Chapter 393 Takeaway and Taxi
In mid-March, spring returns to the earth and flowers bloom.
The Weibo Night ceremony came to a noisy end, and the entertainment industry returned to calm, with no sensational news for the time being.
On the 10th, after Liu Shishi celebrated her 25th birthday, she bid farewell to her husband and flew to Jinling to devote herself to the filming of "Silent Shorthand".
Monday the 12th, early sunny morning, in a small conference room on the top floor of the Science and Technology Building.
Song Ci, Zhang Yong and other group executives listened to the report on the latest developments of the food delivery business by Shen Yangbo, president of subsidiary Jinri Youxuan.
On the electronic screen, the report materials carefully prepared by Shen Yangbo were displayed.
"Mr. Song, the company's core customer base is currently concentrated in CBDs, technology parks, and university towns in first-tier cities. These areas are densely populated with white-collar workers and students, and the demand for takeout is extremely high."
Song Ci examined the data report on the PPT and frowned slightly: "In half a year, Jinriyouxuan has accumulated 4.45 million users and 48,000 franchised restaurants. This progress can only be said to be average."
In the second half of last year, he focused his main energy on WeChat and WeChat global promotion, and paid limited attention to the food delivery business. Now it seems that the development speed is unsatisfactory and has not reached his expected goals.
Shen Yangbo looked calm, and turned to the next page of the PPT to continue his report: “Director Song, in the past six months, the company has accumulated rich operating experience.
We have gradually built our own rider team and all the basic work is ready. I am fully confident that our business will enter a period of rapid growth this year."
CEO Zhang Yong helped out, “Mr. Song, most of the more than 4 million customers of Today’s Priority were accumulated through field sales, with relatively little subsidy investment, and the company currently has sufficient funds.
If subsidies are increased, the user base could experience explosive growth.”
Song Ci shook his head and denied it: "This idea is wrong!
At this stage, it is certainly important to prioritize team layout, but in the current food delivery industry, Today’s Best does not have any strong competitors, and it is a great opportunity to acquire customers at a low cost.
We should make full use of our first-mover advantage and rapidly expand our customer base through multiple rounds of small subsidies.”
Zhang Yong has a background in finance and is extremely good at controlling operating costs and fine-tuning management, but he is slightly lacking in long-term strategic layout and market overall planning.
Moreover, Song Ci is good at strategic planning, but not as good as Zhang Yong in daily operational management, so the two complement each other.
After hearing the chairman's analysis, Zhang Yong looked ashamed: "I didn't think it through."
Now that the matter has passed, Song Ci has no intention of pursuing the past. Instead, he solemnly warned: "In half a year at most, companies such as Meituan and Alibaba will definitely take action. Today's Best Selection must seize this last golden window to seize the market opportunity."
Shen Yangbo responded immediately: "Don't worry, Mr. Song, I will start making arrangements after the meeting and increase the subsidies."
Song Ci then asked: "After running for half a year, have you encountered any practical difficulties in delivering food?"
“Yes. After a winter, we found that keeping food warm when riders deliver food is a difficult problem that needs to be solved urgently.”
“Is the problem solved?”
“It has been successfully resolved.” Shen Yangbo showed a proud look on his face, “We are cooperating with Aima, a leading domestic electric vehicle company.
We jointly designed and developed a special meal delivery electric vehicle with an additional thermostat, and applied for a patent. The company placed an order with Emma for 20,000 units, and the cost of this batch of electric vehicles alone was 60 million yuan.
Song Ci praised: "This decision is very wise. Although the cost has increased, it has significantly improved the quality of service and invisibly raised the threshold of the industry.
If other food delivery companies want to compete with us, they must at least meet the same service standards, which will be enough for latecomers to struggle for a while. This money is worth it! "
After receiving the affirmation from his big boss, Shen Yangbo straightened his back and looked at the bright eyes: "At present, the company has launched an automatic order dispatching system, which completely replaces the manual order dispatching and order grabbing mode.
However, the path planning function of this system is still in its early stages, and the dynamic route algorithm needs to be strengthened, which requires support from the group's technical department."
Song Ci immediately promised: "That's no problem. I will instruct the Big Data Center to fully cooperate and coordinate with you to optimize the algorithm and improve the daily delivery efficiency."
"There are no other matters that require the group's coordination for the time being, Chairman."
"Okay, let me add a few more suggestions."
Shen Yangbo sat upright, the pen in his hand hovering above the notebook, waiting for instructions with full concentration.
Songci made a clear analysis: "Today's priority is to focus on building vertical advantages and providing differentiated services. It is recommended to sign an exclusive takeaway cooperation agreement with well-known restaurant brands, using "restaurant-same quality" takeaway as a selling point.
