Chapter 124: Idea
"Mr. Zhang, what do you think about this proposal?" Alice Moon asked after finishing her presentation. There are two assistants beside her, a male and a female. Based on their looks, they must be more of a business partner because the three addressed each other comfortably, unlike between Alice Moon and him.
"Very detailed. What was the expected cost to get this startup going on?" Zhang Qin Feng seems to be getting comfortable asking questions during their discussion. Such a privilege was a given to the investor, but more than half often failed to take the initiative.
The reason was likely due to their limited knowledge of what they're trying to invest, or they just weren't bothered.
But this was not the case for Zhang Qin Feng. With Stein's support in his mind, it was like there's a search engine inside his mind, available to transcribe and translate everything in detail without the need to give instruction.
Although he may just know a tad better than nothing, it was enough to make him lead the direction in this discussion.
"The budget is based on Mr. Zhang's financial freedom. But I would suggest that we make it according to the number of products we could have. Can I ask Mr. Zhang for the direction you're trying to go for?"
"Will it be only for dry products, wet products, or both?" Alice Moon asked.
Since it was a food product investment, her question would decide the path the company will take. If Zhang Qin Feng's aim was to push his own branding out without bothering with the research, then taking only the dry products would be enough.
But in the market, the option of wet noodles slowly gains popularity as well. Various options of fresh and dried noodles with vacuum-packed condiments started to emerge in the market nowadays. Their prices were somewhat higher, but to the growing population of young workers and university students, conveniences matter.
In years back, instant noodles were just a means of instant food preparable with some boiling water and a bowl. But everything changed according to the modernization of culture. To the youngsters below Zhang Qin Feng's age, a packet of instant noodles with a pack of flavoring was like a brick-type mobile phone with buttons.
They were outdated.
As for the option of both that came last, it was a choice in Zhang Qin Feng's investment budget. Going for both dry and wet options might bring them more choice in the product they'll offer but at the cost of startup capital.
Alice Moon estimates that the cost for a Dry-Production Startup to be around a million Han Country's Yuan. If Zhang Qin Feng selected the Wet-Production Startup, it would cost him between two and a half million Yuan.
And taking both would cost Zhang Qin Feng close to 7 million Yuan, which is double the total cost of taking the two options separately.
The reason behind this spike in cost was the differences in production and equipment required. Taking both would costs more in space needed, the equipment and arrangement. The paperwork and planning also differ from choosing either one.
It was an option of choosing between a sedan vehicle, a sporty coupe, and a truck. It's still a car at the end of the day. All that matters is which one would be a comfortable ride to go uphill?
Zhang Qin Feng puts his palms together while he considered the option. The question itself wasn't difficult, but his choice is. As for his difficulties, it was apparent because he would have to choose who the product caters to.
Packaging, type, flavor, and concept wouldn't be an issue if for the post-apocalypse consumer. But it was a different story if he's trying to enter the modern world's market. Furthermore, he can't really go for the produced and brought everything into apocalypse either.
That would just ruin the reason behind him trying to establish his aim to start a business.
"Mr. Zhang, if you're indecisive for now, we can always postpone it for now. There are many things for us to check before rashly came up with a decision now." Alice Moon quickly suggested. She was worried that her approach was too direct to someone inexperienced like Zhang Qin Feng.
[Toot! - Toot!]
Stein quickly interrupted while Zhang Qin Feng was deep in his thought.
"No. My worries weren't due to money or what to choose. But it's more about what market I'm going for." said Zhang Qin Feng. He noticed Alice Moon's nervousness after he went into his silent mode.
'I think she almost thought that I am offended or feeling overwhelmed by her question. Thanks, Stein, for reminding me.' Zhang Qin Feng converse with Stein in his mind.
[The system suggested the user deepen the market research before deciding. Deciding on a direction was great, but that's because people had limited capital, resource, and time]
[The user had a similar concern, but please remember that a few of your problems is solvable through the Substance and Matter Printer from post-apocalypse]
[Unless the user finds it urgent to get everything started first, the system suggests waiting. This suggestion is also made due to the inability to taste the flavor of the food. Hence, the system can't comment on the number of products, flavoring, and popularity]
"Ms. Alice, I have a suggestion. Do you think that we can postpone this decision until we do some market research first? The budget won't be a problem, but please go ahead and purchase all available instant noodles and other resembling products for comparison."
"I believe we could come up with a good idea and suggestion on what to do after we decide," he said.
"That was a good idea, Mr. Zhang." Alice Moon smiled.
"Shall we end the meeting here today? Let's meet up again in the next few days. I'll go around and try the food around here too. It would be a waste to miss the food just because I'm trying to open one myself." Zhang Qin Feng jokes as he called the end of today's meeting.
"Of course. By the way, I can walk you around if you don't mind. Would you be interested?" Alice Moon asked.
"If that's not a bother, I would like to, please." Zhang Qin Feng smiled in reply.
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