Canton Fair “Need to Know” from Experience
I have been a regular attendee of the Canton Fair since 2003 and have seen it flourish beyond recognition over these years. Now that I’m an Ex-pat living in Guangzhou I have the luxury of having the experience of being on both sides of the proverbial transaction table. So from experience, here are some of things I feel you should know if you’re planning on attending the Canton Fair. You see, knowing is half the battle and how rich your experience at the Canton Fair will depend on how much you are willing to stand for.
Are We There Yet?
Just getting to the Canton Fair will certainly test your patience and you will need a lot of it. No matter how you get to Guangzhou you will have to pass that thousand mile road and yes, be prepared to stand in line and wait and wait. After all, Chinese isn’t the world’s most spoken language for nothing, according to (SIL) Ethnologue Survey (1999). And that’s due to population not geography. Please remember that when you are going though the China’s Inspection and Customs please remember to be polite and calm and have all your documents ready. I see too many foreigners thinking “what I don’t know” by arguing with the customs officers only to have their travel time further delayed.
Have your hotel reservations confirmed and know exactly how you will get there before you arrive. The Guangzhou hotel industry has sprouted expeditiously over the years because it makes its yearly operational expense (and then some) on the two times per year when the Canton fair is held. The rest of the year is pure gravy. The reason for this is because they can charge anywhere from 10%~1000% more for that room. I do hear about people winging it and try to find a room after getting here, but that’s like getting a tattoo when you’re drunk. Also, ask if the hotel has a direct shuttle to the Canton Fair, having one will save you much money and headache. Because getting there is not the problem, getting back is a whole another story.
Money Exchange
The best is to have your money in your Visa or Debit card, The Canton fair has a Bank of China right inside and several other bank ATM’s accepting all major credit cards, JETCO, PLUS, MAESTRO, etc. You can have your currency exchanged in Hong Kong before arriving or you can get better (negotiable) rates if you go to the “Black Market” exchange stalls right at the LuoHu port entrance in Shenzhen (Right outside after Customs Inspection). However, as with anything that deals with money be careful. Keep your surroundings in check, after exchanging your money put it away in your money belt. Since LuoHu is a prime foreigner shopping site full of wonderful items such as gifts, souvenirs, foot massages, manicure/pedicures and most famously the knock offs, thus bringing opportunists of all types. Here are some dos and don’ts:
• Don’t let anyone follow you, especially after the currency exchange booth.
• Don’t let any peddler carry your luggage for a fee.
• Don’t purchase from peddlers outside the shopping area.
• Don’t give money to the beggars no matter how sad they make you feel. There are some groups in China that kidnaps, maims, and then throws them into an organized beggars circle. The only way to stop this is by not giving.
• Don’t accept solicitation for prostitution at the LuoHu area, you’re asking for trouble if you do. There are better alternatives. (I’ll write a segment on this later)
• Especially purchasing something or taking a taxi; memorize at least the last four digits of the 50 or 100 RMB bill that you hand over. If the clerk or driver hands back a bill and says, “This is fake do you have another one”, for heaven’s sake don’t touch the bill because you’re being swindled. They will hand you a fake bill instead, so don’t get your fingerprints on it. Most of the time if you mention the last four digits they will simply apologize and say, “Oh, I made a mistake” and go on with the transaction. If it starts to get ugly then remember “110” is the public emergency line, even threatening to call should get you results.
• Do try the delicious food, but ask what it is before ordering.
• Do get a massage or oil rub down, but don’t opt for the special; you might not want to pay the ridiculous fee.
• Don’t tip; China isn’t a tipping society, besides a service charge has probably already been added to the bill. Use your discretion.
• And by all means haggle. It’s your money, your worked hard for it, you decide how much to give.
Getting to the Canton Fair:
Coming from Shenzhen:
• Bus: Shenzhen to Guangzhou: 3/hour without traffic/58rmb
• Shenzhen Taxi: 1.5/hour without traffic, negotiable 300rmb~500rmb
• Guangzhou Return Trip Taxi: 1.5/hour without traffic, negotiable about 150rmb
• Train: Shenzhen to Guangzhou East Railway Station Train: About 50min/ 80rmb, once there go down one floor for the Metro station. Taxi line-up is directly outside of the train station or adjacent is the bus station. The train, bus, Metro stations are all at the same area. Further down the street (about 10 minutes walking distance) is the US-Consulate Generals office next to IKEA.
• Coming from the Airport by Bus, airport shuttle to your hotel, 50min/ 38rmb
• Coming from the Airport by Taxi, minimum 40min/ 170rmb
Once you are in Guangzhou you will need to get to Panyu, which is the city next to Guangzhou where the Canton Fair is held.
