Chapter 101: Negotiations (Part 6)
The moment we sat down at the table in Becca's Father's office, he announced, "I won't beat around the bush with you since we are family. I really want these two inventions. I think a split of 50/50 for the profits would be fair."
I shock my head in frustration. "Father-in-law, you say you won't beat around the bush, but then you offer me this level of deal. You already know that Becca told me to take no less than 60% of the profits. I can't do a percent less. However, I'm a nice man who cares about helping out his family, so I won't ask for any more than 60% either. In all honesty, the two products I have are so extraordinary that I could push for close to 70% profits and you would still benefit from the deal."
Becca's Father grumbled softly before laughing. "Haha, I had to at least give it a shot! Okay, I am very happy with taking 40% of the profit for these two inventions."
He looked happy to make a deal, but I wasn't going to let him off that easy. I know now that he wanted me to come alone because he wanted to also talk about his concubine situation, but that still didn't stop me from being annoyed that his request meant I couldn't spend my day at the steel shop with Becca. She probably would have been impressed by my cool technical skills! Since I couldn't see her all day long because of him, I would be petty and make sure to cut into his profits.
"Not so fast. I think you are misunderstanding. I said 60% profit for the two products, while you said 60% profit for the two inventions…"
Becca's Father's eyes narrow. "What do you mean?"
I smirked, "what I mean is that this 60% deal only gives you the right to make I-beams and coil spring suspension systems. If you want to use springs in other products your researchers create, you need to sweeten the deal. I'm thinking 5 copper coins for every unit you sell of a product that uses a spring."
Becca's Father slammed his hand on the table. "What?! That is outrageous! I should be getting free rein to the concept of a spring as a whole for 60% profits of the coil spring suspension system! Especially trying to get a flat rate for each unit…that's ridiculous! I might have to send you money for products that I'm losing money on!"
I shrugged my shoulders. "That's just how good my products are. Honestly, I might even be helping you out with the flat rate because on big expensive products you make with a spring, I am only asking for 5 copper coins instead of a large portion of the total profit. I'm only suggesting this type of rate because I believe there will be a lot of small inexpensive products that would benefit from using springs and I want to make sure I get a cut.
You can just upcharge a little by explaining to your customers that you have the proprietary rights to springs. Anything with a spring will be at a premium. That will help to raise the prestige of your steel business."
Becca's Father tapped his fingers on the table as he thought it all through. "Still, 5 copper coins could impact the viability of inexpensive products. Some of the products we make are sold for only 5 copper coins…"
"Just think of it as a spring tax. Customers will be willing to spend a little extra if the product is great."
He started to rub his chin. "Let's make it 2 copper coins. That seems more palitable for a flat fee that needs to be for even small products.
I shock my head. "Sorry, I am sticking to my guns here. It needs to be 5 copper coins per unit or we won't have a deal. There are going to be so many projects where you are getting a steal when you only have to give 5 copper coins per unit for a product that has margins so good that you are making several silver coins of profit for each unit. You won't be losing out much at all."
"Fine. I will agree to pay you 5 copper coins for every unit of a product that we sell that has a spring in it. I will just have my researchers focus on more expensive products…"
I'm glad it all worked out so far, but there was one more favor that I needed from my Father-in-law before I could agree to the deal.
"There is one more small thing I need."
Becca's Father sighed. "What else could you need? You are already going to make a fortune."
"Well, there is actually one more product that I invented while I was here on this trip. I didn't bring it up to you so far because I know that it will not be something you want to do business in. It is a food product."
Becca's Father looked confused. "You are right to say that I don't want to involve myself in the food business. Since I have nothing to do with the food business, how could you need my help with something related to food?"
"It's because my new food product is created using tree sap, so I would like the rights to collect as much tree sap from the trees in your county as I want. I will only be taking the sap. The trees themselves won't be damaged"
Becca's Father was probably even more confused now. "There is no comercial use for tree sap, so you can take as much as you want as long as you don't effect the lumber collection. Though I don't know if food made from tree sap could be worth putting any effort into."
"Syrup is a sweet condiment I created. Tomorrow morning, Becca and I will make you all some pancakes and syrup to try together. I'm sure you will like it."
"Sounds interesting, I would love to have a taste."
"Good, do we have a deal?"
"Yes, I can agree to all your terms."
"Great, also make sure to give me dibs on the first coil spring suspension system that you make! I really can't handle carriage rides!"
Becca's Father burst out laughing. "Haha, of course we would take care of you! Now give me a second to write up a contract for us to sign."
While Becca's Father was busy writing out the contract, I looked at the window as I wondered how Becca was doing. I wouldn't be able to return to the manor until the end of the work day when Becca's Father also returned, but I couldn't wait to tell her about all that happened here before we had our family dinner.
"Geez, I miss her already…"
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