Chapter 326 - Important Lesson
"We came here today because we want to use Long Industries' excellent shipping services to import some of our ingredients and raw materials that we have to source from overseas," Iris finally mentioned her purpose for asking for their audience. "Not only that. We are also hoping for Long Industries to be our shipping partner in delivering our products to our long-distance customers domestically and internationally when we reach that point in our business."
Impressed by the presentation, the COO had now entered business mode. "Miss Long, may I ask a few questions before we discuss your request?"
"Of course. Please go ahead and ask away."
It wasn't only the COO who began asking questions. Even Long Tengfei and Long Hui did. They were all serious in asking about various aspects of Orchidia Beauty. Iris was also very serious in answering their questions.
When it came to the products themselves, she allowed the Bauer siblings to answer the questions and to explain the details more fully. The siblings spoke in German, so Iris became their translator.
It only made the COO and everyone else more impressed by her.
Qiao Yu also had the chance to speak when the discussion reached the financial situation of the company. He was temporarily handling Orchidia Beauty's finances until Iris found a suitable person to serve as the company's CFO.
Amanpio Kileksky was also called over to answer some questions about the technology he developed with Alric. He spoke in English. Iris didn't need to translate because everyone in the room knew English. He assured everyone that the technology they developed was not something that anyone could easily replicate.
"With my name on the application forms, I'm sure that our patents will get approved soon. I always have patent pending because I invent a lot of things," he boasted. "Besides, if anyone dares try replicating my technology with Alric, we'll just sue the crap out of them! Then we'll get more money to develop even more advanced technology that they won't be able to keep up with us. Ahaha!"
Long Tengfei and the others laughed at his words, thinking that he was joking. Iris, however, nodded in agreement with Amanpio. Both of them were serious. As if they would allow anyone to replicate the technology Amanpio and Alric developed. It was a given that Amanpio wouldn't allow it because he was the inventor. Iris also wouldn't allow it because she spent such a huge amount of money in the development of those technology.Finally, they started the negotiations for the shipping services.
"I would like to get a discounted price of 95% off for shipping domestically, 93% off for Asian locations and 90% off for other parts of the world," Iris asked with a straight face.
Everyone's jaw dropped, except for Long Tengfei who looked amused.
"I think you mean you'll pay 95% for domestic shipping, so it should be 5% off," the CEO said.
"No. I meant exactly what I said. It's 95% off, so I'll only need to pay 5%," Iris insisted.
"Xiulan! Are you joking?" As the Deputy CFO, Long Hui couldn't take it any longer. "What a ridiculous demand! You might as well ask for the shipping services to be free!"
Iris tilted her head to the side. "First of all, it's not a demand. It's my opening asking price which is open for negotiation. Second of all, yes, I already thought about asking for the shipping services to be free. After all, I'm the daughter of Father who is the President-CEO of Long Industries. I think that it's only natural that I get the shipping services for free. However, I'm being nice and considerate by asking for a discount instead."
"You!" Long Hui was speechless.
This was one of the most important business lessons she learned from Grandpa Lu.
'Don't be afraid to be shameless, especially in front of family. They'll still love you, anyway. Bahahaha!'Iris took Grandpa Lu's lesson to heart. She could almost hear his booming voice when he taught it to her. Shamelessness, she learned, was also an important skill in business.
"Huh? What's happening? What are you talking about? They don't want to accept your asking price?" Amanpio suddenly interrupted, asking her in English. "I told you that it's better if we just use the academy's network!"
"The academy offers only 50% discount. I want at least 90%. I can only get that rate from family," she replied.
"Aren't you friends with AJ Zheneres? You can just negotiate with her to increase the discount. Her influence in handling the academy's business is growing by the day. I'm sure that if she requests in your stead, the admins will give in because she's making the academy so much money with her golden touch."
"Hmm…" Iris thought about Amanpio's suggestion carefully.
"Or maybe just ask that fiancé of yours. If he really loves you, he'll give you the shipping services for free!"
A lovely smile lifted the corner of her lips. "You're right. I'm sure he will. But I won't. I don't want to use him like that for my own benefit before we're married."
"Huh? What are you saying? Aren't you using your father's company for your own benefit?" Amanpio said.
"But he's my father. I'm allowed to do this and it'll still be acceptable. After all, I'm his daughter."
"Well, yeah. You're right, I guess," he mumbled."What do you mean it's acceptable?" Long Hui interjected. "It's not. Xiulan, your asking price is too much. We'll give you a family discount for sure but not anything above 90%."
"What's your counter offer then? 89% off?" Iris' shamelessness continued.
"Y-you…" Long Hui had to take a few deep breaths to calm his exasperation.
The COO was about to mediate when Long Tengfei spoke with his authority as the President-CEO of Long Industries.
"No need for any negotiations. Long Industries will become Orchidia Beauty's shipping partner. Your request for the following discounts will also be granted: 95% off domestically, 93% off in Asia, and 90% off in other countries. President Long Xiulan, do we have a deal?"
A bright smile broke out of Iris' face. "Yes, President Long Tengfei. We have a deal."
The father and daughter stood up and shook hands, symbolically sealing the business deal.