Without hesitation, Alex responded, "Tracking Goggles, Magic-Restraining Handcuffs, Self-Diagnostic Pocket Watches, and Protective Gloves are all part of the same product line. Each is priced at 50 Galleons." Several officials raised their eyebrows at the cost. Alex wasn’t surprised, it was a steep price for alchemical tools with a limited lifespan. While the pocket watches were semi-permanent, most of the enchanted items had a shelf life of about two years due to the nature of their enchantments. This is where the haggling begins.
Bagnold didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she turned and gestured for the directors to join her in a brief discussion. The four of them spoke in hushed tones, occasionally glancing at Alex as they debated their options. Finally, Amelia Bones stepped forward. "While these products are useful, the pricing is still too high for us."
Alex feigned a thoughtful pause before nodding. "Understood. If the Ministry of Magic commits to purchasing 50 units of each product, I can offer you a 20% discount, bringing the cost of each item down accordingly."
Another quiet discussion ensued before Amelia responded. "We’re willing to pay the full price of 50 Galleons for the Self-Diagnostic Pocket Watches since their longevity justifies the cost. We can also accept your 20% discount for the Protective Gloves, making them 40 Galleons per unit. However, we’d like a lower price for the Tracking Goggles and Magic-Restraining Handcuffs."
Alex listened carefully, his mind quickly processing the implications. They were willing to accept the cost of the pocket watches but were pushing for discounts on the handcuffs and goggles? ‘That means these are the items they need most.’
Alex suspected that the Ministry had been dealing with a situation involving tracking or containment, possibly fugitives, smugglers, or dangerous magical creatures. Alex considered his next move. He had no problem cutting a deal, relationships with the Ministry would be beneficial in the long run. "Alright," he finally said. "Since this is our first official business transaction, I’ll offer you a special deal."
Amelia’s eyebrows lifted slightly. "Special deal?"
"Yes. For the first 50 units of both the Tracking Goggles and Magic-Restraining Handcuffs, I’ll give them to the Ministry at a special rate of 25 Galleons per unit." There was a brief but noticeable reaction among the officials. A 50% discount? That was a significant price cut. "But," Alex continued before anyone could get too comfortable, "after that initial order, all future purchases will be set at 30 Galleons per unit."
Amelia’s eyes narrowed slightly, weighing the offer. It was a good deal. They were essentially getting their first batch at a steal, but in the long run, Alex ensured that he wasn’t losing too much profit. Bagnold exchanged glances with the other directors. "That’s acceptable," she finally said.
Alex smiled inwardly. Even after this discount, he was still making a solid 30-40% profit margin. While it wasn’t as high as some of his other products, the sheer volume of Ministry purchases would make up for it. More importantly, this deal meant the Ministry would be reliant on him for future supplies. And that was the real victory.
Bagnold asked. "Do you have any more products to demonstrate, or shall we finalize the order?"
Alex’s lips curled slightly. He could tell that Moody had hyped up a select few of his products in advance, meaning that Bagnold had come today with her primary interests already in mind. However, the best was yet to come. "My apologies, Minister, but I may need just a little more of your time," Alex said politely. "There are still a few more products I’d like to show you, and I believe they’ll be worth the wait."
Bagnold, still in a good mood from the successful negotiations, nodded. "Very well, Mr. Wilson. You have my attention."
"Thank you, Minister. Next, I’d like to introduce two premium-grade pieces of equipment, the Tactical Vest and the Tactical Leather Boots."
Alex stepped to the side and pulled out two well-crafted pieces of gear. The tactical vest was sleek and sturdy, reinforced with protective runes, while the tactical leather boots gleamed subtly with embedded enchantments. "The Tactical Vest is crafted from high-grade Riem Cattle leather, reinforced with both a Stress Armor Charm and a Shield Charm, offering multiple layers of protection for the wearer. It also features an Illusion Charm for quick concealment and a Levitation Charm to mitigate fall damage, even from a broomstick or high-altitude Apparition."
Several Aurors immediately perked up at that. "Additionally," Alex continued, "it has a constant Water & Fire Protection Charm, ensuring the wearer’s survival in extreme environments. The vest also has two Undetectable Extension Charm pockets, providing ample space for carrying essentials, as well as built-in potion and wand pouches for quick access in combat situations." He let that sink in before adding, "The charms on the vest are self-replenishing, meaning they will automatically restore themselves over time. As long as the vest remains undamaged, its shelf life exceeds five years."
Before anyone could speak, he moved on to the boots. "As for the Tactical Leather Boots, they enhance mobility through Acceleration Charms, Shock Absorption Charms, and Silent Footstep Enchantments. Whether for quick repositioning in battle or for reducing fall impact, these boots can significantly improve combat agility." Alex glanced around the room. The vest, he knew, would be a hit. But the boots… those were more situational. And, as expected, the reactions were mixed.
The Aurors and Hit Wizards eagerly tested both items, with some of them engaging in brief sparring sessions to see how the vest’s protection held up. Minister Bagnold and Amelia Bones, despite already securing their priority purchases, were clearly impressed. However, while the vest received widespread admiration, the leather boots had a more niche appeal. Many of the Ministry wizards, who relied heavily on Apparition and broomsticks, weren’t particularly enthusiastic about enhanced footspeed.
However, a few seasoned duelists, including Rufus, deputy head of the Auror Office, and some members of the Strike Team, understood the importance of short-range maneuverability in battle. They tested the boots with practiced movements, nodding in approval as they experienced the enhanced agility.
When the negotiations began for the Tactical Vest and Leather Boots, something unexpected happened. Unlike their previous negotiations, Minister Bagnold and Amelia Bones made no attempt to haggle this time. Instead, they accepted Alex’s initial pricing without question, agreeing to 200 Galleons per tactical vest and 150 Galleons per pair of tactical leather boots. The lack of pushback suggested that they recognized the value of the equipment and were willing to pay the full price, either due to urgency or the Ministry’s deep pockets.
Whether it was due to Alex’s previous willingness to lower prices, or simply because they had never expected to buy these high-end items in bulk, the Ministry officials made no effort to negotiate. Alex was more than pleased. Not only did this secure him a significant profit margin, but it also meant that the Ministry was endorsing his pricing. Any individual Auror or Hit Wizard who later wanted to purchase the vest or boots would be paying this price at his shop. And they would buy them.
Ministry employees always sought the best equipment they could afford, especially those who worked in dangerous roles. For Alex, this was more than just selling products. This was about establishing a new standard for magical combat gear.