Chapter 128: Million-Selling Phenomenon

In recent days, the sales of "Economic" magazine have been phenomenal. Many smaller financial companies, which typically lack the manpower and analytical capabilities, have found the magazine's analyses incredibly valuable. It saves them significant amounts of work and helps them identify promising investment opportunities. Given that a subscription costs only a few dozen dollars per week for a dozen copies, the cost is extremely low relative to the benefits. As a result, many companies rushed to subscribe.

The magazine's popularity soared, with many affluent young heirs purchasing it immediately. Regardless of their upbringing, it's natural for them to feel a sense of pride and arrogance, which manifests in different ways, whether restrained or overt.

These young heirs have strong competitive spirits. Those from high-ranking families are particularly proud, while those from lower-ranking families feel dissatisfied. Those who didn't make the list feel particularly frustrated. However, seeing the accurate statistics on the list and knowing that their elders also endorse these rankings, they can only begrudgingly accept their situation.

Those who missed the list want to make it, those who ranked low want to improve their position, and those who ranked high want to maintain their status while climbing further. The prestige associated with these rankings is immense.

Previously, when they mentioned their family names, many people might not have recognized them. But now, just mentioning their family names garners immediate recognition and admiration, which satisfies their vanity. Concerns about negative impacts on their families are secondary to enjoying the family's glory.

From today onward, discussions about "Economic" magazine have become a staple at high-society parties. With endorsements from prominent figures like Lin Shanyuan and Xu Zhixue, who are recognized experts in the finance and business sectors, the authority of these rankings is unquestionable.

Naturally, no one dared to challenge the validity of the data published by "Jiuding Daily" , as these were public statistics. Despite the rankings potentially causing some impact, the positive effects outweigh the negative ones, and companies are appreciative of "Jiuding Daily" 's efforts.

On this day, "Economic" magazine's sales figures were astounding. The initial batch of 150,000 copies was almost sold out, and "Jiuding Daily"'s phones were constantly ringing. This level of demand greatly pleased Xia Yu.

Thanks to meticulous preparation, even though orders were pouring in, "Jiuding Daily" managed to fulfill them efficiently, constantly reprinting to ensure timely delivery and maintain the magazine's sales momentum.

On this day, "Economic" magazine's total sales reached 220,000 copies, with Hong Kong selling 120,000 copies, Southeast Asia 70,000 copies, and Taiwan 30,000 copies.

The next day, sales rose to 260,000 copies, but Hong Kong's sales dropped to 90,000 copies, likely due to the initial surge of enthusiasm. 

Despite the decline in Hong Kong sales, Southeast Asia and Taiwan experienced further growth. In Southeast Asia, total sales reached 110,000 copies. Taiwan's sales doubled to 60,000 copies, reflecting the magazine's growing influence. The fact that Taiwan's population is over five times that of Hong Kong and the close economic ties between the regions contributed to this growth.

On the third day, "Economic" magazine's daily sales reached 210,000 copies.

By the fourth day, daily sales plummeted to 120,000 copies.

Despite the daily decline in sales, the overall total continued to rise.

Of course, the phenomenal sales of "Economic" magazine made other magazines envious. They began to imitate it, quickly launching similar publications. Unfortunately, the quality of these imitations was poor, which only highlighted the excellence of "Economic" magazine. The competition unintentionally boosted "Economic" magazine's sales.

Some newspapers, not dealing in magazines but eager to capitalize on the hype, released their own versions of the rich lists and Hong Kong's top companies lists. Some even attempted to differentiate themselves with lists such as Hong Kong's top 200 or 500 companies, and various regional rich lists.

However, these efforts were met with criticism. Creating such lists is not easy, and "Jiuding Daily" had invested significant time and effort. The professionals involved in the creation of these lists made them difficult to replicate. The lack of quality in the imitations was glaringly obvious in comparison, which only underscored the professionalism of "Economic" magazine.

After other newspapers failed, those previously eager to imitate also recognized the reality and ceased their attempts.

No matter what happened, "Economic" magazine's sales continued to soar.

By the evening of the seventh day, Yan Wenhan happily reported the results to Xia Yu.

"Boss, after seven days, our sales for 'Economic' magazine have hit exactly one million copies! Of which, Hong Kong sold 320,000 copies, Southeast Asia 480,000 copies, and Taiwan 200,000 copies."

"And we have already registered subscriptions for the second issue totaling 380,000 copies."

"Good!" Xia Yu said with satisfaction, smiling broadly. It's worth noting that the weekly sales of "Forbes" magazine in the future are only five million copies. "Economic" magazine's first issue has already reached one-fifth of Forbes' weekly sales, a remarkable achievement.

However, Xia Yu did not let this success cloud his judgment. He knew that this one million in sales was inflated by marketing effects. Many of the buyers were curious about the two lists rather than true consumers of the magazine. Such users are not loyal and have lower commercial value.

Yan Wenhan's report confirmed this. The number of subscriptions for the second issue, before its release, was only 380,000, with many being bulk subscriptions similar to Hengji Zhaoye Real Estate Company's.

Xia Yu believed that the true measure of "Economic" magazine's success would be seen in the second issue's sales. Without the explosive publicity, average citizens would be less inclined to purchase it as they don't need it and wouldn't be willing to pay the high price just for the lists.

Furthermore, by the time the second issue is published, other newspapers will likely cover or discuss the rankings, providing alternative sources of information.

Xia Yu felt that if the second issue could achieve a sales volume of 700,000 copies, he would be satisfied. He even set a lower limit of 600,000 copies, given that such mid-to-high-end magazines aren't universally needed.

"How are things progressing with the Economic Research Office?" Xia Yu asked, changing the topic.

"Boss, since the release of 'Economic' magazine, our Economic Research Office has expanded rapidly. Many well-known figures from finance and business have joined us, and Lin Shanyuan and others have also invited many new members."

"Currently, the Economic Research Office has expanded fourfold, with 60 researchers and 60 assistants, and has been divided into teams. Management issues are under control," Yan Wenhan reported.

"Good. 'Economic' magazine must not become complacent. Next, we need to expand the list from 100 to 500, calling it the Top 500 Hong Kong Companies. The rich list should also be expanded to the top 500. This is our short-term goal."

"Next, the newspaper needs to establish branches in Taiwan and Southeast Asian countries and set up separate printing facilities to root "Jiuding Daily" in those regions."

"'Economic' magazine must keep pace. The mid-term goal is to create rankings for various countries, including a comprehensive Southeast Asian list, and recruit local personnel to research local economies to produce local versions of 'Economic' magazine. Do you understand?"

Xia Yu ordered in one breath.

"Understood!" Yan Wenhan replied seriously.

"One more thing to note, if any of my companies meet the criteria for the rankings, they should be listed honestly. No exaggeration. But for the rich list, my name should not appear. If it comes to it, you can significantly reduce my assets. If it's a million, write down ten thousand, or even less. Do you understand?" Xia Yu instructed sternly.

"I understand!" Yan Wenhan nodded immediately. He knew that Xia Yu wanted to keep his assets hidden. While this might affect the magazine's authority, Xia Yu was not concerned about such negative impacts and only required execution.

"Also, tomorrow is the first day of sales for the second issue of 'Economic' magazine. Ensure everything is in order!"