Chapter 655: The Negotiation
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“Long-term collaboration?”
Luo Feng carefully examined the woman before him.
“Linda, Central Commerce and Trade…
Without any hesitation, Luo Feng took out his phone and did a quick search.
He then looked up at Linda, “You seem to have a long-term partnership with a logistics company, don’t you? I read in the news that you’ve signed a five-year strategic partnership with Prosperous Logistics. Why approach me now? Aren’t you afraid of breaching your contract?”
Luo Feng’s words were direct. Linda, having anticipated his reaction, nonchalantly waved her hand, “Rest assured, our relationship with Prosperous Logistics is none of your concern. Even if things go sour with them, it won’t affect our potential partnership.”
Linda spoke with confidence. Luo Feng, of course, understood that no matter what she said, her ultimate goal was profit. She simply wanted to negotiate with him, use that as leverage against Prosperous Logistics, and secure a better price.
“Fine,” Luo Feng responded, showing a hint of vulnerability. “Given what you’ve just said, we should indeed discuss this. After all, you’ve probably researched and know that our company is new. Most of the business opportunities have already been taken. To be frank, we’re almost going under.”
Seeing Luo Feng’s demeanor, Linda assumed he was a novice in the industry, inexperienced in negotiation.
“We, Central Commerce and Trade , are among the top trading companies in Atlanta. Our main business is international trade, so we need a reliable international logistics company,” she explained. “If you’re willing to partner with us, we can provide you with continuous large orders and help your budding company gain experience.”
After making her pitch, Linda paused, allowing Luo Feng a moment to reflect.
Linda then continued, retrieving a contract from her folder. “This isn’t the official contract, but if you decide to work with us, the terms will largely remain the same. Perhaps only minor details will be adjusted. Mr. Luo, please take a look and consider our proposal.”
She then fell silent, patiently waiting for Luo Feng to review the document.
However, from the moment Luo Feng received the contract, he felt something was off. Linda hadn’t introduced their products or specified their requirements for a logistics company. She simply handed over the contract after a brief exchange. Clearly, her intent wasn’t genuine business negotiation.
In Luo Feng’s eyes, Linda was just pretending to negotiate, all the while planning to use this as leverage to get a better deal from Eld.
However, Luo Feng didn’t immediately expose her. Instead, he earnestly engaged in the negotiation. After all, he had already made arrangements with Eld.
“The price on this contract might be too steep for a company in our current position,” Luo Feng remarked after briefly scanning the document, then pushed the contract back to Linda. “Perhaps an established company could accept this price.”
“The profit margin is simply too low. A startup like ours can’t operate with such tight constraints. It would be best if you sought another company to fulfill your needs.”
Luo Feng’s straightforward refusal took Linda by surprise.
“This price isn’t exceptionally low, is it? While it’s slightly below market rate, the profit margin isn’t as small as you suggest, right?”
For a moment, Linda even wondered if Luo Feng truly understood business.
Luo Feng didn’t want to argue any further. “Yes, the profit margin isn’t minuscule, but we’re a new company. Many aspects of our operations are still not streamlined. If we accept this order without any room for trial and error, one mistake could bankrupt us.”
Luo Feng’s rationale was sound, something Linda hadn’t previously considered.
Seeing that Luo Feng wasn’t inclined to continue, Linda immediately tried to salvage the situation. “Mr. Luo, what price do you have in mind? Please, let’s discuss further.”
Not beating around the bush, Luo Feng said, “Miss Linda, to be honest, I’m quite skeptical about business offers that come knocking on my door. However, I’m desperate for orders given our new status. Let’s do this: raise the price in this contract by 20%. That’s the lowest we can go. If you can agree to that, we can proceed.”
Luo Feng’s counteroffer left Linda speechless. The proposed price was even higher than what Eld had offered.. How could she negotiate with Eld using this?
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