Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 182

In the end, I give up on the two-shift system as it seems premature. Establishing such an approach in this world, where labor practices are different, is difficult. Implementing a system that goes against established customs would only be counterproductive in the long run.

Instead, it seems more efficient to bring in additional personnel for preparatory and cleanup tasks. We will also hire a small number of new craftsmen separately from the support staff. This will help increase the operational efficiency of the existing production lines.

With more staff, we can better handle sudden illnesses among craftsmen and make it easier for them to take time off. This, in turn, should improve the training of new craftsmen. With these adjustments, production capacity should theoretically increase by about 20%.

“So, do you think we can make shoes for the church?” I ask Gorgogo. I want to know his impressions since he has been working on the development for the past few days.

“Oh, there’s nothing particularly difficult about it. As long as we have the materials, we can make them right away,” Gorgogo replies.

Indeed, the basic construction is fundamentally the same. The only differences are whether the shoes are high boots that cover up to the calf or short boots that reach the ankle, and whether the materials are lightweight and inexpensive. Since the techniques and manufacturing processes used are almost identical, there doesn’t seem to be much difficulty in production.

“That’s fine and all, but will the church really buy them?” Anne asks. Indeed, we haven’t finalized any specific contracts or engaged in financial transactions yet.

Even with the support of Priest Nicolo, who is believed to be backing the development project, sales are not his specialty or role. We will need to refine a concrete advertising strategy ourselves, and if Priest Nicolo approves, we can proceed with the plan as is.

However, given Priest Nicolo’s personality, as long as our proposal is logical and contributes to the advancement of the project, it’s unlikely he will irrationally reject it. In that sense, he is a very valuable partner.

Additionally, having connections with the deacons is a significant advantage. Once we have a certain level of planning in place, it might be beneficial to show it to Deacon Michelino or someone similar. It’s fine to take a one-shot proposal directly to Priest Nicolo, but consulting someone close to him beforehand might increase our chances of success.

“We have the commitment from the other party and a general plan. To make it effective, I’d like to have Anne lend me her wisdom.”

Anne’s mood immediately improves upon hearing this. “Well, of course! Without my elegance and wisdom, your rural sales methods would turn these fine shoes into just another pair of clunky wooden clogs,” she says, clearly pleased with herself.

Although Sara and Gorgogo are fuming red with anger, I find Anne’s exaggerated attitude rather amusing and decide to play along, humbling myself. “Indeed. We need Anne’s grace and wisdom. So, what specifically should we do?”

Anne leans back with a smirk and begins to explain. “Kenji, do you know why the Guardian Shoes sold well?”

“Well, because they were good products and the Sword Fangs Legion used them, right?”

When I answer, Anne looks at me with pitying eyes, sighs, and shakes her head.

“Oh… You don’t get it! The reason the Guardian Shoes sold well is that the goddess I portrayed was beautiful and the leader looked impressive! You see, clothes and accessories become valuable because they’re worn by noble, strong, and beautiful people! Everyone wants to be like them, so they buy it! If something is rare, it sells for even higher prices! Whether it’s useful or not doesn’t matter at all! Do you understand?”

Anne’s opinion is quite extreme, but I have to admit that it is correct in many respects. In essence, she is saying that we should focus on creating a strong brand image and carefully select who will model our products.

Indeed, I tend to have a more product-oriented mindset and am particular about the quality of the items. There’s a bit of complacency on my part, thinking that if the product is good, it will eventually sell. I can’t completely agree with Anne’s view that quality has no bearing on sales.

“Hm. So, who should wear them and in what manner?” I ask.

Anne’s response is straightforward. “Important people! Preferably wealthy and glittering individuals!”

“Important people, huh…” I wonder who the most noble advocates of the development project could be, given my connections. “Cardinals…” I say it out loud, but I question whether such a thing is possible.