Canton Fair – November 2010

14 01 2011

This post is in regards to the canton fair (apparel portion) which ran from October 31st – November 4th, 2010 in Guangzhou, China.

As usual it was difficult to find a last-minute hotel and airfare to Guangzhou during the fair, so it was a costly trip ($1,000 USD for air and hotel from Shanghai) for one person and two nights.  I arrived into Guangzhou on the afternoon of the 1st and I was immediately thrown into the chaos of Guangzhou after leaving the airport.  There was no order with the taxi line at the airport, and when you finally got a taxi it was all about the negotiation of the cost of the ride to your destination.  No meter was in effect, it was all about who was going to pay the highest price or who could I charge the highest price too.  Finally after 15 minutes of negotiation I got a taxi that agreed to charge me by the meter.

Fair Grounds - One building of many

I spent two days at the fair, November 2nd and 3rd.  The first day I took the pre-arranged 8:30am hotel bus to the fair which made for an enjoyable ride.  Upon arrival at the fair, I proceeded through a fenced area and made my way to the registration area.  Thankfully I had brought my badge from a previous Canton fair which made registration swift.  Last year I did not bring my badge and had to wait in a long line and then once at the counter I had t show proof that I had been invited to the Canton fair to gain entrance.  Since I did not bring my badge I also had to pay for the re-issuing of my badge.  This year I made sure I brought my old badge.

Upon entering the fair there was a swarm of people in the main hallways.

Main aisle way, connecting buildings and halls

I arrived at the fair before 9:00am prior to the fair opening so I waited patiently in line for the area I wanted to visit to open.  Once it opened everyone rushed in but most booths were still closed.

9:00am, fair and hall opening

Once the doors opened and the people dispersed the aisle ways for apparel manufacturers and suppliers was brisk.

The apparel aisle way at noon

Many aisle ways had Yellow tape and bumps on the floor which highlighted the large cabling that ran underneath the carpet.  This made the show look cheap and not so professional.  The cable was an inconvenience to many who walk the aisle ways.

Aisle way troubles

This year I experienced the same issue I experienced at the previous (2009) Canton fair.  The Canton fair used to be one of the leading fairs for sourcing of garment manufacturers and suppliers of fabrics of trims.  But now it is a brand fair, which highlights Chinese brands looking to expand domestically and internationally.

Floor stickers on most aisle ways

I also noticed that atleast six suppliers I meet with were not the same company as the name advertised on their booth.  The company in the booths expressed to me that they had purchased the booth from the vendor (exhibited on the booth) to exhibit at the fair.

Another major issue as the day got closer to a close many people (exhibitors) were looking for an afternoon nap, some took up hiding behind their product, and others went to chairs away from their booth.

Apparel area - afternoon nap (2:45pm)

Accessories area - afternoon nap (1:50pm)

In conclusion I find the canton fair is no longer a leading sourcing fair for apparel makers, fabric and trim suppliers.  It was disappointing to walk up and down many isles to find limited resources.  If you are looking for Chinese brands this maybe a fair for you to attend.

Happy and successful sourcing from Guangzhou, China


Comments : Leave a Comment »

Categories : Garment Sourcing, Tradeshows

This is CHINA = 这是中国

10 01 2011

My objective was to share this post with you in two major languages (English and Chinese) for many reasons but the number reason is “This is China”.  I am an English-speaking foreigner who has done business in Asia for 20 years and China for 18 years, I currently reside in Shanghai, China where I am living and breathing the culture, the people, the business, and I am learning the local language.

 

Village Life - Dongguan

I wrote the English version and have made requests for translation in Chinese (simplified and traditional) to Chinese nationals who are business professionals and friends, I will add to this document as I receive.  You can also submit your Chinese translation to the comment area or send it directly to me.  If you do add to the comment area it would be appreciated if you could give a brief (one sentence) background on yourself (occupation and location) as an introduction.

 

To all readers as I expressed I wrote this document in English so if there are any variances please refer to the English but please remember “This is China” so everyone is allowed to acknowledge, adapt and change as they see fit.

Moving product - Wuzhen

In my journey to China I have chosen to specialize in fashion manufacturing and retail.  I am here to provide solutions and results for businesses and people.

 

 

Local Transportation - Keqiao

This is CHINA is about a growing nation with demands and needs like no other.  Many attempt to come here to thrive but only a few actually survive. Why?  Well one major reason is China is different, it is not the same as most other countries.  Many come with their own ideas and philosophies that are proven in their country but again as I hear from my local Chinese friends and colleagues, “This is China”

Cardboard Recycling - Shanghai

What is meant by “This is China” is one major rule… Acknowledge, adapt and change, play by our rules and policies or leave. We (China) have an economy of 1.3 billion and growing, maturing and we have a different process of controlling and fueling the economy.   We (China) have learnt from many great and successful economies and have acknowledged, adapted and changed what we want to suit our people and our nation, “This is China” we do business our way.  Get used to it or leave. We don’t need you “This is China”.  Please don’t honk your horn as we are not listening!!!

One thing that always blows me away is the ignorance of many that conduct business within China.  They don’t pay attention to one major fact “This is China” and the way we (Chinese) think, communicate, and do business is different.  You are our guest and you will need to acknowledge, adapt and change or leave.

Saving FACE, China and Chinese are very proud, to some pride can be seen as arrogance.  For those this is ignorance. Saving face, this applies to everyone who is involved.  It amazes me how many big multi nationals, countries, and small companies come to China and demand China to change.  Those that do forget “This is China”, this is our country, our nation, our people, our policies, our laws, and our language.  We (Chinese) ask you to respect the above and beyond and play by our rules in our country or don’t play.

Could you imagine a world if everyone “Saved Face” and respected the country or company they were in. Or are you one of those people or companies that demand that everyone change for your needs?

Again “This is China” please respect our country, companies, and people…  We (Chinese) ask you to acknowledge, adapt and change when you are in our country if you would like to do business in China.

In many ways, Chinese people are the same, we as humans share brains, emotions, feelings and illnesses.  We share the same seven deadly sins – wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy and gluttony.  We share the five senses, sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch.

In business we (businesses) only exist, grow and prosper if there is a profit.   But one thing that is majorly different is “this is China” we do things our way.

China is a county made up of 1.3 billion people with strong beliefs and attitudes.  There are thirty-eight spoken dialects and three written.  The country is the largest in the world by population and is the fourth largest in the world by mass.  In the next five years it will be the number ONE economy in the world. The fact is China is growing and will be a dominant figure in the future of the world.

This is China… We welcome you to our land, our country and our people.  But please respect our beliefs, attitudes and actions.  This is China we do it differently. Acknowledge, adapt, change or leave.

In closing I am here (China) with my life partner we share the same philosophies, ideas and beliefs.  We are here to acknowledge, adapt and change.  Between us we speak four languages and have over 30 years work experience.  We live, breath and adapt in China.  We are available to provide you with guidance and advice as it pertains to life and business in China as you need but since this is China we are not cheap but we are excellent :)  We look forward to seeing you in or outside China.  But wherever it is please be considerate as “This is China”

Only the best from China to YOU

 


Comments : 11 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Business in China


Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.