Metro: Line 2 to Pazhou Station, once at the station you’ll see entrances to A/B and C Buildings. If you haven’t registered then go to Building A/B exit or even better yet get off one station before Pazhou (Xinggang-Donglu) Station. The Canton Fair is over 1.1 million m2 separated into three sections. It’s very large so bring good walking shoes.
At the Fair:
If you haven’t registered then you’ll need to do so. Be prepared to wait in line for a minimum of 2/hours for this process. You’ll need:
• Your E-Invitation letter that you’ve pre-registered online.
• Your Passport.
• 2 x passport (1”x 1”) photos for the entry badge. You can take a picture there but it set you back around 58rmb.
• Your Business Card.
• Summit a registration form.
• Admission is free for foreign passport holders.
• Because Chinese nationals are not allowed in the Canton Fair (excluding exhibitors and staff) you must pay an additional 400rmb (Chinese/English) per day for an interpreter. However, this must have been pre-ordered through the Canton Fair. There are always several freelance interpreters outside soliciting for work for about 300~500rmb per day. However, I was told that outside interpreters were not allowed for the 105th/106th Canton Fair so I’m presuming that the Canton Fair Organizers would want to continue milking this cash cow for this 107th Canton fair.
• Though Chinese regulation stipulates that foreigners must have their passports with them at all times, it would behoove you to make a scanned copy of your passport and printout a color copy of it and carry with you instead. Unless of course you haven’t registered for the Canton Fair or want to open a bank account, etc… Other than to use your passport for official capacity, keep your passports in your hotel-room safe because loosing it will make your life a living hell in China.
Word of advice: pre-arrange a taxi or car if you don’t have a hotel shuttle. You will thank me for this because when there are a few thousand people wanting to get out all at the same time and all are tired and hungry this makes for great drama. There is only one taxi line up at the Canton Fair between Buildings A/B. The police will not allow other vehicles and Non-Canton Fair registered taxis to come in. If you go out on the street to find a taxi you will pay more than what you’ve bargained for. If you want to wait for a taxi, again be prepared to wait and wait and wait.
Food at the fair:
There are a few good places to eat at the fair however, due to expediting service most of the food establishments have opt for the package system. Meaning if you go to McDonald’s you only get to choose a set menu A, B, C or D (about 40rmb). Same with Papa John’s pizza, one size with soft drink (98rmb). If you’re a coffee drinker, don’t buy the coffee at the sandwich/drink stands. They use a push-button automated coffee dispenser that tastes like mud-water, one size x-small (50rmb). Thank god there is a Starbucks Verti/Grande (33/36rmb). Seattle Coffee large (38rmb). If you’re really hungry then try the business buffet, all you can eat (100rmb). I have been seeing more and more establishments catering exclusively Muslim foods, deducing that there must be more business in that sector.
Doing Business at Fair:
Bring more business cards, you’ll surely run out. Exhibitors paying a minimum of $5000USD for a small space and up to $100,000USD for large spaces at the fair and not to mention the cost of printing catalogs, booth decorations, carpet, electricity, water, employees, etc…will want a business card from you to take a catalog. A little trick is to print out some sticky labels with your information on it then stick it to the exhibitors notebook, simple and effective or simply effective and takes up less space.
Unless you plan to travel back home with a suitcase full of catalogs without your belongings in it, ask for CD catalogs from the exhibitors or bring an extra empty suitcase. If they don’t have CD’s then many new style compact cameras have macro functions these days. Just take the Catalogs you need, Chinese manufacturers seems to outdo themselves each year by creating bigger and thicker catalogs. If they say they will email it to you, well…they won’t. Be Eco-friendly people.
I’ve noticed in some cases, exhibitors will be less receptive to attendees of the Asian descent. Simply because the exhibitors fear intellectual property infringement as much as anyone else, even more so I’d say. So if you’re Asian, simply start speaking English to reverse this stereotype.
Lastly, if you come on the second to the last day (each phase) you could take home some great sample for a fraction of the cost. I purchased a high-end mountain bike for $50USD, a very cool 250cc super-sport motorcycle $500USD, stainless-steel espresso machine $10USD to just name a few. The reason for this is because for some of the exhibitors it would cheaper to sell off their samples at the show than having them shipped back to the factory. And in some cases even make money. Coming on the last day wouldn’t be wise since you wouldn’t have enough time to haggle and most of the bargains would have already been sold. Also, most exhibitors will want to start tearing down and get out before the rush, the problem will rise if they all think that and create a rush before the rush (I’ve seen it happen).