In addition, dynamic pricing strategies can be tried, with moderate price increases during the lunch peak and discounts during the afternoon tea period to balance capacity scheduling. "
"Don't worry, Mr. Song. I've written it down and will implement it as soon as I get back."
"These are just directional suggestions. When implementing them, we need to flexibly adjust them according to the characteristics of the local market. Remember not to rush in blindly."
"Understood. We must proceed steadily and cautiously."
Song Ci nodded and said earnestly: “Boss Shen, today’s optimal business idea is correct, what you need to do now is to consolidate your reputation and improve efficiency.
The food delivery industry is doomed to be highly competitive, and the outcome of this protracted battle will take three to five years. You don’t have to worry about funding, the group will fully support Jinri Youxuan, and you just need to focus on execution.”
After the meeting, Song Ci returned to the office. After a while, a knock on the door broke the silence.
"Come in."
After getting permission, a middle-aged man in his thirties pushed the door open, walked quickly to the desk, and said respectfully: "Chairman, I am Chen Shuo from Nuomi Time, and I am here to report in."
Chen Shuo seemed a little nervous and uneasy, wondering why the chairman specifically asked to see him.
He was just a business director of Nuomi Shiguang, a subsidiary of Tengda Group. He had no rank in the entire Tengda system and rarely had the opportunity to step into the headquarters.
Song Ci closed the document and said calmly, "Sit down."
Chen Shuo sat down at his desk stiffly, his body straight.
Song Ci got straight to the point: "Do you know the American company Uber?"
"I've heard a little bit about it. It's an American internet taxi-hailing company." Chen Shuo answered truthfully, becoming more and more confused.
"Uber was founded in 2009 and entered the European market last November. It is developing rapidly and is expected to enter the mainland market within two years."
Chen Shuo seemed to be thinking about something, and cautiously asked, "Are you planning to start the taxi business first?"
"Yes!" Song Ci paused and looked directly at Chen Shuo, "I asked the human resources department to search for a talent who is good at market promotion in the group for a long time. After layers of screening, the human resources department recommended you.
Your old boss Shen Yangbo also praised your work ability, thinking that you are hardworking and flexible. Therefore, I decided to let you be in charge of the company's taxi business."
Chen Shuo was so excited that he couldn't speak for a long time. He never dreamed that he would be chosen by the chairman and would be promoted to the president of the new department of the group.
After being stunned for a moment, he came to his senses, stood up quickly, and thanked him repeatedly: "Thank you for your cultivation, Chairman. I will definitely live up to your expectations and make the taxi business bigger and stronger."
Song Ci raised his hand and motioned Chen Shuo to sit down.
Chen Shuo bowed slightly and sat down again. His flushed cheeks and hot earlobes showed that he was uncontrollably excited at the moment.
"This is a survey report on the taxi market in Beijing. Take a look at it first."
Chen Shuo took the materials handed over by the chairman with both hands and read them carefully.
Song Ci didn't urge him, but turned his head to look at the computer screen and deal with work emails.
About twenty minutes later, Chen Shuo raised his head and said, "Director Song, I've finished reading it."
"Tell me what you think."
Chen Shuo thought for a moment, sorted out his thoughts and said: "Currently, the idle rate of taxis in the capital area has reached as high as 40%, but passengers still face the dilemma of "difficulty in hailing a taxi".
The company can develop an app that uses algorithms to match taxis in real time to reduce the empty driving rate, directly addressing this contradiction, which can not only alleviate the problem of "difficulty in hailing a taxi", but also increase drivers' income. "
Song Ci lamented: "The market potential is indeed huge, but there are many obstacles to developing a taxi business."
Chen Shuo understood that the core problem was policy restrictions. In China, without a license issued by the transportation department, the taxi business could not proceed at all.
There were companies in China that imitated Uber to develop taxi services, but their car-hailing businesses were classified as "illegal operations" by the transportation department. Not only were they fined, but their vehicles were also seized, making it impossible for them to continue operating.
"Mr. Song, this is what I think. In the early stage, we will only provide third-party services and cooperate with regular taxi companies to optimize taxi passenger efficiency, accumulate operational experience, and continuously improve the app algorithm through the accumulation of travel data."
"This is a good idea." Song Ci nodded with satisfaction. Chen Shuo has a quick mind and can find a breakthrough with just a market research report. He is indeed quite capable.
After finding the entry point, Chen Shuo suddenly had an idea in his mind, and his thoughts became more open, and he talked eloquently:
"When expanding the private car business, we can adopt the "leasing company + labor dispatch driver" model to gradually leverage the market and wait for regulatory policies to loosen up."
Song Ci couldn't help but applaud: "The Ministry of Human Resources recommended a capable talent to me this time."
