Darkstone Code
Chapter 134 - 0133 How can you attract others’ attention without setting off a big firecracker?

Chapter 134: 0133 How can you attract others’ attention without setting off a big firecracker?

All groups operating in the second-hand goods trade eventually face a very awkward situation: first, a lack of sufficient supply, and secondly, the difficulty in ensuring the quality of goods.

In fact, up until now, the success of Lynch’s second-hand goods auction in Sabin City is primarily because of his partnership with Mr. Fox.

A large number of high-quality second-hand goods have transferred from Mr. Fox’s hands to Lynch’s. They don’t accept worthless items, so the product quality Lynch possesses is quite good.

However, as he plans to expand this business across the entire state, he faces the biggest problem of where to acquire enough satisfactory second-hand goods.

High quality and relatively hard demand are the foundations for a sustainable and profitable second-hand goods auction.

This seems like a tough problem to solve, but he actually had a solution long ago, which is to replace second-hand goods with brand new products and sell them directly!

This seems like a somewhat contradictory business model: selling new items as if they were second-hand. Would it incur a loss? Would it be disadvantageous?

However, since these are brand new items, they have greater appeal to participants, and they would be more willing to spend a bit more on these new second-hand goods than they are now.

From the very beginning, Lynch never considered making a profit through sales; he set his profit target early on the seats that salespeople must have.

After covering various expenses, he could even host such auctions for free, providing enough products and an environment, but all salespeople must pay for the seats they hold.

With a dozen cities, each city ranging from four to five thousand to two to three thousand, let’s say an average of three thousand, forty to fifty thousand seats, nearly a million in income each month; even if it halved in the future, he would still make five hundred thousand a month without doing anything. Why chase higher profits?

By distributing money to those around him, they would remain steadfast by his side and defend his interests. If he only cared about making money for himself, people like Richard would gradually leave him.

So where do those brand new and affordable products come from?

Undoubtedly, they must come from factories. Therefore, cost management becomes Lynch’s current medium to long-term goal—as the bankruptcy wave approaches major cities, an increasing number of large factories will shut down.

The inventories of these large factories will become the primary source of goods for Lynch’s auctions in the short term, but to operate long-term, comprehensive preparation is essential.

Lynch gave a positive response to the idea of cooperating with Lunit, a factory owner of light industrial enterprises, which immediately excited Lunit, who habitually began introducing his products to Lynch.

"Mainly standard-sized seasonal clothing. We have our own designers and raw materials, and we can also accept finalized contract manufacturing..."

Some factories don’t design and produce their own brand clothing; they act as OEM for other brands. Ordering companies often provide their own design sketches and fabrics to avoid disputes and troubles regarding materials, and sign a compliance rate agreement to ensure their interests aren’t infringed.

Any garment factory can quickly switch production content, which is characteristic of light industry factories. This is also why light industry is the first to be hit and wiped out in the wave because they lack uniqueness.

Commonality and general applicability have reduced most low-tech-barrier light industries to the first victims of the closure wave. Only factories with technological barriers and patents can barely maintain production, while others are basically doomed.

The two factories under Lunit’s command are the same; they can’t get any commissioned orders now. The things they can do, others can do too, and what others can do, they may not be able to do.

Moreover, their warehouses are already filled with clothes and blankets, and if no one saves him soon, he will have to face bankruptcy like everyone else.

In fact, Lynch didn’t realize that the people at the gala look sparse not because others didn’t come but because many have been eliminated by this messy society; they’ve gone bankrupt, shut down, lost social value, and naturally weren’t invited.

This society is so cruel and realistic; merchants with no value don’t even have the qualification to attend such a gala because they can’t make it look vibrant here, only giving it a kind of withering and desolate sensation, which isn’t what the mayor wants, nor is it the ambiance an upper-class social setting should have.

Lynch took out a business card from his pocket and handed it over, "We can slowly discuss the cooperation issue after this; what do you think?"

Lunit looked around and immediately realized his behavior was somewhat rash, "I apologize for my rudeness, Mr. Lynch. When would you have the time?"