If you have a specific question asks in the comments. I will answer, if I don’t know then I will find out.
By: JonT
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Woo…you are well-experienced in CHINA. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Jon,
do all of the traders accept debit/credit cards? or do some require cash payments? And if cash, can it be US Dollars? Or only rmb?
Hi Joanne,
The exhibitors do not accept debit cards or credit cards. You will have to go to the bank or ATM to withdraw your money (RMB only). This is because the canton fair isn’t a forum for single purchase transactions. Actually, most of the exhibitors will not sell their samples. Some will even write a sign stating “NO SALE” on the last day of the fair. But the ones that do will only accept cash payment. They do prefer RMB since it’s a nuisance for them to exchange dollars to RMB. However, I’ve always used USD with no problems. Don’t forget to take smaller notes because they can’t give you change, if they do you’ll get RMB back.
Hello,
I am from Hong Kong and anyone interested in selling foreign buyers business cards in shenzhen or guangzhou then you can contact us and we will try to
discuss about it & hope that we can cooperate. Thank you.
Thanks a lot.
Thanks,
Manesh
Hello Manesh,
I do understand your reason for using this forum to crate leads.
However, it might be better if you would leave an email address or some sort of contact information so that our readers won’t mistake you as part of our staff or website and email our site.
Thanks,
JonT
Hi! Thanks for all the info u wrote already!
I’m an expat living in Hong Kong I’m starting a wholesale t-shirt line and i need to know if is good for me to start exposing my t-shirts on the canton fair or if i should wait the fashion week!?! It’s a poker appeal and i need buyers from all the world!
What do u think! Thanks in advance. Angelo
Hi Angelo,
Remember this is my personal opinion and advice, others
may feel differently and I’m not in the fashion industry.
That said, exposing your t-shirts anywhere in China has the threat of being copied, of course that depends on your designs.
If you want international exposure then the Canton Fair is your best bet. There are more International buyers at the Canton Fair willing to buy by the container. Besides, Fashion week brings a lot of local buyers while the Canton Fair restricts them.
Because of the economic downturn you will see more
buyers from the Russian, African and South American regions
more than the UK, USA, Europe,and Australia. If you are a
good negotiator then this would be perfect because, our Russian and African neighbors buys in large quantities but are very shrewd and savy business-men and business-women. If you are not then Fashion week might be better.
Best of Luck,
Jon
Wow! Thanks for the fast reply!
Does my company need to be more than 3 years old? I dont have a company yet and that will put me out of the game…
Hi Angelo,
No, you can be a start up company they won’t check how long your company has been in business. But, you do need to have a company, business card, and an address with phone number.
If you don’t have these things then you can borrow another company to register for you or you can even share space with another exhibitor to keep your initial expenses down. Finding a company that will help you will be the trick. Depending on your projected launch schedule it might behove you to go to the Canton fair first as a buyer (no fees for foreign passport holders) then you can scope out the competition and inquire other smaller exhibitors if they are willing to share space for the next Canton Fair. However, traditionally the October (fall buying season) brings about more business than the April (spring) one. Also FYI, starting a company in HK is very easy and not expensive. To be an exhibitor at the Canton Fair is not cheap so weigh your options and financial’s carefully.
Cheers,
Jon
You are soo helpfull!!! Can i have your e-mail?
Thanks!
Hi Jon,
Thank you so much for your input. I have been researching the Canton Fair for some time now. You have answered a very important question for me as I was thinking the spring Canton Fair would be the largest. This will be my first time attending the fair. If most companies do not sell samples will they sell smaller orders per product like 5 to 10 pcs.
Are the products shipped right away with smaller orders via Fedex, UPS etc or are they usually shipped by cargo. I’m just starting my business and I have many associates that want me to bring back catalogs. How reliable are the sourcing companies IF by chance you don’t find what you are looking for?
Lastly, Are most exhibitors reliable when re-ordering after the Canon Fair?
Thank you for your time!
