China has been growing up rapidly since economic reform and opens up policy in 1978. More and more foreigners want to do business with the Chinese to get more profits. You can find “Made in China” everywhere in the world, China becomes a world factory. Meanwhile, more and more people want to do business with the Chinese, but they have many concerns. So I will give you the following 5 tips.

1.Face culture.

Chinese people strengthen their relationship with each other by face culture. Face culture has many contents to write, to save time, I will only write the social part for you. So what’s the face in China?

Firstly, the essence of the face is a social recognition of a person’s moral and ability achievements. Secondly, the face means Chinese morality. Due to Chinese moral standards, the Chinese divide social resources, give or not give face.

In Chinese culture, if you give others face, it will gain face for yourself. For example, Mr. Wong was the sales supervisor in a company and made a small mistake because of his oversight. General speaking, this is not a big deal, if Mr. Wong’s face could be saved, he would be grateful and work harder. Mr. Wong had been in the job for more than a decade and never made a mistake.

Unfortunately, the company’s vice manager Mr. Ding, who was in charge of production, did not think so. He concluded that Mr. Wong’s error was due to his bad intentions.

At the company’s staff meeting, the vice manager denounced Mr. Wong and name-calling Mr. Wong with insults.

As a result, Mr. Wong quit his job and moved to another company in a fit of Pique. A lot of customers also moved to his new company and it caused a great loss for his previous company.

To give face is a very important thing in China. If you want to do things well, you should save others’ faces, so that you will have a face too, it can do things perfectly at last.

2.Communication.

As we know, good communication is the cornerstone of a long-lasting relationship.

Nowadays the new generation learns English from kids, English will become the second language in China. But, please do not misunderstand that all the Chinese people can speak or write English. As I know, let’s name Jack, he uses an online translator to write an email to overseas customers. It is difficult for both of them to understand each other completely at some point. Even part of well-educated people cannot write or speak English well. But no worries, you will meet most of the Chinese suppliers who can speak and write English well. So I would like to give you the following 3 tips to smooth your communication:

A.be patient with Chinese people and slow down your speed, especially in a phone call.

B.Use simple/plain/clear language as possible as you can. Avoid using difficult or esoteric words, it will get worse in your communication.

It can be easier to communicate by skype/wechat… Like you want someone to reply to your email soon.

3.Table manners.

Chinese people are hospitable. If you want to learn how to use chopsticks, they will love to teach you. If not, you can ask for the fork and knife for eating.  There are in China fifty-five minorities besides the Hans. It also has a culture difference between Northman and Southman in China. For example, winter temperature can drop to minus 40 degrees outside in the north of China. Local people drink a high degree(above 50) wine to keep warm and it becomes their habit. If Northman toasts you with a bowl of white wine on the table, please drink to show your respect. In the south of China, it depends on your feelings, you can drink or not. For Chinese food, most cuisines are in the south of China and never miss delicious Chinese food. Help yourself when you eat with Chinese, be relax, there are no big table manners.

4.Big city-oriented

It is easier to choose suppliers/vendors from big cities in China, like Shanghai, Shenzhen, etc. Why? Big cities’ credit and reputation are better. Of course, you can consider other cities and take a long time to choose if you are not in a hurry. Some people were cheated when they did try to do business with Chinese. It is a good tip for all people to do business with the Chinese for the first time.

5.Business policies

A MOQ, it will be different for manufactory, wholesaler, and drop shipper.

B Ask if they supply OEM service, goods can be customized.

C General speaking, ship mode is FOB, if you want other ship modes, please ask in advance.

D Ask lead time for sample and mass production.
E payment methods normally as below:
1.Telegraphic Transfer
2.Bank wire transfer
3. Never pay with Western Union or Paypal. It is OK to pay a sample charge like 200USD via Paypal because it is not a big amount. Someone was rooked of his money, payment mode was PayPal and it was difficult to get money back.

6.the ways to find suppliers in China.

A recommendation from your close friends, family members, etc.
B Google
C attend trade shows like The Canton Fair or The East China Fair in China
D Chinese online business platform: Alibaba AliExpress