Through the glass windows, the situation inside this Upwind Courier station could be seen. A huge counter was at the entrance of the shop with a beautiful office computer on it. That was where the branch manager would work normally.
On the counter were some simple office supplies as well as a special code reader. Once barcodes on goods were scanned, items could be deposited or retrieved easily.
Further in the shop were rows and rows of racks divided into sections.
According to the size of the parcels, they would automatically be divided up and stored in different sections. Some larger parcels were specifically stored in a designated area as well.
After taking in all these, Lu Mingliang could only think of one thing.
High-class, westernized!
This was miles apart from other express delivery companies.
The branch manager reported the preparations done to Lu Mingliang and Pei Qian as well as the current state of operations of this courier station. The courier station was still working on an eight-hour shift from eight in the morning to five in the afternoon. If overtime had to be done, extra pay would be given.
At the same time, there would be additional incentives for each express deliveryman according to the number of items delivered and ratings from customers. Two express deliverymen’s daily responsibilities were to continuously deliver items from this courier station; when they were free, they were to keep the place clean and tidy.
The branch manager’s job was more complex. Besides handling the storage and retrieval of goods and related matters, he still had to calculate the latest express delivery numbers and to keep up a rapport with other express delivery companies’ express deliverymen. He also had to promote the courier station in the area as well.
Naturally, as Pei Qian had not made any stringent working criteria, if some branch managers wanted to slack off; Boss Pei wasn’t going to mind as well.
The branch manager and two express deliverymen looked very energized.
They all had experience working in other express delivery companies. This time, they had switched to working for Upwind Logistics because of the attractive starting pay which was significantly higher than other such companies.
Furthermore, the working environment was also a plus point.
Upwind Logistics wasn’t like other express delivery companies where they had to run all about the city. They were only responsible for a small area, and so it wasn’t that taxing on them.
After taking a look at the whole place, Pei Qian and Lu Mingliang returned to the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe as they ordered their coffees and drank them.
“From now on, you will be responsible for Upwind Logistics. If you have any questions, you can ask me directly; you can settle the trivial matters on your own.
“You can keep the million-yuan Dream Fund. If you feel that the work in Upwind Logistics is not suitable for you, you can try your hand in another industry.
“As for any additional funds—if you feel that there’s a need, just say the word. However much you require, it will be provided.”
Chapter 223 - Fei Huang Workspace’s New Target
Chapter 223 Fei Huang Workspace’s New Target
Pei Qian happily handed this task over. Of course, considering that Lu Mingliang was his trusted confidante after all, in order to not let Lu Mingliang have the wrong idea of Upwind Logistics; Pei Qian had to say a few more words.
“Upwind Logistics is part of my long-term plans; it would temporarily be in a loss-making state. However, you don’t have to worry about this. No matter how much losses might be incurred in the future—no matter how many months or even years, that is not an issue.
“Making money is Upwind Logistics’ final goal in the distant future; you have to bear this in mind.”
Hearing Pei Qian’s words, Lu Mingliang couldn’t help it but be stunned.
Making money was the final goal? What were the goals before that?
Lu Mingliang thought for a while and asked, “Boss Pei, you mean that the task at hand now is to expand our customer base and the initial phase involves burning cash to fund a rapid expansion?”
Pei Qian sipped his coffee and replied, “This is one of the objectives; there are many others as well. For example, creating convenience for more people.”
Lu Mingliang was baffled; he had not expected this point.
Pei Qian said earnestly, “In the express delivery industry now, almost everyone is pursuing profits at all costs; the actual delivery experience is rather bad. Upwind Logistics’ main objective is to provide the best express delivery service.
“If other express delivery companies don’t want to deliver to someone’s doorsteps, we will. If other companies won’t help in tearing boxes apart and throwing away trash, we will.”
“While other companies might choose to ignore complaints—when we receive them, we will definitely think from both our employees and the customers’ point of view to find a suitable solution.
“All in all, what we want is not only a large customer base and profits; we also want a good reputation. In fact, our reputation is our first priority!
“The task I am giving you is to improve Upwind Logistics’ reputation as much as possible. I am even encouraging you to use as much money as necessary to clinch a good reputation for the company.
“Remember this: you are a Tengda employee. Don’t be afraid of spending money, understand?”
Lu Mingliang nodded vigorously, “I understand, Boss Pei!”
Hearing Boss Pei’s words, Lu Mingliang was even surer that he had made the right decision.
To put his heart and soul into a business that could bring convenience to the masses; even if money could not be made from this, it was still something very meaningful and worthwhile!
Seeing Lu Mingliang’s response, Pei Qian was very happy. Indeed, he had asked the right person!
Pei Qian was the happiest about Lu Mingliang’s willingness to listen to his orders. Whatever Pei Qian wanted done, Lu Mingliang would definitely act accordingly without making his own decisions.
