Chapter 75: Internet Mindset — Give It Away First
Japanese manufacturing efficiency was no joke. Just one week after receiving Yang Wendong's air-shipped design requirements, a full set of equipment plans and blueprints were sent back — also via air freight — and promptly delivered to the Changxing factory by Qin Zhinan.
Yang studied the design documents carefully. While many of the technical specs were understandably not disclosed in detail, he could still glean quite a bit from the diagrams.
He looked up and asked, "What's the hourly production capacity for this setup?"
Qin replied, "About 10,000 sheets per hour. As for how many sticky notes that translates to — it depends on how many sheets go into each pad."
"10,000 sheets…" Yang quickly calculated. If each sticky note pad had 100 sheets, that meant the machine could produce 100 pads per hour. Not bad. It was a solid baseline.
Of course, this was only the first proposal. Yang still needed to compare with other vendors, weigh price and efficiency, and make the final call.
Qin added, "Mr. Yang, this design is based on existing children's mini-book binding machines. We simply modified some dimensions to meet your needs."
"Children's comics?" Yang asked. "You mean those palm-sized booklets?"
Qin nodded. "Exactly. They're rare in Hong Kong because of the high price of paper and books, but in Japan and the West, they're quite common."
"That does sound a lot like my product." Yang nodded thoughtfully.
He had seen those mini-books in his previous life, of course. But he hadn't realized until now how similar the manufacturing process was to what he needed for sticky notes — small paper stacks, lightly glued.
Qin continued, "Kaga Machinery has over 20 years of experience in paper processing equipment. They're quite reputable in Japan, and you can trust the quality."
"What about after-sales support?" Yang asked. "Any other Hong Kong companies using Kaga's machines?"
Qin smiled. "Plenty. Many of Hong Kong's newspaper publishers use Kaga printing presses. They even have a dedicated after-sales rep here. Unless it's a major mechanical failure, most problems are resolved locally and quickly."
Yang nodded. "Good. I'll need that written into the contract."
"No problem," Qin replied.
Yang then asked, "Alright, let's talk price."
Qin didn't hesitate. "This set of equipment will cost 7,000 HKD."
"7,000?" Yang raised an eyebrow, but kept his expression neutral. "That's a bit steep."
Money had a very different value in the 1950s. When he bought the entire Hongxing Plastics Factory, it had cost him just 6,000 — albeit largely due to the remote location.
There was even talk that a few years ago, Russian tycoon Huo Yingtung had purchased a specialized dredging machine for sea excavation for just 10,000 HKD.
Qin smiled. "Mr. Yang, keep in mind — this includes installation and calibration by Japanese engineers. And as you know, labor costs in Japan are much higher than in Hong Kong.
Also, realistically, Japan is the only country in our region capable of building this equipment. If you were to buy it from the U.S. or Europe, the shipping and labor costs would make it even more expensive."
Yang nodded. "You're right. Japanese machines are the best fit. But Japan isn't a small country. Surely they're not the only manufacturer making this type of machine?"
Yang had already contacted other import agencies to scout for alternatives. The goal wasn't just to find the best machine — but also to get the best price.
Qin smiled, reading the tone well. "Of course. A savvy businessman like yourself would naturally explore all options. This is our first time working together — I sincerely hope we'll make this deal."
"And I as well." Yang smiled back. Business etiquette was always necessary, especially in a small market like Hong Kong. Even if a deal didn't happen today, paths might cross again tomorrow.
Qin added, "Mr. Yang, if you do decide — whether or not it's with us — I'd appreciate a heads-up. Pricing is still negotiable."
"Sure," Yang replied. He had heard such words many times and always gave the same polite answer. Whether he followed through or not depended entirely on future circumstances.
Over the next few days, Yang met with two other Japanese machinery importers. The quotes and technical specs varied, but one thing was clear: Japanese machines offered the best value.
German and American machines were simply too expensive, and their after-sales service was virtually nonexistent in Hong Kong. Unless Japan couldn't build the machine, Hong Kong buyers preferred Japanese equipment hands down.
In the end, Yang chose to work with Qin Zhinan. They signed the contract, and Yang made a 3,000 HKD down payment, with the remaining balance due when the equipment arrived in one month.
Outside the factory, Yang stood with Zhao Liming, looking at the company name painted on the front wall. After a long pause, he said:
"Liming, we're no longer just doing pest control. Change 'Pest Control' (灭害) in the company name to 'Industries' (实业)."
Back when he first transmigrated, he was broke and starving. Pest control was his only option — a way to survive. But then, through luck and skill, he built something. He earned his first profits.
And now, with the invention of sticky notes, the core of his future business was starting to shift.
Of course, he wouldn't abandon pest control — not only because it remained profitable (especially glue traps), but also because it created jobs.
Sticky notes required machines — far fewer workers. But the pest control business allowed him to hire dozens, even hundreds of people. For the unemployed youths still living in squatter huts, a job was not just income — it was dignity. It was also protection for Yang himself, as their employer.
Zhao Liming grinned. "Got it. I'll get someone to repaint it this afternoon."
"Good." Yang nodded.
Sticky notes were only his second invention. There would be more. Renaming the company to "Industries" gave him room to diversify — just like how Li Ka-shing changed "Cheung Kong Plastics" into "Cheung Kong Industries" after expanding.
Back in the office, Yang addressed the team:
"The machine will take a month to arrive. But during this month, we need to start promoting our product. That way, when we get our first orders, we can immediately begin production."
Su Yiyi raised her hand. "How do we promote it? Run an ad in the newspaper?"
Yang smiled. "Nope. For a product no one's ever heard of, advertising in papers or on TV is a waste.
Here's what we're going to do: we'll hand-make a batch of sticky notes, then send them to big companies in Hong Kong — for free. Let them try it out first."
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