Chen Shuo responded modestly: "You are too kind. I am just a bit quick-witted, but my little cleverness is no match for your foresight."
Song Ci chuckled. He saw some of the shadow of his favorite general Tang Jun in Chen Shuo.
He immediately announced: "I named the taxi company SuDa, and it will be renamed Jinri SuDa in the future. Like Jinri YouXie, it will be a core subsidiary of the group. And you will be the president of Jinri SuDa."
Chen Shuo was delighted: "Thank you, Mr. Song, for your support."
Song Ci's eyes showed a hint of mischief, and he said shockingly: "You will go through the resignation procedures tomorrow."
Chen Shuo froze for a moment, confused for a moment. He was looking forward to the future just a moment ago, but in the next moment he was asked to resign. This dramatic turn of events left him at a loss for what to do.
"Mr. Song, I..."
Song Ci smiled and explained: "The taxi business, after all, involves traffic policy and is extremely sensitive. So I will arrange for several shell companies to cross-hold shares in Suda Equity.
On the surface, it has no connection with Tengda Group. When the time is right, we will inject capital to allow Suda to return to the group. "
So that's how it is. Chen Shuo breathed a sigh of relief: "I understand, Mr. Song."
“In terms of APP development and company operations, the group will dispatch personnel to assist you secretly. You don’t need to worry about logistics support, just focus on developing the front-end business.
I will give Suda 20 million in start-up capital. You should prioritize developing the two major cities of Beiping and Donghai. Once the business in these two places is stable, you can gradually expand to other first-tier cities.”
After the deployment was completed, Song Ci encouraged with a firm look in his eyes: "The taxi business is bound to be difficult to develop in the early stage. You must also be prepared for a tough battle."
Chen Shuo's face became serious. "Don't worry. I went through a lot of hardships when I was promoting Nuomi Shiguang. With your support, I am confident that I can win this tough battle."
"The group will sign an agreement with you, and when you succeed, you will receive option rewards."
Song Ci promised him a huge profit, which made Chen Shuo so excited that he uttered incoherently: "Thank you, thank you."
After calming down, Chen Shuo respectfully asked, "Is there anything else you need my attention for?"
Song Ci paused for a moment and said, “One of the company’s core strategies is to promote mobile payments, so while you are expanding your business, you should give priority to completing the payment loop.
Guide customers and drivers to use WeChat Pay. The group has regular subsidies for WeChat Pay, which is also a good card you can play. "
At this moment, he has already staged a rehearsal of the subsidy war in his mind. The sooner customers use WeChat Pay, the sooner the habit will be formed.
Chen Shuo took a deep breath and said in a sonorous tone: "Suda will not only become the Uber of China, but also help WeChat Pay. Just wait for my good news."
The confidence of his subordinates also infected Song Ci: "Suda has no shortage of technology and capital, but product competitiveness, local promotion execution and policy sensitivity are the key to success or failure.
What the future holds depends on how you grasp it. Currently, Suda has no rivals in the market, and you have plenty of time to plan. I hope you won’t let me down.”
After finishing the business, Song Ci's tone softened: "Your salary will be based on the standard of the group department president. The company will arrange an apartment for you and provide you with a car. Do you have any other needs?"
"That chairman, I heard..." Chen Shuo hesitated to speak.
Seeing Chen Shuo hesitating, Song Ci urged him, "Just say what you want to say."
"Mr. Song, I heard that the group has a housing program where company executives can apply for an interest-free loan of up to 1 million yuan.
My girlfriend and I have chosen a house, but we are short of some money for the down payment. We wanted to get some money together from relatives and friends. I wonder if I can apply?"
"No money to buy a house?" Song Ci was stunned and extremely surprised: "How long have you been working? How come you can't even get enough for the down payment?"
Chen Shuo scratched his head awkwardly: "Director Song, I am 32 years old and have been working for seven years.
After I graduated from graduate school, I joined Nuomi.com and later became an employee of Tenda.
My girlfriend has taken a fancy to Shenggu Yuyuan, which is about to be launched in Chaoyang District. The average price is 50,000 yuan per square meter, and an 83-square-meter apartment costs more than 4 million yuan.
My parents are from the countryside and can’t help me. I have saved some money through frugality over the years, but it’s still a little short of the down payment.”
Song Ci sighed when he heard this: "Your welfare benefits are the same as those of the group president, so you will naturally enjoy the housing plan."
"Thank you, Mr. Song!" Chen Shuo couldn't remember how many times he had said "thank you" since the moment he entered the office.
"It's not easy to live in Beijing!" Seeing Chen Shuo closing the office door quietly, Song Ci sighed, thought for a long time, and dialed the office phone: "Director Jiang, please come over and bring the group's ordinary employee welfare policy."
(End of this chapter)
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