Importing from China – a Chinese company from Xi’an

In recent months we have noted growing problems with the reliability of companies located in Tianjin, Shijiazhuang and Xi’an. There is no shade of doubt that experienced importers know how to protect themselves and minimize risks associated with cooperation with Chinese companies by ensuring a verification of a given company, signing a commercial contract, visiting factories and controlling the quality of goods (the so-called on-site checks). Of course, not every Chinese company is an organized crime group, yet many inexperienced importers forget to do background checks of their suppliers, which is even riskier if a given company is located in one of the above-mentioned cities.

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Canton Fair 2017 – practical information

As every year, the next spring edition of the Canton Fair is coming. We prepared a handful of practical information which will help you prepare for the fair.
Many new importers heading to their first fair in China choose the Canton Fair as their destination. Entrepreneurs who do business with Chinese companies also go to the Canton Fair at least once a year to learn about new trends in the market or meet with their Chinese business partners.

canton

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Holidays in China 2017

Regardless of whether we import from or export to China, we should plan our business moves ahead of time. You should also plan your visits at Chinese fairs or business trips to factories located there in advance, which is why we are presenting the Chinese holidays calendar for the upcoming 2017. Holidays in China 2017 includes the most important public holidays. We publish this list annually because Chinese holidays fall on different days every year.

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How to negotiate with Chinese companies?

Asian business etiquette. How to conduct successful negotiations with Chinese companies?

Communication etiquette has always been a feature which differentiated one culture from another. What is considered good manners may vary significantly depending on the country’s geographical location. Knowing what is considered good manners in our interlocutor’s country position us as well-educated people who have social experience and respect their partners, which is particularly important in China.

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Importing from China – what is FOB?

Many beginner entrepreneurs who start importing from China do not know which Incoterms option to choose when importing goods. Is FOB or CIF better for importing? Almost all Chinese companies will deliver our goods using the shipping method specified in our order. This is why it is good to know the differences between Incoterms FOB and Incoterms CIF.fob

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Chinese New Year 2017

The Chinese New Year 2017 is the most important upcoming Chinese holiday. When we decide to import from China, we should take into account Chinese public holidays. Keep in mind that the Chinese New Year falls on January 28, 2017.

Non-working days are from January 27, 2017 (Friday) to February 2, 2017 (Thursday). If you import from China and want to visit your Chinese business partners, you should do so after February 15, when companies and their workflow are back to normal.

Below you will find a mini-calendar which outlines difficulties and inconveniences connected with the Chinese New Year’s celebrations in 2017.

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Mid Autumn Festival 2015

When you plan your business trip to China in September, you should remember that a major Chinese Holiday is coming, the Mid Autumn Festival also known as the Mooncake Festival.

The Moon Cake Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar, it’s the second grandest and best-know festival after the Spring Festival in Greater China. During the festival all Chinese celebrate the middle of the autumn season. The day is know as Moon Festival due to the fact, that during these days of the year the moon is the brightest and roundest.

mid autumn festival

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Importing from China – Tips Tools and Resources

For those who already import from China or for anyone who is thinking about starting to import from China, we’ve prepared a list of useful websites, free resources, and tips to use when it comes to trading with Chinese suppliers. Some of our resources are well know, but we included them in our guide due to the fact that many entrepreneur or companies have never done business in China, and everything is new to them.

importing from china

Importing from China is a whole process. Even buying online is not the same as buying on eBay or Amazon. No matter whether you plan to buy a whole 20′ container or just 2 pieces of a product from China, you will encounter the same problems finding a reliable supplier from China, verifying your potential partner, transporting your products from China, and dealing with duty rates and customs procedures.

So we recommend the following tools and websites to improve your importation from China.

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