooperation."

"OK, Ichiro Sato, please..."

The two returned to the conference room.

After gaining Ichiro Sato's approval, the subsequent negotiations went very smoothly.

He didn't continue to discuss other issues related to the washing machine, but went straight to discussing cooperation plans.