📚 China import course

In trade with China, personal relationships (guanxi) have real commercial value. A supplier who trusts you gives you better prices and priority in production.

The foundations of a successful supplier relationship

1. Regular orders
A supplier who knows you will order every 3 months gives you priority and better prices than a buyer who comes once a year.

2. Paying on time
Do not be late with payments. A Chinese supplier remembers who pays regularly and who causes problems.

3. Clear, respectful communication
Use WeChat for day-to-day communication (Chinese suppliers prefer it to email).
Be clear in your requirements, and respectful even when there are problems.

4. Appreciation and praise
When a deal goes well, send a thank-you message. This is rare from foreign buyers and leaves an impression.

5. Visiting the factory
Nothing strengthens the relationship like a personal visit. A supplier you have met face to face treats you differently.

6. Honesty about problems
If you have a quality problem or a delayed payment, talk to the supplier directly instead of disappearing. Problems that get solved strengthen the relationship.

WeChat tips for communicating with suppliers
- Use WeChat Work for formal conversations
- Send short voice messages instead of long written ones
- Use WeChat's translator to translate Chinese messages instantly
- Do not expect replies during Chinese holidays (Golden Week in October, Chinese New Year in January/February)