Now, Lu Mingliang evidently had bought into Pei Qian’s ‘spending money to get a good reputation’ thinking. For the foreseeable future, Upwind Logistics would definitely not be able to make profits.
Leaving Lu Mingliang in Tengda Games might be a risk; there was no certainty that losses could be made there. However, putting him in charge of Upwind Logistics was a different story!
As long as Lu Mingliang did exactly as Pei Qian desired, it was impossible to not create losses!
After finishing his discussion with Lu Mingliang, Pei Qian played games for a while in Fish-Catching Internet Cafe. He could feel that the Fish-Catching Internet Cafe in Ming Yun Villas evidently had fewer customers recently. Some had been poached by the newly opened nearby shops.
The number of people surfing the net in the internet cafe area was extremely few.
As Pei Qian was playing, Ma Yang came over. “Brother Qian, something bad has happened! Recently, yet another new chain internet cafe brand has opened in Jingzhou City. It is called Xing Le Internet Cafe and is also a high-end chain.
“Furthermore, they have gotten investments from Fu Hui Investments; they seem to be on a
warpath!”
Pei Qian was stunned. “I remember that a new internet cafe had opened nearby recently…”
Ma Yang was a little anxious as he said, “That is precisely the Xing Le Internet Cafe’s branch here!
“Also, I have found out that Xing Le Internet Cafe’s environment is not that good as ours and the specifications of their computers cannot be compared to ours; however, they are significantly cheaper and are getting more and more popular!
“I had gone to take a look; they indeed have many more customers than us!”
Pei Qian had not spoken. He hurriedly thought about this matter thoroughly.
Xing Le Internet Cafe’s model was clearly just a cheapened version of Fish-Catching Internet Cafe. Although
the computer specifications were slightly lower and the environment was not as nice and was a little more cramped, these factors allowed for a significant reduction in capital injections. That’s how they could price their rates much lower as well.
This way, for customers who were used to traditional internal cafes, they would be willing to try this out and wouldn’t be so easily dissuaded from a pricing point of view.
Furthermore, this chain internet cafe company had received funding from Fu Hui Investments.
Evidently, Boss Li had something to do with this.
Pei Qian knew that Boss Li wouldn’t give up so easily and was still paying attention to Pei Qian. If not, why would Boss Li have invested in an internet cafe, bar, and mahjong and chess parlors in this deserted place?
Pei Qian was so emotional he wanted to cry.
This Boss Li really loved him very much! Boss Li was always doing his best to help Pei Qian; he was really a good person!
“What should we do, Brother Qian? We can’t possibly continue the same as before?” Ma Yang asked slightly anxiously.
A similar situation had happened before once; that had been targeted at Fish-Catching Internet Cafe’s flagship store.
This time, the enemy was a chain internet cafe brand; the target was shifted to encompass all Fish-Catching Internet Cafes!
Furthermore, they had managed to turn the situation in their favor only because of Chen Lei, someone that Pei Qian had put in place secretly long ago.
Now, what could they rely on? Pei Qian might not have a second Chen Lei this time.
Pei Qian suppressed his smile with much difficulty, “Don’t worry; I naturally have a way.”
After assuring Ma Yang, Pei Qian felt warm and fuzzy internally as he decided to head home to rest.
His cell phone rang; it was from Huang Sibo. Pei Qian was a little stunned, and he immediately brought his guard up.
Why was he suddenly calling?!
Ever since Coming Out of the Cocoon as a Butterfly had concluded the previous time, Fei Huang Workspace had been in a state of flux.
As the documentary had generated lossesalthough Boss Pei had not commented on anything, Huang Sibo and Zhu Xiaoce both felt responsible. They didn’t dare to act as before anymore, filming a documentary based on their passion again.
As there was still time before the predetermined ‘slacking and passive’ time frame, Pei Qian naturally had not done anything with them yet.
This phone call was probably them having finally decided on their subsequent plans.
Pei Qian composed himself and picked up the phone.
Huang Sibo was a little agitated as he said, “Boss Pei, we have confirmed Fei Huang Workspace’s new target. We have decided to merge digital product reviews and short videos together to film a brand new short show about reviews!”
Pei Qian, “???”
He didn’t quite understand.
Combining digital product reviews and short videos? Who had thought of such an idea?
Pei Qian was a little confused and asked, “Why has this direction been taken?”
Huang Sibo was a little excited as he said, “The UP Master of ‘Hardcore Reviews’ on Aili Island had given us this inspiration!
“Actually, the reviewing of digital products has always been a sunrise industry. Previously, we have not considered this as we felt that we couldn’t compete with other professional review platforms.
“However, after taking a look at ‘Hardcore Reviews’, we now have an inspiration. Doing something similar actually doesn’t require that much professional knowledge and expertise! We can use short films to promote a certain product from ordinary consumers’ experiences. This way, we can be more relatable; and the films would be more interesting
“Furthermore, it might be easier to generate profits from this; we won’t make huge losses like before.
