[Eduardorodrigo]

I agree on most of your words, but the fact is that americans need to learn spanish and chinese NOW. Latinos are the bigest minority, with millions of dollars to spending.
Have you travel to LA? Have you seen how many people are from eastern Asia?
We need to learn how to do business with latinos and asians. I am willing to give some ideas how to grab the latino market and make real $$$.

Eduardo.

[zharlene]

I'm an expat (uni student) here in China, and I must say that you should NOT avoid dealing with China altogether. You should just be very careful. There are lots of quality stuff here, a whole lot of great stuff you guys buy are actually made in China (whether you know it or not ). But as usual, where there's good stuff; there's bad and it's the same thing with China.

The quality stuff here costs as much as they would be anywhere else in the world (ok, maybe a few bucks cheaper if you're good at bargaining with the manufacturers). So if someone starts offering you an iPhone for $5, you're obviously getting what you paid for and nothing more.

[OnlyWon]

I've dealt with companies in China before and I've only got burnt once. But that same company who burned me worked out well for a colleague of mine. It varies by company. I've found that it's good to talk a lot with the supplier before any money is exchanged. This will root out the people just looking for some quick money.

[Scarsthatsaved]

Nice topic rejoice...

[rejoice]

it's been 'revived a few times now hasn't it...

[Aletheides]

You just have to be careful.

Like anything else, it's risk vs reward.

Some suppliers I have dealt with have been very trustworthy.

Yet, I have also been burned.

[magic_man64]

Hey guys,

Found this collection of articles. Very informative, a giid icebreaker into any westerner doing business with China:

China - ExecutivePlanet.com

Hope this give some insite!

[pboychuk]

Great link magic_man64, I have bookmarked and will read later. As far as dealing with china my take is you get what you look for, if you are trying to pickup some $100 ipods that sell for $300, you will probably get fakes or ripped off. But, if you are looking for some honest products, there are tons of honest manufacturers. Chinese people are also extremely friendly. Great, understanding nice people, that want you to succeed.

Just stay away from the cliche markets that are exploited to bait the less educated. Do you due diligence, establish good relationships, Understand the differences in business between the US and China. Know what you are looking to buy or have made, have the exact specifications etc... It takes a lot of trial and error, so don't unload your life savings on your first order.

[Gator]

To anybody familiar with sourcing companies-what is a good/common rate for their services? I checked few of them and looks like they charge very different. I don't know if one is charging too much or another ne is charging too little or is just a rip off

[Kyo_X]

I've actually never considered exporting to china, though the more i think about it i'll bet there market is straved for our good if you think about it.

im pretty sure when american business thinks of china they think of cheeper prices and way less expensive means of produceing some thing. so china can be a great help or a huge burden if the quality is as low as the price.

rite?

[cybergift]

I believe not everything that comes from china has bad quality.

[rejoice]

i believe that due diligence is extremely important... and making an appearance

[smartsmart]

well you can find everything you want in China at any price you want,they can tailor the item you want according to your budget but then you may suffer later because of the quality!!!
you are right about the fake samples..

[YoungWilliam]

I would say if you dont deal with China you are stupid, but you have to be careful while dealing with Chinese.

[Basil]

Hi, Rejoice.

I find your post interesting 'cause I finally know what China and Chinese shoddy goods suppliers look like in foreigners' eyes. Although I don't agree with you on everything, most of your comments are true and right to the point. That makes your comment on the cultural difference shinning. I'm a Chinese who has been learning English for more than 15 years. Although I've never lived or studied in ANY English speaking countries, today's open China offers plenty of chances for me to see with my own eyes, hear with my own ears, think with my own mind and, most importantly, get in touch with the outside world and hear stories from both sides. I assure you that there are thousands of young Chinese who're eager to learn and deal with the differences between China and the rest of the world. I'm working with both Chinese and foreigners daily trying very hard to bridge the differences in language, thinking and culture. I'm sure, with the time passing by, shoddy goods suppliers will find no room to survive here, which is good thing to everyone. Given your understanding of the business in China, I think you could do a wonderful job at preparing foreigners with stereotypes about China when they're thinking of doing business with China.

Good luck!