Chapter 83 (1/2)

Volume 1

Chapter 84

Ch 84 — How 3 pieces of soap worth one copper coin was converted into 4 silver coins

I sat down with Lambert-san and Mary-san in the drawing room at the back of the store . It seemed that Mary-san was determined to be part of the discussion .

I listened as Lambert-san made it clear he wasn’t going give in completely to his wife’s wishes . He had decided he would give her a small area on the main shop, about two tatami mats in extent for her sales floor .

“I think that it should be larger, my esteemed husband doesn’t understand it’s the only place in town these goods will be on sale . . . ” Mary-san says sorrowfully . However I understand Lambert-san’s thinking . They are new products, totally different to the leather goods his store has been selling until now . It’s a good idea to start small and see how they sell .

“Well, if the sales area is going to be so small does that mean you should limit the goods you sell too?” I suggested . I said that perhaps it would be better to agree to sell just three different things at first . I listed the possibilities — two kinds of soap, the rinse-in shampoo, the shampoo plus conditioner and the hair wraps . What did they think would be the best ones to offer for sale, at least to start with?

“No, we shouldn’t limit the number of items . We should sell all of them . ” Mary-san leaned forward, speaking emphatically . “Don’t you think so, dear?”

Pressured by Mary-san, Lambert-san could only reply “Ummm . ”

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“Mukouda-san’s goods are a woman’s dream come true . I can’t think of any woman who wouldn’t want them . ” Mary-san said confidently, like a lady who is sure of her facts . “I’ve actually used them myself . I will promote them to my friends although when they see how I look they’re going to ask me straight away how my hair achieved this smoothness and lustre, ho ho ho . ” Saying that, Mary-san stroked her hair again and again . Yeah yeah, I know, your hair is wonderful .

“That’s why I believe that I should sell this soap for 4 silver coins . ” Mary-san said, pointing to the cheapest soap .

Huh? Mary-san, three pieces only cost me one copper coin, I thought to myself .

“Mary, is that not too expensive?” Lambert-san asked .

“You think so? I tried washing my hands with this soap . It foams up well and I think that smell is good if not so good as the scented soap I used in the bath . ” Mary-san tapped the package with the cheap soap on the table . “Recall the sort of soap we have used until now, dear . Even though it doesn’t foam and its smell was unpleasant, it still cost three silver coins . ”

“Oh, is that so?” I said, amazed .

“That’s right . Considering how much better it is, I think that this product can sell for four silver coins . Really I think it’s cheap at that price . ”

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“Well, I suppose so . . . ” Lambert-san was being completely overwhelmed by Mary-san’s enthusiasm but he hesitated . “Of course, the price we sell for will depend on the price Mukouda-san will wholesale it to us . What are your thoughts on the subject, Mukouda-san?”

Huh? You’re asking me? The wholesale price is up to me? Well I don’t really know about that kind of thing but maybe 50% of the selling price is about right?

“Well, how about 2 silver coins?” I asked tentatively .

Lambert-san was surprised at my offer . “No no no, you mustn’t give us preferential treatment . How about two silver coins and five copper coins? That’s a wholesale price which is still very favorable to us . ”

What? Is it okay getting that much? If 3 pieces of soap bought for 1 piece of copper can be sold for 2 silver coins and 5 copper coins then I’m not going to complain .

“Well then, we’ll settle on that . ” Two silver coins and five copper coins for three bars of cheap soap, wow . Easy money . Mary-san moved on to the scented soap .

“This soap is really fragrant and using it means you don’t have to wear perfume afterwards . I think Mukouda-san said it costs a bit more . We should sell it for six silver coins . What do you think? ”