Our collection of frequently asked questions to gain information on how Sinowei can help your business grow in China. From our services to market entry strategies, find the answers you need to start your journey towards success in the Chinese market.
If you have more questions, get in touch with us at: team@sinowei.co.uk
Sinowei is a team of experienced individuals based between Shanghai, London and Belfast, who specialise in winning business in China.
We’re a registered Chinese importer and exporter of goods. Our services specialise in translation, market research, brand localisation, becoming “China ready and China compliant”, as well as China market launch and entry. Our sister division, China-Sourced.com, helps client customers source and import goods from China.
Since 2019, we’ve been the trusted representatives in China for numerous UK, EU, North and South American suppliers. We also work with large Chinese buyers and state-owned enterprises to source Western goods on their behalf.
“Sino” = China and “Wei” = powerful, strong.
We pronounce it “sigh”- “no”- “way”; but we’re not that fussy … sometimes people say “sin” “o” “wee”.
Not to worry! Working with our multilingual team, means you can. Most of our team are native or fluent Mandarin speakers, with decades of combined trading experience with China and Europe.
No, you don’t have to travel to China. Thanks to modern technology, you can meet our team virtually from your office. Our team who are permanently based in China and build business on your behalf. However, companies are always welcome to visit our team and showroom at the G-Hub in Shanghai.
Launching in China means to start again. Therefore, companies without a partner in the country find it difficult to navigate China’s myriad of regulations and preferences. We excel in our capacity to attentively listen, adjust, and deliver tailored comprehensive solutions leveraged by our experience and expertise.
While China presents a multitude of lucrative opportunities for global companies, there are critical factors to be considered before taking the leap. Sinowei’s services offer free consultations to help companies evaluate their position and understand the complexities of the Chinese market. Book a meeting with us here.
First and foremost, have a clear understanding of the products you wish to import. This includes specifications such as size, colour, materials and any other details pertinent to the product’s design and functionality. Enter your details here and we’ll help activate your China sourcing journey.
We offer a comprehensive range of quality assurance services including qualifying suppliers, pre-production samples, production inspections throughout and container loading supervision.
As with any international shipping destination, this can vary in cost based on several factors including size and weight of the package, the chosen transport method and the travel distance. Sinowei’s experience with China logistics, including proper documentation and compliance, means we can help clients find the most cost-effective solution for transporting goods to/from China.
Chinese localization refers to the process of adapting a product, content, or service to suit the Chinese market. Beyond mere translation, localisation means encompassing cultural nuances, local customs, and preferences to ensure the offering resonates with the Chinese audience. The goal of Chinese localization is to provide a user experience that feels familiar to the Chinese consumer, thereby enhancing the product’s appeal and effectiveness within the Chinese market.
There are several strategies a company can adopt to sell online in China. Selecting which route to take depends on your product category, target demographics and your budget. While China’s digital landscape is prominently dominated by platforms like Tmall and JD.com, the rapid progression of e-commerce has seen the development of new online sales channels through the likes of Community Group-Buying, WeChat Mini Programs, Taobao and other social apps. Cross-border selling is popular for some sectors, but having stock in the country is more beneficial. Companies selling online must first ensure their compliance with Chinese regulations including necessary permits and trademarks. While online selling presents exciting opportunity to build brand awareness, establishing an omnichannel approach, i.e. building local, offline presence, is advised to maximise success and consumer trust.
No, due to China’s internet policies, Google search engine is significantly restricted. Baidu is the go-to search engine for Chinese internet users. Baidu offers similar online services and supports key Chinese platforms such as WeChat, AliCloud and Youku.
China’s online landscape is distinctly different from much of the world due to internet regulations and the “Great Firewall”. WeChat, described as a “Swiss army knife in app form”, dominates as a messaging, social media and mobile payment app rolled into one. Weibo, Douyin (TikTok), Little Red Book and Bilibili offer similar online services such as microblogging, news and story updates, animation, games and e-commerce.
Guanxi, means “relationships” or “connections”. Guanxi plays a crucial role in navigating the business landscape in China, where personal connections often determine the success of ventures far beyond what might be expected in more transactional cultures. It underscores the importance of building and maintaining relationships, not just for immediate benefits but as a long-term investment in social capital.
Since opening their doors to global trade in the late 20th Century, China now ranks second among the world’s largest importers. Their key import categories include electrical equipment; oils and fuels; sugar and sugar confectionery; automobiles; aircrafts; cosmetics and perfumes; soybeans and other commodities like meat, seafood and dairy; medical equipment; pharmaceuticals; photography tools; beverages and spirits.
China, as a global economic powerhouse and world’s largest exporter, offers a diverse and extensive range of exports which are intrinsic to global markets. Chinese manufacturers are renowned for their innovation and efficiency. Main export categories include electronics; machinery; textiles and clothing; vehicles; plastics; furniture; lighting; toys; sports equipment; glassware; iron and steel.
As of 2023, China’s population is estimated at 1.42 billion. Having boasted the world’s largest population for over half a century, China was only recently surpassed by India in 2022.
China has strong economic relationships span across every continent and plays an important role in the interconnectedness of the global economy. China’s main trading partners include United States; European Union; Japan; United Kingdom; South Korea; Taiwan; Australia; Vietnam; Mexico; Canada; Russia and India. Within the European Union, China’s most important trade ties are with Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, France and Italy.
China has its own trademark system which varies slightly to Western countries. You must start a new application process for a China-specific trademark protection, regardless of any prior protection you’ve registered outside of China.
Trademark registration in China requires comprehensive search through China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) to ensure it is unique and not already in use or registered. China’s “first-to-file” system grants trademark rights to the first entity to file an application, regardless of use in other countries. Therefore, it is crucial the administrative work and classification is carried out correctly. Find out more about our China trademark services here.
No and yes. Technically, you can use your original brand name, but it will also have to be written with Chinese characters as Mandarin doesn’t use the English alphabet. The danger of direct translation can result in a brand name that doesn’t make sense to the Chinese consumer. Worst case, brands have been deemed as inappropriate or offensive. We work with clients to create bespoke brand names in Mandarin which resonate with their target audience, enhance brand recall and still convey their brand message effectively.
Room 202 & 203,
No.1 Lane 1588,
Zhuguang Road,
Quingpu District,
Shanghai 201702
+86 021-59283775
River House,
48-60 High St.
Belfast
BT12BE
Kemp House,
152-160 City Road
London
EC1V 2NX
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