Canton Fair 2017 - 5 Tips for Navigating China's Largest Trade Show

Summary

In this video, Lenny provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, China. He shares his experience of spending two days at the fair with his wife, offering practical tips for attendees, including how to maximize time by researching suppliers, bringing business cards, using WeChat, and organizing materials. He emphasizes the importance of pre-registering online, the need for a backpack, and how to engage with suppliers effectively. Lenny also highlights various amenities at the fair, such as shuttle services, food options, and ATM facilities. Overall, he recommends attending for both business insights and cultural experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start by visiting the Canton Fair with a strategy in mind, as there are many buildings and suppliers to go through.
• 😀 Spend the first day at the fair collecting product ideas without engaging deeply with suppliers.
• 😀 Use the first day to research suppliers online (e.g., Amazon) and make a shortlist for follow-up.
• 😀 On the second day, focus on talking to the suppliers you shortlisted and discuss details like price, MOQ, logos, and packaging.
• 😀 Tip #1: Bring plenty of business cards as suppliers often won't give out catalogs without one.
• 😀 Tip #2: Install WeChat, as it’s the primary social media platform in China, replacing Facebook and Google.
• 😀 Tip #3: Bring a backpack or roller case to carry the many catalogs and pamphlets you’ll collect.
• 😀 Tip #4: Confirm your hotel provides a shuttle service to the fair to make transportation easier.
• 😀 Tip #5: Apply for the fair online in advance and have your pre-registration letter and passport printed for quicker entry.
• 😀 Tip #6: Take selfies with suppliers you like to send later on WeChat so they can remember you.
• 😀 The fair also has essential services like banks, ATMs, and places to eat, but be prepared for crowds around lunchtime.

Q & A

What was Lenny's approach for attending the Canton Fair?

Lenny and his wife spent the first day exploring the stores and collecting product ideas without engaging deeply with suppliers. They focused on gathering a list of potential products before doing research at night. On the second day, they followed up with shortlisted suppliers to discuss prices and other details.

Why is it recommended to spend at least 2 or 3 days at the Canton Fair?

There are many buildings to explore, and each one takes time to go through. By dedicating multiple days, you can ensure you have enough time to visit all relevant suppliers and focus on specific follow-ups.

What did Lenny use to create business cards when he didn't have any?

Lenny used an app called Bizcard on his phone to create a digital business card. Suppliers would take a photo of it with their phone to exchange contact details.

Why is WeChat important at the Canton Fair?

WeChat is crucial because many social media platforms like Facebook and Google are restricted in China. Suppliers were more than happy to connect on WeChat, and the app allows easy user addition by scanning their phone.

What item is recommended to bring to the Canton Fair for collecting materials?

Lenny recommends bringing a backpack or roller case since you'll collect a lot of catalogs and pamphlets during the fair. This will help you carry all the materials easily.

What should attendees check about their hotel before the Canton Fair?

It’s recommended to check if the hotel offers a shuttle bus to the fairgrounds. This will make it much easier to travel to and from the event, as many hotels offer morning and afternoon shuttle services.

How does pre-registering for the Canton Fair help attendees?

Pre-registering online and submitting photos beforehand can streamline your entry into the fair. It also speeds up the process of getting your badge, provided you have a printed copy of your pre-registration letter and passport.

What is a useful strategy for remembering suppliers at the fair?

Lenny suggests taking selfies with suppliers that you are interested in working with. This way, you can send them the photo on WeChat, which helps them remember who you are.

What facilities are available for financial transactions at the Canton Fair?

There are two banks, ATMs, and currency exchange booths available at the Pearl Promenade in the center of the fair. This makes it easy for attendees to access money while at the fair.

What type of food options are available at the Canton Fair?

The Canton Fair offers several food options, including coffee shops, restaurants, and a McDonald's. There is also a Chinese restaurant with affordable chicken and rice dishes, including vegetarian options.