As the advertisement caused a surge in product popularity, Song Qiao had to add two more production lines to the chemical plant he had acquired, ensuring that Xiang Piaopiao's capacity could meet consumer demand.
It was another weekly regular meeting, and in the office, several key members of the company wore excited smiles on their faces.
"Boss, our sales volume broke records again this week. Despite the post-Chinese New Year lull in consumption, we still surpassed the one million mark."
Lin Jing, after tidying up a thick stack of financial statements, looked up and excitedly reported to Song Qiao.
"Hmm? Has the sales volume in L city improved?"
Song Qiao continued to ask.
"Sales have increased by two to three times. We've completely opened up the market, and there are no longer any counterfeit products of ours on the market."
Li Lili chimed in from the side. Sales had always been her responsibility, and L city was precisely where she had been focusing her attention lately.
"That's good."
Song Qiao nodded slightly and smiled at everyone present.
"Our company has now reached a stable development stage. Everyone must remain vigilant and avoid complacency, ensuring production safety and food safety."
After speaking, he looked around, his gaze falling particularly on Old Zhang.
These two aspects, crucial for the factory's survival, were entirely under his leadership, and the pressure was undoubtedly immense. After all, no matter how good the marketing strategies were, without these two elements as a foundation, they would only be a fleeting success.
Old Zhang swallowed nervously and even stood up excitedly.
"Boss, rest assured, I guarantee that there will be no further problems in these two areas."
Ever since the factory explosion last time, Old Zhang's safety inspections of the workshops had become almost stringent, for fear of another such accident.
"I naturally trust you with this."
Song Qiao smiled slightly and patted Old Zhang's shoulder, signaling him not to be nervous.
"Next, we need to expand some of our company's business."
As Song Qiao spoke, he walked back to his seat. Everyone present unconsciously straightened up, anticipating what new plan their boss had.
"During this period, our company has basically focused its work on the processing plant's business, and the shops have been somewhat neglected."
"Due to insufficient manpower a while ago, we even withdrew some of our stalls."
At this point, Song Qiao paused, looked around at everyone, and continued, "However, the shops have always been a very large piece of the pie, and their net profit even surpassed that of our processing plant for a period."
"We must firmly hold onto such a profitable business."
As soon as Song Qiao finished speaking, Awei raised his right hand, signaling to Song Qiao that he had something to say.
"Boss, it's not that we want to abandon the stores; it's just that we are severely short of manpower, and the workers in the factory lack experience in this area."
"Yes, boss. If we were to open more branches, our management staff would also be in short supply."
Lin Jing added from the side.
Song Qiao waved his hand upon hearing this. "You don't need to worry about these issues. I've already thought of a solution."
"We will indeed open more branches, but we will do so through franchising."
"Franchising?"
This remark immediately sparked everyone's curiosity. The term was still quite novel for them, and they didn't immediately grasp Song Qiao's meaning.
"Yes, it's about attracting investment from others. We are responsible for providing raw materials and technology. They pay us a franchise fee in proportion."
Song Qiao said calmly.
Only then did everyone suddenly understand and largely grasp Song Qiao's intention.
"In that case, the franchisees would become our management personnel. What if they are unreliable and damage our reputation?"
Awei still asked with some concern.
Song Qiao looked at Awei and chuckled, "Awei, you still haven't understood my true meaning. Franchising is not employment; we are in a cooperative relationship with them. The shops actually belong to the franchisees. For their own shops, I don't think anyone wouldn't take it seriously, right?"
As soon as he said this, Li Lili and Lin Jing also showed a hint of a smile. The management issue was so easily resolved. They believed that soon, Xiang Piaopiao branches would be opening all over the city.
"Lin Jing, you will lead this matter for now. First, let's put up promotions at the entrance of our existing stores. I will follow up with investment attraction later."
Seeing that no one had any objections, Song Qiao continued to arrange his plans.
"No problem, boss. I'll find people to put up a sign at the store entrance as soon as I get back."
Lin Jing patted her chest and readily agreed.
"Everyone work hard. Once this matter is implemented, I have a surprise for all of you."
After assigning tasks, Song Qiao gave the four key members a sly smile. Then, ignoring their curiosity, he directly announced the end of the meeting.
...
The next morning, Song Qiao drove directly to the store. Since the focus of work during this period was on opening franchised stores, he, as the boss, still needed to be present more often.
"Boss, the usual, two portions of spicy stinky tofu."
As he sat on a stool, lost in thought, an elderly man in his fifties or sixties strode in. Song Qiao also recognized him as a regular customer at the store, who came to buy two portions almost every day as a treat.
Song Qiao responded with an "Okay," swiftly scooped two portions of stinky tofu, packed them, and handed them to the old man.
"Hey, I say, boss, what's this about opening a franchised store?"
As the elder took the food, he looked at the advertising board in front of him and asked curiously.
Seeing the elder's interest, Song Qiao eagerly began to explain the advantages of his franchised stores.
"Really? I just need to pay a franchise fee to open a store?"
The elder asked, somewhat incredulously, after hearing Song Qiao's explanation.
"That's right, grandpa. As long as you pay us the franchise fee, the subsequent raw materials and technology will all be provided by our Xiang Piaopiao headquarters. You just need to be responsible for the operation."
Song Qiao replied with a smile.
The elder remained silent for a moment, standing there in thought, before slowly speaking.
"This old man does have some savings, and I've always wanted to start a business but haven't found a way."
"If the price is right, I might consider it."
"After all, this way I can eat this every day."
Song Qiao's heart leaped with joy upon hearing this. This elder clearly seemed like someone with money, and perhaps their first franchisee was about to appear. He quickly replied, "Grandpa, our franchise fee is initially one hundred thousand yuan. Afterward, we will take a percentage based on operating revenue, generally around twenty percent of the operating profit."
Song Qiao had already formulated a detailed fee structure and quoted his price almost without hesitation.