Ms Dee,
Yes, definitely the fall buying season is by far the biggest. To answer your question about ordering smaller orders per product well; every company and every industry will be different and will be accepted on case by case situations. But generally, any factory want’s new business and will not turn away a prospecting customer. Its a general rule that the first order is a “trial-order” in which the quantity will be much lower to see the factories performance while limiting your liability. However, this rule doesn’t apply to something that is OEM or a product that will need to develop a mould or that there is sufficient amount of wastage in which case there will be a MOQ (minimum order quantity). While at the Canton Fair you can ask to purchase their samples but in most cases they will want to send it to you. You just TT funds to their account and they will send you the qty you want, this is called a sample-order. If you purchase anything at the canton fair and don’t want to carry it back with you then yes, there is a EMS station at the Canton Fair. Most samples are usually shipped by Air cargo such as Fedex, UPS, or in most cases EMS. But for larger items it will be needed to be sent by Freight forwarders under LCL. The rule of thumb for sourcing is to find a source through someone you know that they know and so on. A trail is important for accountability. Your taking a chance with every order anyway, its better to have someone accountable to limit your loss. If you don’t have this trail then for the love of God go and see the factory. To many people just send money without a contract or even seeing if the factory is real. Well, you get the idea. If you cant see the factory send someone in your place. Sourcing companies will not guarantee your money nor you order so, what’s the difference. I hope I’ve answered your questions if not let us know. Cheers, Jon
JonT
Jon,
Hotels near the Canton Fair for the last phase seem to be filling up. Have you heard of anyone renting homes or apartments? Would be great if you could find a english speaking person that rented out a room near the fair. Have you ever seen this done there?
Thanks,
Clay
Hi Jon,
I have a few more questions for you.
Do they allow cameras and camcoders in the Canton Fair? I would like to video my entire experience since this is my first time. I have read that a lot of exhibitors won’t sell their samples. If this is the case will they allow you to place a sample order while your there to be shipped during the days of the fair?
Also how long are the lines in the mornings? Do you need to arrive an hour in advance? You mentioned getting a taxi at the end of the day is awful. Is it a good idea to hire a car service to pick you up and drop you off? I’m staying a little farther out about 40 miles in Foshan.
Is it practical to stay the entire day from beginning to end 9:30 to 5pm?
Is there a line at each exhibitors booth?
You mentioned to bring mailing label stickers along with business cards. I was thinking 5,000 business cards was enough. Will I need more?
Dear Ms. Dee,
1. Cameras and Camcorders are allowed at the Canton Fair, everyone does bring some sort of capturing device. But it is very important to ask an exhibitor if it’s all-right to take pictures of their products. Many will have “no picture” written in their booth for obvious reason. I’ve seen many fights over this particular issue.
2. Most likely they will send samples to you directly from the factory at your expense. Most exhibitors come from all across China so you’ll have to wait till they get back and send you an email. It also depends on the product, pens and lighters are a very different story from motorcycles.
3. If this is your first time then you should allow yourself more time and arrive early, it should take about 30min. Otherwise, expect on waiting two hours or more in line registering…if you arrive later. If you can’t make it in the morning then arrive later, afternoon at least after lunch.
4. The taxi service is getting better, however expect to wait a long line. If your like me, I forego the hassle and ease my tired-killing feet by days end…so I hire a car, always. But then again, I speak Chinese and won’t get cheated. It can be very expensive. You should pay around 150-300rmb for the service if in Gz, I do hear up and onwards of 1000rmb or more. But being in Foshan your talking expensive. Talk to your hotel ask if they have a shuttle bus. Or take the subway to Kenkou (6rmb) then there are buses that leave every 30min to Foshan (10rmb) from there take a taxi to your hotel about (7-20rmb)
5. I have seen the fair from beginning to end in the past but it does get very tiring and you are lugging around 10lbs extra (catalogues) I suggest if time permits to spread the viewing over two or three days. You will find out that you won’t be able to see all of the Canton fair so choose what sections you need and target, plan ahead.
6. Some of the more popular or new item exhibition will have a lot of people, then just go on to another booth but remember to write down the booth number and come back.
7. If you have 5000 business cards you don’t need stickers. Stickers are just so that you have the convenience of not carrying so many business cards. You won’t need that many. You will go through about 100-500max. Bring a 1000 to be safe.
Hope I’ve answered your questions, if not let me know.
Cheers,
Jon
Hi Jon
Found your site very useful. I plan to come to the Canton Fair this Autumn, and to this end, I had a couple of quick questions, and was hoping you might be able to advise:
a) I’ve booked myself into the Mariott in Lin Hua Lu, Yuexiu District, which I believe is about 40-60 minutes subway journey to the Exhibition centre – would you know if this is a fairly straight forward route, or would it take too long at Exhibition times to use the trains?
b) Would you know how much the trains should cost, roughly?
c) Finally, do most Exhibitors have staff there who speak English, or would it be necessary to have an interpreter?
Many thanks
Monty.