Lynch briefly recalled his schedule for the next week, "Tuesday afternoon?"

"Tuesday afternoon, then!", Lunit breathed a sigh of relief. At least Lynch’s demeanor and attitude eased him a bit. He thanked Lynch for the opportunity, had a sip of wine, and then left to seek new opportunities. He didn’t entirely believe Lynch could really help him, nor had he prepared for the possibility of not being able to cooperate with Lynch.

As soon as Lunit left, someone else came over, a middle-aged man appearing to be in his forties. He looked much better than Lunit, with a composed demeanor, indicating his company and finances hadn’t encountered major issues.

He proactively extended his hand; the palm was very warm, unlike Lunit’s slightly clammy hand. Just from the first handshake, one could sense his situation, which was quite a magical feeling.

"Duncan...", he introduced himself simply and directly, then continued, "I know you, Mr. Lynch."

Lynch raised an eyebrow, and they timely let go of hands. Originally, several people nearby wanted to approach but stopped at this point. They would wait until Duncan and Lynch finished their conversation before attempting to chat with Lynch; that’s the rule.

"Oh? But I’m not very clear on you," he replied nonchalantly. From a certain angle and level, Duncan’s words weren’t very polite, and likewise, Lynch’s words weren’t either.

However, since neither party showed clear inclinations, the contextual uncertainty didn’t let the impolite tones affect them.

"I currently work as the General Manager at Lupu Real Estate," his face showed a touch of pride as he spoke. Of course, his job does indeed qualify him to feel that way.

Lupu Real Estate is a newly established company under Lupu Industrial Group, less than ten years old, and Lupu Industry is quite representative and influential in the state. It’s a sizable R&D-oriented industrial group company.

Their main focus is developing machinery to meet market demands, such as the various machines used in Lunit’s clothing and blanket factories, all sourced from Lupu Industry.

As for Lupu Real Estate, it essentially exists to present better financial statements to boost their stock price.

Duncan’s intentions were very clear; he had his eyes set on the land Lynch owned.

When the club was established, the city wasn’t as large as it is now. At that time, what seemed to be land far from the city center is now right next to the city center, and its value has appreciated countless times.

Previously, people hadn’t considered acquiring the club, but the problem was that large group companies like Lupu Industry thought a professional football club was a money-bleeding business difficult to yield good results. So until Lynch took over, perhaps some were eyeing that land, but nobody took action.

Now that Lynch expressed his intent to sell, naturally, it attracted some interest.

The two chatted briefly and roughly without delving into details. This is a gala, not an office, so nobody negotiates and seals the deal here—they just establish an interest.

After arranging a time for detailed discussions, Duncan left satisfied, and soon after, a third person appeared in front of Lynch.

Standing on the other side, Ferrari watched Lynch naturally handle situations in such a setting, feeling surreal because he had seen many people attending such events for the first time, leaving some humorous instances for various reasons.

Including himself, the first time he attended a relatively high-level social gala with elders, he caused a joke due to excessive restraint and caution.

But looking at Lynch, he always felt there was something about him... he didn’t know how to put it, both expecting Lynch might mess up but also hoping he would perform even more perfectly.

People are so contradictory, willing to believe there exists something perfect in this world, to entrust their kind and bright side, but also unwilling for there to be truly perfect things, as it would only emphasize their own imperfections.

Gradually, some people started gathering around Lynch, a phenomenon rarely seen; in such settings, seldom does anyone revolve around a "rookie" making them a core figure.

If Lynch had seniors, they would likely advise him before attending the gala to hold his tongue and refrain from uttering unbounded statements, focusing more on listening to others’ thoughts while keeping his stance reserved.

Seeing this, Ferrari couldn’t help but grow curious; he wanted to know what Lynch was saying to encircle those people around him.

He greeted the mayor and, holding his wine glass, approached Lynch’s small group. Before getting close, he overheard some words Lynch was saying.

"The Federation’s financial market is bound to collapse..."