In mid-August, Lin Zhichao returned to Hong Kong from abroad and soon flew to Japan to personally promote the purchased ships. From buying ships to selling them, Lin Zhichao has always insisted on doing it himself, because it is a business worth hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.
This time, Global Shipping purchased seven more ships in Europe, six of which were cargo ships of 7,500 to 8,600 tons, and one ship of 11,000 tons, with a total load capacity of 59,000 tons. The cost was US$4 million, which exceeded the standard again.
In addition to the US$2 million loan from HSBC, the shipping company also provided an installment payment of US$1 million, so only US$1 million was actually paid.
At the same time, Global Shipping's net debt reached more than 5.2 million US dollars (including interest), and the remaining four months were enough to earn back the excess. After all, the current monthly profit is more than 1.4 million US dollars. If new ships are added to the operation, the monthly profit will increase even higher.
After arriving in Japan, Lin Zhichao went straight to Sanko Steamship. He was a little unlucky when he heard about this shipping company.
And as far as Lin Zhichao knows, this shipping company had a load capacity of more than 20 million tons at its peak in its previous life. Most of them were large oil tankers. Some were leased by Bao Yugang, and some were built by themselves, but they eventually went bankrupt. ending.
The bloody lesson taught Lin Zhichao that we should gradually reduce the number of ships in the late 1970s, because there was a fifteen-year shipping winter starting in the mid-1980s. Reducing ships does not mean withdrawing from shipping. It is still necessary to retain a small number of oil tankers and container ships.
After arriving at Sanko Steamboat, Lin Zhichao, led by his staff, met with Sanko Steamboat's president, Toshio Kawamoto, and other senior executives.
Sanko Steamship was established in 1933. At that time, there were only two ships. Kawamoto Toshio became the president in 1937. At present, Sanko Steamship is not strong and is far inferior to the million-ton class of Yamaguchi Steamship and Nippon Steamship. With a load capacity of 200,000 tons, there are also three 10,000-ton ships chartered by Global Shipping.
However, Lin Zhichao knew that Toshio Kawamoto liked "big success" very much, so he first used him to promote ships and strive to win big orders.
Why did he know that Toshio Kawamoto liked to have great success? It was mainly due to the feedback from early contacts, the sudden and explosive growth of Sanko Steamship in later generations, and the fact that Toshio Kawamoto was still a political celebrity.
Grasping the character of your negotiating opponent will help you achieve a successful sales pitch.
"Mr. Lin, welcome to Sanguang Steamship."
"President Kawamoto, I feel relieved if you welcome me!"
"Haha, please sit down."
In the conference room, both parties sat together and communicated.
Kawamoto Toshio first led Lin Zhichao into his army and said: "Although we welcome Mr. Lin and everyone to come to Sanko Steamship as guests, in fact we have little demand for freighters." After speaking, he looked at Lin Zhichao shrewdly.
The implicit meaning of this statement is that it is a lessor's market now, and the initiative lies with Sanko Steamboat.
Lin Zhichao is not in a hurry at all. The market is obviously still there, but his opponents are just trying to lower the price.
"President Kawamoto, as far as I know, major ports around the world are filled with a large amount of goods destined for Japan. Atlanta, Boston in the United States, and London ports in Europe are all filled with goods destined for Japan. Moreover, You are also receiving a steady stream of new orders, and Japanese products are also being dumped overseas in large quantities. So the market is very good, and President Kawamoto is too humble."
Kawamoto Toshio immediately secretly called Lin Zhichao a "little fox". Of course he wanted to rent a freighter and then put it into transportation to earn more money. Originally, he was still developing shipping conservatively, but with Global Shipping leasing ships to Sanko Steamship at a low price, he saw a way to develop shipping without spending too much money.
To rent a Global Shipping ship, you only need to pay 75% of the current market price every month, and it is paid monthly; Sanko Kisen uses the rented ship to undertake transportation orders from Japan, and the profits are very high. He is optimistic about this development model and does not need to worry too much about foreign exchange.
Of course, Kawamoto Toshio also knew that he should bargain again.
"If the price is reasonable, we certainly don't mind taking the risk of renting a few boats." Kawamoto Toshio said with a smile.
It would be nice to say this earlier and get to the point directly.
Lin Zhichao said: "One 11,000-ton cargo ship and three 7,500-ton cargo ships. What do you think?"
Although Sanko Steamship is not as good as Yamaguchi Steamship and Nippon Steamship, it still has strength, so it is best to sell them to them. Lin Zhichao was also worried about bankruptcy and credibility when leasing to other Japanese shipping companies.
