The Aunties' Visit

Despite the slightly higher prices, the sales impact was minimal. Zhu Zirui calculated that with a cost of one jiao for twenty jin of materials, their daily expenditure came to about twenty-five yuan for materials and eighty for labor. Adding rent, utilities, meals, and transportation, that totaled around one hundred twenty yuan. With an average price of fifty cents per accessory, selling 1,300 pieces would bring in six hundred fifty yuan. After splitting with the supply and marketing cooperative, they would net five hundred twenty yuan. Subtracting costs, their daily profit was around four hundred yuan.

Seizing the opportunity, Zhu Zirui decided not to wait for three months and directly hired one hundred fifty more workers. This increased demand for materials, leading those without jobs to start scouring the shores for shells and small sea creatures. To ensure a steady supply, they agreed to accept materials as long as they reached twenty jin.