ryethenovel Chapter 52: Collaborating with Tang Lei to Launch a New MP3 Player
Chapter 52: Collaborating with Tang Lei to Launch a New MP3 Player
In the evening, Lin Feng arranged to meet Tang Lei at a coffee shop near the school.
Tang Lei looks to be in good spirits.
"Brother Lei, the ringback tone is online at noon today."
"I heard about it, and Manager Zhang also sent me a message," Tang Lei said with some emotion. Overnight, he went from being a bar singer to taking his career to a new level.
Lin Feng got down to business, "Brother Lei, ringback tones are just the first step. Next, I'd like to discuss a deeper collaboration with you."
"Go ahead," Tang Lei said, sitting up straight.
"I want to launch a 'Tang Lei Lilac Commemorative Edition MP3' under the name 'Fengchi Digital'."
Lin Feng took out a few simple sketches, which were his initial ideas. "The exterior design will be more refined, and it will be printed with your signature and a lilac pattern. The complete high-definition version of 'Lilac' will be pre-installed inside. The randomly included card can be printed with the lyrics and your creative notes."
Tang Lei carefully examined the sketches.
"I would like to invite you to be the spokesperson for this MP3 player, or more accurately, the product recommender."
"It's not just a music player, but also a vessel for your music, a keepsake. We can collaborate; you'll handle the endorsement and promotion, and I'll manage production, distribution, and sales. We can split the profits fairly. What do you think?"
In Tang Lei's understanding, singers usually only earn income through performance fees, releasing albums and selling records, or endorsing GG.
Lin Feng's design is not simply to endorse a product, but to bind him and the song more deeply to a single product, forming a closed loop of "work-idol-merchandise".
This goes beyond his traditional understanding as a singer, meaning his music will be disseminated in a more tangible way, and also means closer collaboration and more promising returns.
Tang Lei's eyes were firm. "I trust you. Whatever you need me to do, we'll do it together."
"Okay! Let's work together to sing 'Lilac Flower' into the hearts and ears of more people."
Their hands were clasped tightly together.
Just then, Lin Feng's phone vibrated; it was a message from Xu Qiang:
"President! Our music club's official forum account is flooded with posts asking to buy MP3 players! A lot of people are asking if we have the same model as the music festival commemorative edition."
Lin Feng smiled and showed the text message on his phone to Tang Lei.
"Brother Lei, our MP3 players will sell like hotcakes!"
The two exchanged a smile, recognizing the promising prospects for their collaboration.
……
It was late at night, but the desk lamp in dormitory 407 was still on.
Lin Feng sat at his desk with several sheets of white paper spread out in front of him, covered with various sketches.
The design features the outline of an MP3 player, the lines of a lilac flower, and Tang Lei's signature, along with notes on the dimensions, materials, and manufacturing requirements.
Xu Qiang's text message about "seeking to buy MP3 players" went viral, acting like a shot in the arm. The market reaction was even more enthusiastic than he had anticipated.
Market opportunities are fleeting.
He picked up his phone, found Wu Wenjie's Shenzhen number, and dialed it.
"Hey? Brother Lin! Still up so late? Is there some kind of instruction?" Wu Wenjie's voice was full of anticipation.
Ever since Lin Feng left Shenzhen, he had been thinking about what would happen next. His brother's intelligence and drive made him certain that there would be new sparks.
"Brother Jie, did I disturb your rest?"
"We just closed up shop. It's still a long time before we rest. Have you sold all 300 MP3 players yet?"
Lin Feng laughed: "Actually, those 300 units were sold out long before I went to Shenzhen."
"..." Wu Wenjie was shocked again. "So, brother, are you preparing to order the next batch of goods?"
"You guessed right!" Lin Feng laughed. "The market response to the last batch of commemorative MP3 players was very good. But this time, it's not the same. In fact, the quantity this time will be larger than last time, and the appearance will be redesigned."
On the other end of the phone, Wu Wenjie was very excited: "How much? What are your requirements? Tell me!"
"Initially, we estimate the first batch to be between 5,000 and 10,000 units. The appearance needs to be more refined, and it needs to be able to be printed with specific patterns and signatures, as well as the words 'Tang Lei · Lilac Commemorative Edition'. The packaging box also needs to be redesigned to match the theme and have a sense of quality."
Lin Feng looked at his sketches: "The mold fee is negotiable, but quality and delivery time must be guaranteed. This isn't a trial run; it's about building a reputation and establishing a brand."
"The first batch of five to ten thousand units... mold making..." Wu Wenjie quickly calculated in his mind, "Brother Lin, this is quite a move! Don't worry, I'll talk to Boss Chen! He made a profit last time, so he'll definitely be even more enthusiastic this time."
The mold-making fee isn't low, but spread across 10,000 units, the increase in cost per unit is limited. Send me your specific requirements, and I'll go talk to him tomorrow!
"I've compiled the detailed design sketches and requirements overnight and will send them to your email first thing tomorrow morning. You can represent me to talk to Boss Chen. The bottom line is quality, delivery time, and a competitive price."
Furthermore, if Mr. Chen cooperates well this time, there may be deeper cooperation in the future, such as long-term supply, or even product development.
"Understood!" Wu Wenjie replied enthusiastically. "Brother Lin, leave this to me. I'll definitely negotiate the best terms for you!"
After hanging up with Wu Wenjie, Lin Feng didn't stop. He compiled the hand-drawn sketches into a clearer electronic version of the instructions, noting the dimensions, colors, and craftsmanship details.
In a brief moment of busyness, he remembered something else, picked up his phone again, and found Lin Xiaoqiang's number.
The call connected, and Lin Xiaoqiang's voice came through: "Brother Lin Feng? Oh my, I really didn't expect it to be you! Xiaowen, it's Lin Feng on the phone!"
Lin Xiaoqiang pressed speakerphone, and a series of hurried footsteps came from the background: "Brother Feng? Is that you?"
"It's me, Xiaowen. Have you found a job in Shenzhen?" Lin Feng's voice softened unconsciously.
"Found it. I'm working in the quality control department of an electronics factory now. The work isn't tiring, and my team leader and colleagues are all great. My truck business is also doing well. We're all doing great."
"That's good!"
"Brother Feng, is that red string I gave you still wearing?"
Lin Feng glanced down at the red string on his left wrist and smiled slightly. "I wear it. I wear it every day."
A joyful sound came from the other end of the phone from Lin Xiaowen.
"By the way, Feng-ge, after get off work I'm still attending night school, learning about electronic components and simple circuit diagrams! I can now roughly recognize the motherboard, flash memory, and decoding chip in those MP3 players you mentioned before!"
Lin Feng was somewhat surprised: "That's great, Xiaowen! It's always good to learn more. Maybe in the future, you'll even be able to help me read circuit diagrams."
"Really?" Lin Xiaowen's voice was full of anticipation.
Lin Xiaoqiang said, "Brother Lin Feng, Xiaowen is working really hard now. We're all looking forward to your next visit to Shenzhen."
"I'll be there. I just placed another order for MP3 players. I'll be sourcing from Shenzhen regularly in the future, so I'll come whenever I have time."
Lin Xiaoqiang was genuinely pleased. "Brother, you're the kind of person who's going to do great things! If there's anything I can help you with, just say the word! We're in Shenzhen, close to the factory!"
"good!"