Large and medium-sized shipping companies such as Sanko Steam Navigation will not go bankrupt because of tens of thousands of tons of cargo ships, not to mention Japan's economic development has been so rapid in recent years and there is no shortage of cargo to be transported.
Kawamoto Toshio communicated with the executives, and then he said: "How many years do you want to rent?"
Lin Zhichao said: "Four years!"
Kawamoto Toshio immediately said: "If this is a long-term contract, I need to consider the risks!"
Lin Zhichao immediately said flatteringly: "With Japan's economic situation, let alone four years, even ten years will be a period of rapid development. Japanese products are now being dumped all over the world, and you don't have enough resources. The required transportation capacity is huge. So President Kawamoto, don’t worry about the risks.”
For a time, several Japanese people could no longer control their emotions and showed proud expressions.
Lin Zhichao said the facts, but he deliberately missed one thing, that is, as shipping capacity increases, shipping prices will fall. Of course, if it was a long-term lease, Sanko Steamship would not be at a huge disadvantage, because the price was cheap enough. Even in 1955, it might have been about the same price as a short-term lease.
What Global Shipping wants is to 'keep sailing and never stop'. On this point alone, you can make a lot more money than those short-term one-way chartered ships. Under normal market conditions, those short-distance shipments may have to be stranded at the port for a week or even longer after one shipment. This is too much time wasted in a year.
After some communication, Toshio Kawamoto and others said: "Okay, we can rent four of your ships, but the rent can only be US$2.2 million per year."
This price is considered low for this market, only about 70%.
The purchase price of these four ships by Global Shipping was US$2.25 million, excluding interest.
The lower the price and the more ships, the higher the operating cost. Therefore, if calculated based on the rent of US$2.2 million, the gross profit margin is almost less than US$1.5 million. Major repairs and major risks cannot be counted, otherwise it cannot be calculated.
It takes a full year and a half to pay back the money!
This is true for old ships. If it is a new ship, it will take five years to pay back the cost, and that will only happen if the shipping conditions are good.
Of course, before the mid-1980s, shipping was indeed very good. Even if there was a "little cold winter (1958~1961)", the shipping company would not go bankrupt. After World War II, shipping will usher in forty years of shipping conditions. It is precisely because of this that so many shipping kings emerged.
Lin Zhichao said in embarrassment: "President Kawamoto, the gap between the US$2.2 million per year and the market price is too big. The last time the three ships were priced at US$2.2 million, this time there are not only four ships, but an additional 2,000 tons in total tonnage." . Plus, how about $2.4 million a year?”
Even with the same tonnage, if there is one more ship, the price will be much higher; the reason is simple, the price of a 10,000-ton cargo ship is much smaller than the sum of the price of two 5,000-ton ships.
Having one more ship means that it can perform tasks more flexibly.
As for the cost of oil and coal, I'm sorry, but the Americans control Saudi Arabia very tightly. Oil prices are very cheap in this era. At this time, Saudi Arabia does not have the right to extract oil. European and American oil companies are extracting oil from the Middle East. They only extract a certain amount of "royalty" for the Saudi royal family. But that little money is no different from giving it away to beg for food.
There are also benefits, because oil around the world is relatively cheap, which is conducive to global economic development.
The two parties discussed the price back and forth, and finally reached a price of 2.3 million to 235 US dollars per year, but Lin Zhichao was a little embarrassed.
Seeing that Lin Zhichao, who had always been decisive in giving up profits, was hesitant, Kawamoto Toshio also knew that they were 'taking advantage' this time, so he took the initiative and said: "Everyone has worked hard for a long time, why don't we get together tonight and officially sign the contract tomorrow?"
When Lin Zhichao saw this, he also said: "Okay, thank you, President Kawamoto, for the hospitality."
In fact, he is already very satisfied with the price. So what if it takes one and a half years to pay back the money? In another year, other short-term rental companies will probably need more than two years to pay back the money. Compared with them, he is already making a lot of money by renting for a long time.
Moreover, the timing of this long-term contract is the most appropriate, because when it expires, it is the time when Suez will close. At that time, Toshio Kawamoto may take the initiative to offer 5 to 6 million US dollars a year. If he rents it for three years, he will make a lot of money.
It doesn’t matter if you can’t get enough US dollars. Global Shipping can accept all Japanese yen, but I’m afraid not everyone will be happy then.
