The Mafia Empire
Chapter 21: Chapter 21 Negotiation

"Your price is too high!" Julian's remark nearly caused Mr. Richard's eyes to pop out. In the over a year he had spent representing Moonshine in Ternell, it was the first time someone had told him that his goods were overpriced! He knew that bars had already decided to purchase the high quality almond wine priced at 85 cents a bottle, and no one had ever said his products were expensive!

Looking at the remarkably young Julian, Richard wondered if this young man was genuinely interested in doing business or if he had simply come to toy with him. Just as he was preparing to end this somewhat unpleasant negotiation, a single statement from Julian made him sit back down in his chair.

Julian simply extended a finger and said earnestly, "In six months, ten thousand bottles!"

Every successful businessman can quickly estimate their potential revenue and profit margins using mental arithmetic. Ten thousand bottles meant 8,500, with roughly 30% profit. This deal could net Julian at least 2,500!

Is 2,500 a lot?

It could be considered both a lot and not much at all.

For wealthy capitalists, 2,500 was merely the price of a luxury car, the amount they might spend on a mistress for a year, or just the chips they would throw to cover their entourage after a gambling spree.

To these capitalists, 2,500 was nothing.

But for the average person, it was money that would take twenty years of frugality—no food, no drink, no clothes—to save up. However, by the time they managed to save 2,500, its value would have changed significantly.

For Richard, 2,500 represented a business opportunity that could provide him with comfort for a while!

He was convinced that if this deal could be maintained, it would become the most successful transaction of his life!

Julian had just painted a grand vision for him. If Ternell could operate at such a scale, how much more could they achieve across the entire Star Empire?

It was unimaginable!

Before Richard could even ask Julian when he would need the ten thousand bottles of Moonshine almond wine, and while he was considering how to slightly adjust the price, Julian stepped in first, saying, "I must be honest with you, integrity is the cornerstone of any successful businessman.

Prior to our meeting, I engaged with four other wine suppliers—some from abroad and others from the Star Empire. Based on their quotations, your Moonshine lacks any competitive advantages."

Richard maintained a neutral smile, but inside he was nervous. This deal was crucial for him. The inexplicable inability of Moonshine to penetrate the market in the Star Empire had already enraged the big bosses of the Free Federation. If he could make this deal work, he would not only pocket the profits but might also secure a better price for the goods.

Additionally, if his established channels could be integrated into the company, he could transform from an agent into a management position.

The cost of his almond wine was strictly around 60 cents. With the Free Federation's commercial department and various guilds working behind the scenes, they planned to turn the Star Empire into a dumping ground for Free Federation products, flooding the market with high quality, affordable goods to dismantle the Empire's light and craft industries and cause an economic collapse.

Thus, even selling to this young man named Julian at a cost of 60 cents would still yield Richard a profit.

Because the Free Federation offered subsidies, the more he sold, the more support he received.

On one hand, there were personal gains; on the other, there was a promising future. Richard quickly settled on a psychological price point of 65 cents. He believed that under equal quality conditions, no one could offer a better price than his.

Of course, while he had a psychological price, if he could negotiate a higher price, that would be even better. So, with a smile, he asked, "I'm curious—what prices have others offered you that made you feel my goods were 'expensive'?"

Julian spread his hands, revealing a slightly regretful expression, as if he had already decided to forgo any potential trade. He sighed, "There are offers at 40 and 50 cents, with a maximum of 62 cents."

Upon hearing this, Richard felt a sharp pang of irritation. He forced a smile and said, "If I price it at that range, I won't make a penny. Besides, Mr. Julian, you should understand that Moonshine almond wine is absolutely superior to what those other merchants provide."

"But, sir, people are unlikely to distinguish between a slightly higher or lower alcohol content based solely on taste. As you said, quality is certainly important, but the audience is more crucial. Women don't prefer wines with a hint of bitterness; it's primarily adult males who do."

Julian stood up, straightened his clothes, and extended his hand. "While I truly hope to collaborate with you to distribute this higher quality wine, you know, whether it's about price or audience, unless you can meet my requirements in any capacity, I cannot commit to signing an agreement with you."

Richard reluctantly stood up, shaking Julian's hand. He desperately wanted to say he could lower the price, but he knew now was not the right moment. Having just declared a price deemed too high, he wouldn't want to appear as if he were backpedaling. It would be better to wait two or three days before contacting Julian again, making the proposal seem more sincere.

After watching Julian leave, Richard began arranging for his men to investigate Julian's company and his financial capacity while simultaneously preparing to source goods from within the Free Federation. Their warehouse had only over 2,000 bottles left, most of which had been there since the previous year and hadn't sold out yet!

Once he was a little further away from Richard, Graf scratched his head, wearing an expression that suggested he wanted to ask something but didn't dare.