Chapter 227: The Art of the Deal
Hardy picked up the phone and called Andy. "I need you to gather information on comic book companies. I'm considering buying a few."
Andy was puzzled. "Comic companies? We've been discussing planes, artillery, and warships. Why comics now?"
Hardy smiled. "It's part of the plan. I saw these motorcycles and had an idea. I've read a few comics before and think we could use their characters in TV dramas to promote these bikes. For instance, a Harley could become a hero's vehicle."
"The production cost of these Harleys is around $300 each, but we're buying them for $30. If we feature them in popular TV shows, these once-discontinued motorcycles could become collector's items, fetching higher prices. Even if we sell them at the original price, the profit is substantial."
Andy quickly understood. Using media to enhance consumer perception was a clever strategy.
"And it's not just about motorcycles," Hardy continued. "TV stations can also generate revenue through advertising and TV shopping. So, let's consider buying a stake in Harley Motors or even acquiring the company outright. This way, we control the production and avoid competing for market share."
Andy took note, considering the possibility of purchasing shares or the entire company to ensure they could benefit from any subsequent rise in value and avoid competition.
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Hardy then moved to examine a collection of unusual vehicles—a batch of military ammunition carriers. He knew these were used for transporting artillery shells, and there were thousands of them. Hardy called Colonel Adam Beach. "How much for these, and what do you think we should do with them?"
"The original cost was $480 each, and there are over 40,000 units. The military suggests selling them for $35 each. They might be useful for factories needing heavy-duty transport," Beach explained.
Hardy nodded. "Your idea is good, but those factories are few. Plus, these are tracked vehicles, and most factories prefer wheeled ones. How about selling them to farmers as plows? We can attach a plow to these and sell them at $50 each. It's much cheaper than a $500 tractor."
Beach was impressed. "That's a brilliant idea. Although not as convenient as a tractor, the low price could attract farmers who can't afford tractors."
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As Hardy walked through the warehouse, he saw a huge pile of various military materials—airplanes, tanks, and more—rusting away. The military had stored everything haphazardly, but Hardy saw an opportunity. He planned to use the military's warehouses for storing the motorcycles he had bought and consider other uses for the military equipment.
Returning to Las Vegas, Hardy met with Beach and his team in the hotel conference room. "We need to sell all this surplus, and it's crucial to start with a strong promotional push."
"Mr. Hardy, what's the plan?" Beach asked.
"Let's start with the jeeps," Hardy said, pointing to the catalog. "We have 46,000 jeeps. I propose selling them all for $150 each, whether new or old. We'll use a lottery system to create excitement."
Colonel Beach was surprised. "People will definitely flock to buy, especially for the chance to get a new jeep at that price."
"Exactly," Hardy said. "And for the trucks, we'll sell them directly. I'll offer them with a down payment of $200 and the rest in monthly installments of $50. This way, people who couldn't otherwise afford a truck can buy one."
Andy and Beach both nodded in agreement. "With affordable installments, many people will be interested," Beach said.
Hardy had already crunched the numbers. Selling the trucks at $700 each would generate $14 million in funds, all without initial investment. This money would support the startup of logistics and supermarket ventures.
The meeting concluded, and Hardy advised Beach to enjoy Las Vegas during his stay. Beach and his team eagerly ventured into the city's vibrant nightlife and casinos, ready to experience everything Las Vegas had to offer.