Therefore, Lin Zhichao's embarrassment at this time was just intentional. Toshio Kawamoto was bargaining fiercely, so he naturally had to show off, but in fact he was laughing in his heart.
The banquet was held at a geisha house. In fact, Lin Zhichao was very opposed to this kind of banquet. Firstly, he did not appreciate geishas who came to Japan. Secondly, he believed that going to a geisha house was "involving in the entertainment scene" and was a kind of indulgence. own behavior.
In particular, Lin Zhichao attaches great importance to the company's clean image. However, if he refuses this kind of banquet, he will inevitably have a bad relationship with customers. In fact, when overseas customers come to Hong Kong, important customers will also make Lin Zhichao move. In the hotel Accompanied by drinks, and now also accompanied by golf.
So sometimes, he could only keep his image to a minimum. During such business banquets, Lin Zhichao would check whether his subordinates were getting carried away and unruly. If the subordinate is greedy for enjoyment and is not tempted by women, it means that this person cannot be cultivated.
After all, he already has a weakness and can easily be targeted. Although Lin Zhichao is still personally responsible for Global Shipping, sooner or later Lin Zhichao will reduce his workload, and naturally he needs someone he can trust.
During the banquet.
Everyone sat on the floor, Kawamoto Toshio clapped his hands, and a Mama-san came to him. Then he muttered a few words, and Mama-san nodded quickly.
After a while, the girls in kimono came to the room one after another and sat in front of everyone.
What made Lin Zhichao frown a little was that the two girls in kimonos beside him seemed to be young. Anyway, they looked like students studying.
He was targeted!
Kawamoto Toshio said with a smile: "Mr. Lin is the youngest among all of us. I think that although you are a person who is doing big things, you must be someone who understands these two ladies better. They serve Mr. Lin for dinner, which is just right."
Mama-san did not forget to recommend: "Maki and Maki work part-time. They are still studying and earning tuition. If you don't serve this adult well, you two sisters will have no tuition!"
"Le"
KAO!
Lin Zhichao almost went berserk. These people had evil intentions and wanted to embarrass their boss in front of Lin Zhichao's men.
This is a frame-up by Chi Guoguo!
Attacking Lin Zhichao's weakness, he does like younger ones, good sisters and so on.
But, he is a gentleman.
"It doesn't matter, it's just a meal. The important thing is that President Kawamoto and I are good friends, so we don't need to be too outspoken!" Lin Zhichao is a man who has seen the world after all. He nodded gently to Maki and Maki, and then said Said friendly to Toshio Kawamoto.
During this process, he was not messy at all, showing that he was a gentleman and magnanimous, without offending his partners.
Kawamoto Toshio smiled and said: "Of course, let's officially start!"
After he separated from Lin Zhichao and others today, he began to make arrangements for the familiar geisha house to prepare dishes. After all, if he can successfully complete the signing for US$2.3 million, he can also save US$50,000.
And the 'tuition fee' is only a few dollars, a thousand US dollars is enough to last.
Maki and Maki were really young, and they were very nervous when pouring wine and picking up food. At one point, Toshio Kawamoto showed an unhappy expression, and his eyes seemed to blame the two women for not serving their guests well.
As a result, Maki and Maki became even more nervous.
"It doesn't matter, my sister is about the same age as you, but she is happier than you and doesn't need to worry about tuition fees." Lin Zhichao came to the rescue in time.
When Toshio Kawamoto saw this, he stopped being cruel to the two women.
Maki and Maki were immediately very grateful and relaxed a little. Both of them were forced by life to work in this geisha house. Mama-san who recruited them said that they only need to accompany the guests to eat and they can get it. With a sufficient salary, tuition fees are no more than a minor issue. The two girls were raised by their mother since childhood. Baba died in the war and life was difficult.
Fortunately, the meal was finished successfully without any danger, and Lin Zhichao and his men returned to the hotel with satisfaction.
"Dong dong"
Not long after returning to the hotel, there was a knock on the door of Lin Zhichao's room.
"who is it?"
"Boss, two Japanese ladies came to see you at today's banquet."
Xue Junshan's words rang out at the door, giving Lin Zhichao a headache. This Kawamoto Toshio was determined not to give up!
Open the door.
Inviting Maki and Maki into the room, Lin Zhichao instantly saw the panic of the two women, and it was obvious that they had been intimidated beforehand.
Both of them are not very tall, but they are actually wearing JK clothes. Although they are sisters, one is sweet-looking and the other is cute, belonging to two styles of Japanese high school girls.
"Did someone force you to come to my room?"
"No no"
"This is strange, then what are you doing in my room?"
