It must be said, after diligently studying Muggle theories like Marketing Principles and The Evolution of Business Models, Draco Malfoy was brimming with confidence. With the conviction that practice makes perfect, he enthusiastically embarked on his entrepreneurial journey.
"According to McCarthy's 1960 4P Marketing Theory," Draco declared proudly in response to Jane Yu's questioning gaze, "I will combine the four fundamental strategies of Product, Price, Place, and Promotion, employing effective measures at every dimension."
With a dramatic flourish, he tore a page from his notebook, revealing it to be densely covered in neat quill-written notes.
"Look at this, Jane. This is my preliminary plan. Our product has a unique selling point. I've hired four seventh-year students who scored 'Outstanding' in Potions, and I've set high standards for them. The Brain Stimulating Potion must be top-notch and ergonomically designed, reducing sleep time to just four hours. A single drop will last an entire week, and one small bottle will last for three months..."
Jane was initially impressed by Draco's grasp of Muggle business theories but quickly sensed something off.
One drop? Lasting a whole week?
One bottle? Lasting three months?
Wouldn't that mean students only needed to buy once every three months?
A one-time business deal?
But she kept her doubts to herself because Draco seemed so passionate, his enthusiasm practically radiating.
"Of course, I plan to sell at a price far below market value," Draco continued, his nonexistent tail wagging with excitement. "This way, I can capture as much market share as possible and squeeze out those black-market sellers charging exorbitant prices. Low margins, high volume—I guarantee you won't find a cheaper option anywhere, not even if you brewed it yourself..."
So the profit margin would be razor-thin.
Jane swallowed her critique once again.
"And I'll establish four distribution channels, one for each house. I'll hire eight students, offering them a slightly lower wholesale price... Plus, I'll pay them a small salary to help promote our potion..."
So labor costs would skyrocket.
"Uh..." Jane couldn't help but voice a small doubt. "Are you sure...?"
But Draco, completely immersed in his grand vision, brushed off her skepticism and continued with fervor:
"Lastly, for promotion, I'll create merchandise featuring your image as a bonus gift for purchasing the Brain Stimulating Potion. This will undoubtedly be a hit and attract everyone to buy our potions... And with the prefects' official endorsement, I also plan to establish an after-sales service channel to collect customer feedback..."
Jane was dumbfounded.
Merchandise featuring her image? More expenses.
After-sales service? The potion was ingested—what kind of after-sales service could there possibly be? Refunds?
Could this business plan even break even?
Wouldn't the initial capital be completely burned through?
She was just about to offer some friendly corrections to Draco's wildly impractical plan when he confidently assured her:
"Of course, I'll pay you a hefty fee for using your likeness—I'm sure I'll be swimming in galleons in no time!"
Jane instantly swallowed the words, "This plan has major flaws; it's unlikely to make money," and instead offered a polite smile.
"I believe in you. Best of luck."
Draco looked deeply moved by her words. His pale face flushed bright red, and he leapt to his feet as if injected with adrenaline.
"I knew you were my greatest supporter! I, Draco Malfoy, swear on the Malfoy family name that I will never let you suffer a loss!"
He began pacing excitedly in the common room, muttering to himself:
"You don't need to worry. The Malfoy family is the wealthiest. My father will give me plenty of pocket money. If I lose money—which, of course, you know is impossible—I'll just write to him to... uh... increase my initial investment..."
Hearing this, Jane raised an eyebrow, reassured that Draco wouldn't default on his payments. She silently lit a candle for the distant Malfoy Manor.
One could only hope that the Malfoy couple had heard the saying:
It's not the spoiled rich kids who are the most worrying—it's the entrepreneurial ones.
Here's to hoping they could maintain stable blood pressure and good health while facing both Voldemort's threats and their son's extravagant spending.
And that they could still muster a smile when hearing their son passionately discuss Muggle business theories.
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