I’ve been to the spring Canton Fair this year to help my friend with interpretation. For sure, there are only a few Chinese exhibitors being able to speaking English. So many foreingers have to find interpretors to communicate smoothly with others. To find the products you really intend to buy, it’s much more effective and practical for you to get an interpretor there, not only to save your time, but also to get more chances for youself.
Hi Clay,
There are always Hotels available even during Canton Fair.
These Black-Out dates of course will cost considerably more in the upper star range, however, two or three star hotels will give you accommodation at a fair price.
Instead of Guangzhou, try Panyu which is the city next to Gz and the city where the Canton Fair is held. The prices range anywhere from 180rmb to 380rmb per night.
There are many local Chinese willing to rent out a spare apartment or home, but will ask for a large deposit and will want you to stay at least a week to a month. Just call
a local real estate brokerage company like Century 21 (China) and ask for availability.
The present economic situation in China has many renting out instead of buying or selling homes these days. So, there are tons to choose from.
Cheers,
JonT
Hi Monty,
a) You are staying at a nice hotel and well worth the money. The Marriott has fee shuttle buses for guests that will take you to the Canton Fair in the morning and will bring you back in the evening. You have nothing to worry about. However, if you decide to trek it by subway then yes, it’s very straight forward. There are subway points near your hotel, once you get into the subway read the map (take a picture to be safe) and transfer one train to Pazhou station (should be only around 6rmb).
c) As Rebecca have pointed out below, there are many exhibitors that don’t speak English. But, this is the Canton Fair for Foreign Trade…most exhibitors will know the importance of having an English speaking staff person or their own translator. If your in a business that needs technical translation then by all means hire one, better to error on caution. But, if you need just general information such as, price, quality, MOQ (minimum order), and delivery questions then no, you won’t need one. Another idea, is to write the questions on the left side of your note book in English then ask your hotel front desk “Cutie” to write the translation in Chinese on the right side of your note book…then just point.
Cheers,
Jon
Hello Jon!
You have cleared up many of my questions with all your other answers, thank you for taking the time to help new attenders to the Canton Fair.
The 108 will be my first time, I´m travelling all the way form South America and want to make business and surely bring back some products to my country and start from there. My questions are:
1.- When I find the products I want to purchase, do I need to order inmediately or can I wait to the end of each phase to do so, since I would have to wire transfer the funds from my accounts in USA and so on?
2.- I have written to many freight companies for quotes on forwarding the merchandise to my country, and have been very efficient so far, but they all ask me from what port of loading since there are many in China and most of them ship to my country, so how do I know to which port I need to send it to? Are there freight company agent´s at the fair who can help me? do you know any?
What I need to know exactly is, what are the steps to follow from buying to shipping??? Thank in advance.
Carlos
Dear Carlos,
I apologize for the late reply; we just had the Mid-Autumn Festival Holiday here. I think there are enough Moon-Cakes here to feed the world, so-to-speak.
To answer your questions Carlos:
1. It’s always a wise decision to think over your decision, so that you are not regretting your decision and even if you did…you can at least say you thought it through. Compulsive buyers are asking for trouble. See the products at the Canton Fair and then go see the factory if you can, then order. You hold your money as long as you can. Too many start-ups are rushed into these purchases and then start crying because the wrong product was shipped or nothing was shipped at all. They (the experienced Chinese Business-Person) can smell a green (the new buyer) a mile away…at least act like you’re experienced by holding off till you get back home to make the order.
2. Your second question is an open ended question, which means there are too many variables to answer your question correctly. There are Freight Forwarding Company’s at the Canton Fair, but please shop around. The competition in this industry is fierce now; it’s a good idea to take advantage of the slow-down in the market. The factory that you order your product will want to go through their own freight-forwarding company and port since they want all the security that you will pay for the goods. Usually they will hold the B/L until you have paid the balance on the products you’ve ordered. Without the original B/L you can’t take your products out of your country’s dock. Then you are paying an arm and a leg for storage fees, warehouse fees, service charges, penalties, etc, etc, etc… per day. So it’s a good idea to have everything planned out before shipping. Your business-mind should start planning and negotiating in your favor and so will they. Don’t pay everything up front. Pay a deposit then the rest when it’s finished. You can have someone inspect the items before shipping. Contract should state that you are to receive according to the samples…Don’t let them hold all the cards. There is so much to cover at this point that it will take about another two hundred pages for me to explain everything. Just use good common sense.
Hope I helped a little…remember, I went through MBA School in the USA, but the most important things I learned was through expensive mistakes that they don’t teach you in MBA School. China is very unpredictable so you must predict…you know.
