Urgently need help on business trip to China
 

My son is hoping to go to China as soon as possible on a buying trip.
He has only been to Hong Kong once before with us on holiday but needs any kind of help with areas in China that manufacture beads (glass, plastic, wood etc.) and also dress fabrics.
He is researching through the internet but would welcome any advice on where to go.
He is also wanting the help of an interpreter so that he is clearly understood.
My grateful thanks in advance!

I think your question is beyond the scope of this site. If your son is a US citizen, I would suggest you or he contact the US Commercial Service in China. The Commercial Service is a department of each US Embassy. While their primary task is to promote US business abroad, they do provide advice on doing business in each country. Take a look at the following websites

US Commercial Services Dept for China has a website at http://www.buyusa.gov/china/en.
US Consulate in Shanghai at http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/shanghai/
http://www.buyusa.gov/
http://www.buyusa.gov/home/export.html

Another useful source of help would be the American Chambers of Commerce in Shanghai at
Shanghai: http://www.amcham-shanghai.org/

Thailand: http://www.amchamthailand.com/acct/asp/ - this also has links to virtually every other AmCham group in Asia.

You might also contact the Shanghai office of a US law firm, there are many in Shanghai. I good place to start is Martindale-Hubbell, which is a directory of lawyers and law firms. The main website is http://www.martindale.com/xp/Martindale/home.xml. Click on "Lawyer Locator" then start searching by country and/or city.

If you or your son have not done business in Asia before, do a lot of research and homework, get recommendations from others (not over the web), join an international business association like the American Chamber of Commerce, and mostly be very sceptical of everything you see and are told. You have virtually no legal recourse in most Asian countries if you have a problem with an item you buy or order from a manufacturer, so it is better to do research and take your time before plunging in.

Thank you Cicerone. No, we are South African. Your help has been invaluable and we will contact our local Chamber of Commerce as you suggest.
Once again many thanks.

He needs to find a trade show - many trade show guides on the internet. But China is somewhat of an odd place to look for beads and fabric as they want 20 ft containers . They do sell some LTL now, but China is a v. high volume manufacturer. Usually, you don't buy off the rack or shelf in China - you take your specs and have everything made up. Hard to imagine much off the shelf Chinese fabric that would sell elsewhere (ugly) - Taiwan might offer more for him if they have a trade show.

Try the Hong Kong Trade Development Council website (www.tdctrade.com). It may be of help. Many factories in China are set up by Hong Kong companies.

Hi
I live in CHINA since 9 years I can help you to give the insider advise from a person who learnt to do similar work over the years.
I will answer him when he gave me his message.
I can speak the language
All the best

tod, what your son needs is an AGENT. This is the person who scouts the factories, handles the communication, arranges the appointments and most importantly follows up when your son goes back home. Yes, you have to pay an agent -- usually around 5% of the cost of goods -- but it's the only way to work in China.

If your son's business is big he can go with one of the big agents. The Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce will know who they are. If it's a small or young compnay he'll need a small agent.

He should get recommendations and check them out carefully.

alibaba.com is a popular internet portal for sourcing suppliers in China, though I cannot vouche for the reliability of vendors represented.

From what I hear from my acquaintances who have traded with China, you really have to be careful about the quality/specification, and delivery timing.