"We need money, and they said that as long as we come to you, they will give us 1,000 US dollars. So, Mr. Lin, please don't drive us away. Please!"
Lin Zhichao understood the cause of the matter, first asked Xue Junshan to leave, and then invited Maki and Maki to sit on the sofa.
He first took out $1,000 and handed it to the two of them and said, "Here is $1,000. You can leave right away!"
Maki and Maki immediately said in panic: "No, we can't leave!"
Their originally sweet and lovely faces became a little panicked.
Lin Zhichao hesitated!
The two sisters only grew up similarly, but they are twins. Could it be that they have telepathy.
But soon, he regained his composure.
You can't make mistakes!
However, we cannot drive them away. After all, this is irresponsible behavior. Ordinary Japanese in this era cannot afford to offend the powerful.
"Why do your parents let you earn tuition? Don't they know how to work?" Lin Zhichao sat across from him on the sofa, intending to understand the situation and relieve the embarrassment.
"Our Baba died in the war, and he still has a younger brother at home, so..."
"What? Your Baba died in the war, so your Baba is a soldier?"
Seeing Lin Zhichao's unkind expression, Maki and Maki suddenly panicked again, suddenly feeling that they shouldn't make this mistake.
But it's too late now!
Under Lin Zhichao's angry eyes, they could only nod and say, "I'm sorry!"
Then, the sisters all knelt in front of Lin Zhichao, lowering their heads and admitting their mistake.
Lin Zhichao said angrily: "Since you have committed a crime, you must bear the consequences!"
After saying that, Lin Zhichao angrily packed up Maki and Maki. It was not until two hours later that he realized whether he had overreacted.
So, he pretended to be a good guy again, comforted Maki and Maki, and finally the three of them fell into a deep sleep.
The next day, morning.
Lin Zhichao took out 3,000 US dollars in cash, handed it to Maki and Maki, and said: "This money should be enough for you to complete your studies. Moreover, as long as you reveal that I will support you through college, no one will come to you again." Trouble, you can stop being threatened. Do you understand?"
To be honest, he didn't understand the two girls because they had been together for too short a time, but now that it was a bloody reality, he continued to be a good person.
My sister Maki immediately said boldly: "Is it because they are afraid of you?"
Lin Zhichao smiled and shook his head and said: "It's not that you are afraid of me, it's because we are partners and they will not offend me for the sake of you two. In fact, you are insignificant in the eyes of the big shots. After they have used you, they have achieved their goals. . But without my sign, you may continue to fall into the abyss, accompanied by more people, including ugly fat men and old men with sores on their faces."
"don't want!"
Maki and Maki were immediately scared and hugged each other, trembling.
"So, you must learn to use me! If anyone bothers you again, just say that I have promised to sponsor you to complete your studies, so that they will not bother you again."
At this time, Maki let go of her sister, came to Lin Zhichao, held his arm, and said, "Mr. Lin, can we see you next time?"
Lin Zhichao took a look at Maki, she was so sweet, and she was so cute; she looked at Maki again, she was so cute, and she had little bunny teeth, so adorable.
"Not necessarily. You can give me a contact address and method. If there is a chance, I will come to see you!"
Both women knew that Lin Zhichao was a major shipowner in Hong Kong and had very strong capital. In addition, Lin Zhichao was young and handsome, so they were already dependent on him.
However, Lin Zhichao didn't think it through, so he kept it for later use.
Maki saw that Lin Zhichao was not necessarily looking for them, but she was reluctant to let them go. A few thousand dollars might be enough for them to study, but she also wanted to get to know a big shot like Lin Zhichao, not to mention that this man had taken away her most precious thing.
So, Maki hugged her even tighter and said coquettishly: "Mr. Lin, please come to us. You have helped us so much, and we want to thank you. If. If you don't come to us, I'm worried about those people." They will also threaten us. So, please!”
Lin Zhichao frowned, this Zhenji was not simple, he was a bit scheming.
On the contrary, Maki just blushed and remained silent.
"Okay! But you must draw a clear line with them. If you go to the geisha house again, I will look down on you in the future."
"Oh, it hurts!"
Lin Zhichao looked at Maki. It might be that he was really in pain, but he was obviously pretending.
Later, Lin Zhichao simply arranged for the two of them, and he arranged his clothes and prepared to sign the contract.
The two women cannot be seen by his men, lest they affect his image.
As for Sanguang Steam Turbine, 2.3 million US dollars a year is not bad, so it goes down this slope.
(End of chapter)