Hi Jon,
This is a very good blog and good to see that you are very knowlegable and very clear in explaining.
I am visiting Canton (and China) for first time, however, I have already dealt with couple of suppliers from there and have imported few times. My purpose is to visit the suppliers and look for their competitors to get better rates. My few questions:
Can you suggest a good hotel (not very expensive) which has a shuttle to the fair. I am planning to attend 3rd phase and will stay for 3-4 days. I am taking flight till Guangzhou. So free pickup to airport will help.
After the show I have plans to visit couple of my suppliers.
Any suggestions? I really appreciate your knowledge and the time. Thanks a lot in advance.
Dear Sunny,
Thank you for your kind words.
If you are into 5 star hotels which feels good but seriously sets-back your net worth, meaning expensive and unnecessary…then the Westin, China Hotel Marriot, Garden Hotel and the Shangri la Resort- Pazhou (across the street from the Canton Fair) are excellent choices.
But those of you that are conscientious about your money and have a limited budget, may I recommend the 4 start Panyu Hotel, in Panyu (20min from the Canton Fair). The airport shuttle ends at the Panyu Hotel and is the first pick up, how convenient. There is a shuttle to and from the Canton Fair as well. Mind you it’s not in Guangzhou city so you’ll see more of the culture and less of the city
life,though the Panyu area has metropolized quite a bit. Check it out on the net. My friends and customers have given above average praises for this hotel considering it’s only $28-$80/per day depending on time of year.
There isn’t a free airport pickup, but once you get out from the airport make a left at the exit, you’ll see all the bus stops ask for the Panyu Hotel bus, it should be about 48rmb ($7).
The government of Panyu has remodeled the Shiqiao town, where the hotel is…trust me you’ll like it.
Since you’ve already dealt with the supplier you stand on higher ground, demand for cheaper pricing while promising larger orders. A boss with vision will support your needs as you grow, since his wallet will grow as well.
During negotiations it’s important to say the name of his competitor (so it’s a good idea to see the competitors first) and divulge a lower price. For example, “I’m getting the same product at……for this much”, “why are you more expensive”. This is a normal practice of business, he will also come back and say that’s impossible. If he doesn’t play ball, then walk out…usually they will call you or stop you from leaving. But if they don’t then you know it was their bottom price.
Hope this helps,
Cheers,
Jon
Hi Jon,
read through your blog. you are a very helpful expert on canton trade fair.
As you are very experienced on this fair, here seek your kindly inputs for below questions.
1. what’s the trend for canton trade fair for further development? what need to improve?
2. what does buyers care most when they attend the fire？
3. what’s the momentum and barrier for buyers to attend this fair?
4. does the awareness of canton fair is good enough?
5. is there any fair more attractive than canton trade fair? why it attractive?
6. which contries you think would be more interested in canton fire in near future?
Sorry to bring so many questions to you. highly appreciate to hear from you soon.
Thanks in advance.
Viv
Dear Vivan,
Interesting string of questions you’re asking…fair enough, as long as you’re not an employee for the Canton Fair.
It would be interesting to see if an economist were to participate in the canton fairs, I would love to hear their thoughts on the correlation between the Canton fairs and the global economy.
I’m not an economist but I do have an MBA from a respected business school, so I do know a thing or two about business.
If observations are any indicators to global trends, then we can assume that the economy is springing back slowly but surely, however, what’s interesting is that the economy spring-back seems to be in other areas than we would normally expect them to be. So if you’re talking about trends then I would bet on South American, Russian, African, South East Asian countries and foreign joint-ventured Chinese companies. These were by far the most predominant buyers at the show. It would also seem that the number of exhibitors and visitors alike are back to pre-global meltdown numbers, which indicates to me that consumers are buying again.
The most obvious answer to what buyers care about is price, then quality, and lastly lead-time. The other concerns are ease of access to the Canton fair, communication, and where’s the most economically suitable place to eat and stay.
The opening of the line 3 subway that connects directly to the Airport is definitely a plus and just in time for the Asian Games (not for the Canton Fair) But, because of the Asian Games the Guangzhou government has decided to open all subway routes and metropolitan bus routes free for all passengers, well…in my opinion that decision had lost any benefit there was from my previous statement. Imagine the whole population of a small country all trying to fit in a single metropolitan transit system? If you feel breathing is an important function then I would opt out from taking the subway.
There is still plenty of room for foreign investment still and foreign companies to develop in China. I sometimes feel comparing one exhibitor to another is that, “did they all develop their products from the same mould?” It does seem that there were a redundant number of exhibitors with the same stuff and it’s been like this for the last few sessions.
