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Q: how do i sell product to a chinese supermarket?
I am Australian living in China, we have 40 accessory shops in China and want to sell to China "shopping centers" similar to the Carefor down to smaller chains.
We just want a very small shelf space, does anyone have any ideas how to do this?
Cheers!
Chris
10 years 40 weeks ago in Business & Jobs - China
Provided that your current outlets are properly registered and carry legal status, there is no restrictions from a governmental perspective. The problem with selling to supermarket chains in China is that, unlike the west, they do not have central buying functions. Each store buys for its own needs rather than one buyer for the whole group. Therefore, you have substantially more work to do selling your products. The best bet is to collate the contact details for every store and call each one asking to speak to the buyer. Networking is always a big plus in China. You should also be aware that Chinese are cut throat negotiators and, unless they believe that they are ripping your gonads off, you may struggle to get a sale. Also, it goes without saying that businesses in China do not have the same morals and ethics of western companies. Bear that in mind when discussing payment terms and contracts.
Scandinavian:
It is strictly speaking not true that each store buys for itself. Carre Four does have some people who buy for the entire chain. They also have centralized people to handle dealing with some import goods.
I doubt very much that some of the larger brands would be bothered to deal with individual shops, naturally there could be local distributors in betweenBut it is true that the shops buy individually. It's pretty daft when you think about it.
Very difficult case (guanxi and bribe) and hardly profitable.
