Ever wondered if you could deal directly with manufacturers. . . in China?! It’s easier than you think.

First Impressions:I visited China in Autumn 2005 with a group of business associates and must admit that I was amazed, both by the warm reception we received wherever we went, and at the factories we toured. Having never been there before, and having only news accounts of “difficulties” between China and the U. S. to fuel my imagination, I assumed things would be overly formal and official at best. . . at worst, cold. . . and we would be “watched” constantly. I was so wrong on both counts. We were treated as welcome visitors and had only to ask the hotel staff for something to have it almost magically produced.

Lost in Translation:Outside of the hotels and manufacturing facilities, doing business in the streets and in small shops was, at most times, terribly difficult. We had arranged our factory visits and business meetings with our contacts in China, and there were no problems on that side when it came to language. But once we stepped out on our own, we rarely found anyone – even in tourist gift shops – who could communicate in English at all. Next time I visit China, I’ll hopefully be armed with a few more basic Mandarin phrases, but for everyone visiting, even just for leisure, I’d recommend hiring translators to assist you.

Cash in China:Another word of warning: business owners back home in the States may be suitably impressed by your Gold Card, but to the Chinese shopkeeper it’s just a pretty piece of plastic that won’t buy a cup of Chinese tea. Even in the large cities, you’re going to have to carry around Chinese Yuan (aka Renminbi) in cash if you want to be able to go shopping or eat at a restaurant. I have to say, the upside of this is that you won’t find yourself going over budget. But with the incredibly low Chinese retail prices, that probably wouldn’t happen anyway.

Low Retail Prices:Once you’ve overcome the communication difficulties you’ll be amazed to find the bargains you’ll find in the small shops. For a start, it’s an electronics paradise. Just make sure you do your homework on what will and won’t work back in the States. Of course it is easy to load yourself up with personal purchases, but the real value is getting even more ideas of attractive products to start selling back home.

Factories in China: Our Visit to Huizhou is a manufacturing facility for all of us. . . Well, impressed, hardly seems strong enough word. The building, which was sort of looking outside the hall with flags hanging here and there, but inside was another story. First of all, we were treated like VIPs rather than mid-level executives from Kenosha. But above all it was a remarkable degree of automation in the factory, even the American standards, and if we look at the figures, you’ll see that the productivity of R & # xF5; Esti impressive. It’s no secret why the U.S. is in China to find a ready market in America.

Back again: I wish I had more than seven days, we were able to stay in China, but it is not long until I get back, this time with a group of my friends who have listened to me & r # xE4; äkima business opportunity when I got back. . . and now I want to go outside, keep a piece of themselves.


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog

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