I suppose that during an economic down-turn the design leaders of our globe stops designing and all others are left copying from each other. Imagine selling export products within China, China is hungry for good products and are tired of getting…well what other countries have felt or is feeling.
I can’t say anything about other fairs, but hands down the Canton fair is by far the biggest. Talk of expansion is already in the works, just because it’s not enough room. They might have to build up instead of out.
As far as awareness goes, there is enough of that; you’re just going to have to wait for the rest of the world to get back on their feet.
I hope I’ve answered at least some of your questions and then some.
Cheers,
JonT
Hi Jon T,
Great appreciate on your fruitful feedback. That’s very helpful
Would you mind to discuss more via personal contact?
my email address is justdoit689@163.com
Hope to connect you soon.
Best Regards
Vivian
Hi JonT,
thanks for the blog, its definitely the most straightforward and helpful info I’ve found about the Canton Fair!
I’m considering attending the next Canton Fair in May, as I’ve heard its the best to way to ensure you’re dealing with actual manufacturers rather than agents, as this can be difficult to determine through the internet.
I had a few questions I would be really grateful if you could help me with;
-I’m launching a line of sports protective garments, so I have samples made locally (in australia) and want to find a manufacturer to produce these, would the Canton Fair be an appropriate place for me to do this?
-If so, how many days would I need at the Canton Fair to achieve this effectively?
-And do you have a recommendation for a mid-range hotel?
Thanks, really appreciate it
Peter
Happy Holidays to all readers, I sincerely wish for your prosperity and contentment.
Hi Peter,
Your welcome Peter, I say it as I see it. However, anonymity is still necessary since I do live and work in China. Some of those rumors you’ve heard are true.
By and large the bunt of the vendors are factories, however, as times get harder and harder you’ll have a hard time sifting through which are agents, agents of agents, agents of factories, friends or distant relatives of the factory, or the factories themselves. Sometimes factories have their own trading companies. I know…labyrinth.
I once had a title and an office in a factory I never been to. This was because I was made an agent for a (friend) boss of the factory. Of course, there was the factory’s price and there was my price. Whether you feel this is right or wrong…it is business. As long as the customer agrees to the final price, right?
Going to the Canton Fair is a great idea to compare pricing and to get a good foundation. If nothing else the experience alone is priceless. There is a certain unwritten element working with the Chinese and that is, your not experienced until you pay your dues. It’s not if, it’s when. Believe me, among everyone I know I think I paid the most. Expect it, that learning curve should be in your business plan and pricing. Or spend more time in Expat bars in China. That is why trading companies charge so much.
Don’t get me wrong, trading companies are a valuable resource if know how to use them. A trading company usually will have a design team, close factory working relations and a lower minimum order quantity (MOQ). For example, that particular cloth you need might just be the cloth another company has ordered which will get you a discount or no MOQ or maybe some free sample works.
I do recommend that you take a swatch or an unrecognizable portion of your design. Otherwise, I guarantee I will see it in the next Canton Fair. I also recommend that one factory does materials and another for assembly. Just to be safe.
Since I did tours in Iraq and Afghanistan I have tons of ideas of protective garments. Flexible fiberglass over breathable neoprene, padded wicking fiber into a criss-cross tripolymesh over-under sheath with silicone coating. That ones for free.
How many days? Will really depend on how comfortable you are with the suppliers. If you go to a glove factory that develops protective gloves then you’ll find everything you need except good pricing (that’s if your doing anything but gloves). If you time everything right you can make good assumptions by the third to fifth day including factory visits around the Guangzhou area. Don’t worry, you can decide when you get back.
I still recommend the Panyu Hotel in Panyu, affordable and 4 stars with everything close by.
Hope I was of some help.
Cheers,
JonT
Greetings JonT,
I plan to attend the fair this April for the first time. Your website has answered most of my questions. Thank you.
My question: I am currently in the process of registering for the fair. I do not currently have a business set up, my question is can i register as an individual or do i need have a business.
Note: I will register a corporation name and form a business before the fair, i just do not have it done now at the time of registration. My concern is if they will deny me a letter of invitation if i fill in my name in company name. Another alternative is filling in company name with an investment company i owned that is no longer active and i still have business cards for.
What is your opinion?
Thanks in advance for your time and assistance..
E.D.