“Moreover, we had started out by making short videos, and we have a huge advantage in this field with our fixed customer base of viewers!”
Pei Qian was completely baffled.
I actually had a hand in this? I had made the episodes on Hardcore Reviews for other purposes; they were not supposed to be a source of innovation for you guys!
Chapter 224 - Ming Yun Private Kitchen
Chapter 224 Ming Yun Private Kitchen
Pei Qian felt a little faint.
I had done Hardcore Reviews to fool Lin Chang; why had this suddenly become the inspiration for Fei Huang Workspace?
Huang Sibo did not notice Boss Pei’s astonishment as he continued to talk about the ideas that had exploded in his and Zhu Xiaoce’s heads after they had watched Hardcore Reviews.
Digital reviews were up and coming now.
In the foreseeable future-as domestic consumption increased continuously with all sorts of digital products being developed, more ordinary consumers would start paying attention to reviews on such products.
Doing such reviews could attract the attention of fans as well as create possible sponsored partnerships with developers. As long as a balance could be sustained, viewership and material profits could both be garnered.
The inspiration Huang Sibo and his team had received from Hardcore Reviews was specifically regarding the format of reviews.
Presently, most review programs domestically were focusing their efforts on making serious videos where the product reviews and tests were done with increasing complexity with the usage of detailed specifications and figures. They were all trying to showcase their professionalism.
Previously, this was what Huang Sibo and company had thought of doing as well.
As Fei Huang Workspace lacked the professional expertise in this area, they had not thought of doing such product review shows; they couldn’t compete on these grounds with other reviewers.
However, after watching Hardcore Reviews, Huang Sibo suddenly realized something.
Even if a certain level of professionalism wasn’t reached, that was fine!
Hardcore Reviews seemed to have blazed its own trail. While everyone else was seriously reviewing digital products according to their specifications and using all sorts of data and figures, Hardcore Reviews had used a more unorthodox method to inform viewers of many other aspects of these products.
For example, a cell phone’s degree of waterproofing, whether it could withstand heavy impact or not, whether the internal mechanisms could be tampered with or not…
Although there wasn’t any professionalism involved, viewers were very happy with Hardcore Reviews; viewership was actually even higher than many professional reviews.
Huang Sibo and Zhu Xiaoce realized something from this: professional reviews might not necessarily be the best reviews!
Of course, it didn’t hurt to be more professional. After all, the more professional a video was, the less the content of the video could be criticized. People would be impressed by it.
However, if professionalism was overemphasized, the videos might no longer be of interest to the average doe. Viewers would be confused and baffled just by watching them.
Many viewers actually weren’t particularly concerned with some specific figures or data; even if they knew about these, it would be hard for them to grasp what exactly these numbers meant.
Conversely, reviews that were more subjective and more emotive might be more readily acceptable by them.
Hardcore Reviews had adopted this direct presentation method. It had used a table knife to hack at the rear cover of phones; the harder it was to smash the cover, the better the phone. This was a much more direct and acceptable way of showing the durability of a cell phone rather than a truckload of technical information.
Hence, after Huang Sibo and Zhu Xiaoce had done their research, they had decided to combine short videos with digital product reviews and for this to be the new direction for Fei Huang Workspace!
Two main reasons had led to this decision.
First, Fei Huang Workspace’s documentary filming experience had racked in significa
nt losses. Boss Pei had to step in to cover the deficit. All Fei Huang Workspace employees had felt a little dejected and that they had let Boss Pei down.
Hence, Huang Sibo and Zhu Xiaoce decided that they had to find a way to start generating profits.
Digital product reviews were one of the best ways to do so. Occasional sponsored partnerships that were not overdone and did not involve false advertisements or lying to people could work. Adding to that-if viewers could participate in lucky draws as well, this model would be feasible.
Second, short videos were a forte of Fei Huang Workspace. Boss Pei’s Daily Life had attained explosive success, and Zhu Xiaoce had already proved his mettle at persistently producing creative ideas for short videos as the director.
Compared to other platforms and companies, Fei Huang Workspace’s short videos were more professional and interesting; this was a core advantage.
Huang Sibo was very excited as he elaborated on Fei Huang Workspace’s future plans.
Pei Qian heard Huang Sibo talk as his heart suddenly grew cold.
Darn it; I knew that this call would not be anything good!
Pei Qian had not expected that a product review program he had casually created had given Huang Sibo and company such inspiration? Who could have predicted this?
However, Pei Qian calmed down and thought about this. He felt that things were not as bad as they seemed yet.
Digital products were being developed at such a fast pace while product review channels and programs abounded. Although it was still flourishing, all sorts of review programs were surfacing at lightning speed; the competition was extremely intense.
After all, since Huang Sibo and company could see prospects in digital product reviews, others could as well.
The barriers to entry for digital product reviews were not high.
Even an ordinary consumer could buy some digital equipment, play around with it, take a look at its specifications, and then speak about his real-life experiences using it. This could also become an episode on its own.
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