During this process, Alex not only gained a better understanding of the market but also devised a clever business strategy based on a principle he later called "The Razor Law." He realized that many magical appliances, lamps, gramophones, and similar devices, could be divided into separate components.
For example, his magic lamp didn't use a traditional light bulb. Instead, it had a removable magical core that stored energy and provided illumination. Normally, he could have inscribed a rune to allow the core to absorb ambient magic and shine indefinitely. But why would he do that when there was a much more profitable approach?
Instead, Alex designed the core to be detachable, much like a Muggle light bulb. He deliberately reduced its efficiency so that it would only last about two to three months before needing a replacement, roughly the same lifespan as magic candles and enchanted oil lamps sold on the market. Then, he priced the lamp itself very affordably.
A high-end self-sustaining magical table lamp could easily sell for four to five Galleons, but Alex priced his modular lamp at just two Galleons, making it an appealing, budget-friendly option. The catch? The magic cores were sold separately. Each replacement core cost five silver Sickles, a seemingly small price, but over time, customers would spend more on replacements than they would have on a one-time purchase of a more expensive lamp.
With this model, Alex ensured a steady stream of repeat customers rather than relying on one-time sales. It was an absolutely diabolical business move. And the best part? Wizards wouldn't even complain, because they were already accustomed to buying magical candles and oil lamps that needed frequent refills. This was just a more modern, stylish alternative.
Alex leaned back in his chair, smirking to himself. To further entice customers, Alex introduced a promotional offer, if they returned a depleted magic core, they would get a one-Sickle discount on the replacement.
This approach served two purposes. First, it reduced production costs since the magic cores in his lamps were the only enchanted components. The rest of the lamp was just a modified Muggle product, meaning the cores could be refurbished and reused, making the entire process highly efficient. Second, it ensured customer retention. Every few months, they would have to return to his store for refills, and once inside, they would inevitably browse through other products. With so many tempting items on display, how many could resist making an impulse purchase? It was the same business model as selling razors to sell blades or selling cameras to sell film, except in the wizarding world.
His magic gramophones followed a similar strategy. Depending on the style, a phonograph was priced between three to five Galleons, but the records, each containing stored music and unique light-and-shadow effects, could be sold for ten Sickles or more.
When customers got bored of their existing records, they would have to buy new ones, creating an ongoing demand. Taking it a step further, Alex even considered partnering with wizarding musicians to produce exclusive magic records featuring their performances. The wizarding world had its own well-known singers, and collaborating with them could bring in a new wave of customers.
Maybe it was Vivian's influence, but Alex found himself thinking more like a businessman with each passing day. Given how quickly he was adapting, it wouldn't be long before he could call himself a true capitalist. After more than ten days of adjustments, he had successfully refined his product lineup and produced a fresh batch of stock. With everything in order, he packed up his new products and upgraded humanoid training dummies and made his way to the Ministry of Magic.
At the same time, he also brought along the Ministry's custom equipment that had been in production, ensuring that all deliveries were completed while also conducting a risk assessment for his products. The trip went smoothly. The equipment was delivered without any issues, and he received the final payment without delay. Once again, he couldn't help but marvel at how wealthy the Ministry of Magic was, dealing with them was like tapping into a bottomless gold mine.
The risk assessment process was fairly straightforward. He had already spoken with Minister Bagnold, so the relevant departments were expecting him. Besides, none of his products posed any real danger.
However, one thing did catch his attention. The assessment was conducted by two departments, the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, which evaluated potential hazards, and the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, which determined if anything violated wizarding laws. And who did Alex find handling the assessment for the Law Enforcement Division? Arthur Weasley.
Realizing that Arthur was overseeing the assessment made Alex feel even more secure about modifying Muggle items. The whole situation was like a shopkeeper asking their own employee whether the produce was fresh, it was completely rigged in his favor.
With the evaluations completed, Alex returned to his store and began reorganizing the layout. His expanded product lineup meant that the original 30-square-meter space was no longer enough. The sheer variety of defensive talisman accessories alone had grown into dozens of options.
To accommodate everything, he expanded the sales floor to over 50 square meters and followed Vivian's advice on organizing the displays.
This time, instead of simple display shelves, he arranged the shop like an upscale boutique. Jewelry-related items were placed inside glass cases lined with velvet, giving them a high-end appearance. Lamps, gramophones, music boxes, and clocks were strategically placed in illuminated display cabinets, enhancing their exquisite craftsmanship. The lighting was carefully adjusted to highlight their magical engravings, making them appear even more mesmerizing. And, under Vivian's persistent insistence, he finally agreed to display the magic poker set and the matching enchanted poker table.
With everything in place, Alex's alchemy shop reopened after its complete transformation. To ensure a strong launch, he decided to keep Vivian on board, having her work in the shop for a while. With her natural gift for conversation, it would be a waste not to have her help sell products. To keep her motivated, he offered her a 10% sales commission.
At the same time, he enlisted Wimzy and Fang to help out in the store. Of course, this wasn't just about labor, Alex had ulterior motives. His plan was to have Wimzy learn sales tactics from Vivian while Fang learned bookkeeping. With school starting in half a month, Alex would soon have to return to Hogwarts. That meant he wouldn't be able to manage the shop personally for a while, leaving Wimzy and Fang in charge.
Meanwhile, Wimzy's surveillance of Azalea had continued, though no major breakthroughs had been made. The three pairs of tactical leather boots remained stationed together, never splitting up. Azalea's daily routine was also highly predictable, she worked at the Ministry of Magic during the day and returned to her home in Godric's Hollow at night. She had no spouse, no romantic relationships, and very few social connections, living a rigid, almost monastic lifestyle.
Far from reassuring Alex, this only made him more suspicious. If there was truly nothing unusual about her, then why did her life seem so unnaturally controlled? Since direct surveillance wasn't yielding results, he decided to install a concealed magical monitor outside her home. With this, he could track her movements remotely, eliminating the need for Wimzy to physically stake out the location every night. Now, all he had to do was wait. When Azalea finally made a move, Alex would be ready.