Hi Edward,
I wouldn’t worry too much about this. The Canton Fair makes its money on how many buyers it can bring in. Without buyers why would vendors spend thousands or hundreds of thousands to attend. So, I doubt anyone will care if your company is registered or not. Here, Money Talks. What you need to do is: 1) Decide on a Name of your company 2) Have an address, phone number and an email where you can be reached. 3) A logo or theme for your company is nice but not necessary. 4) Make business cards. 5) Register your company when you want to if you want to.
Most importantly, be happy, attend the fair, and start gaining some experience.
Cheers,
JonT
Hi,
I am planning to travel to Guangzhou to set a small business of clothings in Africa. I have the following questions
1. Where are the cheap markets with quality clothings situated?
2. Is transportation available, taxi or train?
3. Where can I get cheap accommodation which is nearer to the markets?
4. How many minutes or hours to travel from Guangzhou to Shenzhen, Luohu Commercial city (Shopping mall)
5. What is the currency used in Guangzhou?
Thank you
Hello,
I am a female planning my first trip to the Canton Fair.
I am a little nervous as it has been a while since I have travelled overseas on my own. Do you think as a female I need to be extra careful?
Also you do mention one hotel rather frequently. Is this hotel in a safe area?
Regards
Jennifer
Hello,am glad you are willing to be of help to some of us who are coming to China new.I wish you could answer some of this questions for me.
1.Am into oil and gas,and so i would like to know your opinion on all the available fairs i can take advantage of.
2.I understand that there are various ways of packaging your samples after buying,please i would like to know the mode of charging for these goods,is it in packs or cases?
3.how long those it take for a standard invite to arrive from china,assuming i apply for it now?
thanks in advance.
Moore.
Hello Jon.
I’ve read your responses and posting and find them really useful.
There are some questions I’d like to ask:
1) Are booths organized by type of product on the fair ?
2) Do they handle a list of exhibitors and their products at the entrance of the fair ?
3) Would we get a better pricing if we’re distributors or Trading Company ? Or are manufacturers mainly concerned about volume being purchased ?
4) We´ve currently been purchasing from chinese companies that we’ve found on the web. Some say once chinese companies give you a price it is hard to get a lower one. Is it true or is it, like in other countries, better to deal in person to get a better negotiation ?
Thank you very much !
Hello Jon,
I am looking to attend the upcoming Canton fair in April 2012. Your article is very helpful, thanks for all this information. I have a couple other questions I was hoping you could ask for me.
1) I know there are phases to the fair, but I don’t think I want to stay for all 3 phases but I would hate to miss anything. I am currently seeking new a new industry to expand our business on. We already deal and import with a few manufacturers in China so I also want to visit their factories and maybe visit their competition at the fair. Say the texiles and garments sector is supposed to be on Phase 3, are there still many other textile and garment manufacturers exhibiting during other phases of the fair? Or are they pretty strict on keeping the exhibitors to the phase they belong in?
2) The Panyu hotel you recommend, does it have a fitness gym? Might seem like a silly question for a business trip but it is necessary.
3) I have received my invitation to the canton fair, do you recommend registering for the entry badge (IC card) online beforehand or is it safe to get them at the hotel last minute? I would hate to arrive and not be able to get in.
Thanks in advance for any guidance you can give on these questions!
Hey Will,
about your question hope my answer can be helpful.
1. they are pretty strict on keeping the exhibitors to the phase they belong in, for example garment supplier can only attend the phase 3 can only have booth in the garment area, it means you will not miss any canton fair garment exhibitor if you attend phase three. and beside the canton fair exhibition hall there are several more exhition hall(eg. : jinghan锦汉中心 ) next to it, there will be texitile and garment show there at phase three also. and beside the show there are a big texitle and accessories wholesale market in haizhu district, they said it’s the biggest one in east south asia.
2. about this don’t know.:)
3. if you have got the invitation, then it’s ok to make it at sight, some big five start hotel can make it at hotel also. no matter how you can get in only if you have foreigner passport, but as Jon suggest if you would get the badge at the first day morning of each phase it’s better arrive ten or twenty minutes before the show start then can save you two or three hours wait in the line. other times it will be very fast to make the badge.
What are minimum purchases at the fair?
does it make sense for small start ups to come to the fair and order about 50-100 pieces of each item. Or do they only sell in major bulk orders
Hi Jon,
I am going to the canton fair this April with my cousin and son who is 15.
Can you please advise if there is a age ristriction.
I recently look at attending the Hong Kong electronics exhibition and I noticed it they had a age limit of 18 for entrants.
Thanks
Yasmin.
Hi Jon
We are going to canton in april 2013, but we don’t have E-Invitation letter (pre-registered online) . We tried so many times but we didn’t received any reply from website of canton fair. What will do now?