How to Start a Business in China

China, as a fast developing country, attracts businessmen from around the world. Boasting of its booming economy, China gives them the impression that they can gain great profits if they do business there. At the same time, Chinese people treat the foreigners with hospitality - this is the first impression to you when you are there to do business. Why not share my experience in China here?

- How did I start the business?

I have been in China for over 30 years. During my staying here, I got to know this ancient country much better, and I have made a lot of friends here - business partners and friends to shoot the air. It is amazing that the lifestyle in the capital of Canton shares much similarity with the one that I was used to. Doing business in China wasn't my goal, but it happened that I found a channel that I could sell gifts to the customers around the world. In the very beginning, I could only sell some of the Christmas gifts to a friend in UK and a friend in France. The first unhappy experience of my business was caused by an incident during the exporting procedure from China. The Evergreen agent failed to arrange the shipment on time, and there were so many problems with the Customs. I then realized that it was quite necessary for me to register a company of my own.

- How did I get my company registered?

It was not a very complicated job to get the company registered at the local business administration department. However, I had prepared the documents and forms for a week, and then I went to the local business administration department to check the business name of for the company. Once it was done, I had to wait for two months for the approval of my registration. The officers told me that they had to check all the related information about my documents submitted to them. The service was satisfying, and I got the certifications for my business within 50 days.

- Where did I locate Business

The location of my business, as mentioned above, is in Canton. However, there are many places for you to choose, such as Qingdao, Dalian, Shanghai, etc. Shanghai is one of the hot places for foreigners to China. I have an office in the capital city of Canton. Not far from where I live, there are shopping malls, cafes, restaurants, banks, and small shops to sell daily items. The subway station and the railway station are within a stone throw. It is really convenient for me to meet customers there, particularly when it is the time for the Canton Fair which is held twice a year. During the fair, there are great chances for me to get a couple of satisfying orders from the old and new customers. The recession of the international trade didn't affect my business much, for there are plenty of orders to keep the business running.

- Which Industry Would Be Ideal

I am selling gifts, but you can choose whatever you want. If you want to do business in China, you need to focus on those which can be to your advantage when you do business in China. If you want to do international trading business, you need to focus on the low-end of the commodities which leave you a great margin of profit, such as lighters, apparels, shoes, hardware, handicrafts, etc. So long as you have the channels, you have the chance to make a fortune. If you want to sell the products of hi-tech, it is to your advantage to sell your products in China.

Nowadays, China has a relatively open and free market system. Therefore, it is not difficult for you to do your business there.