3. Talking about product prices

• Don't do anything that risks proef.
• They will invest in developing new soles.
• Ownership of the brand will remain with Proef.
• They pay royalties on sales.
• It's OK to sell the same product.

If it's true, I'd be grateful.

But is that even possible? That's the kind of conversation we had.

The current Loper sole is made of heavy natural rubber, making it difficult to make it thick, and because it was made for shoes, its functionality as a sandal to be worn barefoot in the summer is significantly lower.

Current Loper

I've always wanted to make a shoe that is light and has a thick sole.

I wanted to make shoes that could be washed easily and wouldn't mind getting wet in the rain.

After submitting the proposal, the four of us - Kikuchi, Otani, Igarashi and myself - held a Zoom meeting.

As we talked, we learned that our products were overpriced due to a lack of trade know-how.

Both Igarashi and I started our businesses while still in school, so we had no knowledge or know-how of trading.

I've been doing everything by trial and error, one step at a time. (To be honest, I don't know if I'm doing it right.)

When I think about it, I think I've done a lot of pretty reckless things.

Even if you create something, it's meaningless if it doesn't reach people or if people don't know about it.

Would it be better for the company to survive by offering products at a more affordable price?

It seemed like a good idea to take on the challenge, in order to give back to the many people who have helped me up until now.

To be honest, I was worried that I would disappoint Otani again, who had trusted me and brought up this idea, and that it might not really work out.

It's really amazing to work in design.

However, if this can be realized, it may be appreciated by the factory workers who have been producing products in small quantities out of support.

If it succeeds, everyone will be happy.

Even if you fail, it's okay as long as it works out in the end.

If you don't understand something, just ask,

Just say you can't do something and rely on others.

It's okay, I'm sure it will work out.

That's what I told myself.

With this in mind, I was able to move forward with concrete contract discussions with Danyu.