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Interesting that this thread doesn’t have any comments, since it was mentioned to me twice over the weekend!
I can imagine a Western educated business major having to learn a lot when entering China and starting or managing a business. There are so many aspects of the business landscape in China that make it a world apart from developed countries. China simply has “it’s own way” with regard to business, and many of the rules are contrary to practices in other parts of the world. The regulatory and legal process, state-owned organizations and initiatives, different rules for foreigners, etc. China Law Blog publishes informative and interesting articles on these things a lot, really interesting stuff there.
I’m still trying to digest what I read. Maybe I’m an idiot. Well, I am an idiot, but I just didn’t catch exactly how he was breaking down his experience. I wasn’t sure what aspects were classified as personal and what were part of the practice.
Also seems like in not detracting from his book he left a lot of concise anecdotal evidence of certain dilemmas out of his explanations.
One of the things I did glean from it was that opening a foreign franchise store in China and trying to do it to a quality and standard that still eludes many supply and distribution chains here is a tough act. At any rate, I found it to be a far cry from what I’ve experienced and maybe it would be worth it to pick up his book to see specifically what hurdles he had to jump.
I’ve got his book so will read that first. If there’s anything interesting I’ll share it here. 🙂
I’m considering opening a franchise in Chengdu/China so this’ll be very interesting. Will check out the China Law Blog, too.
A lot of these things need to be experienced first hand to really know what you’re dealing with. Even when I try to get administrative things done, expecting a clusterfuck, I’m still surprised at the magnitude of the clusterfuck.
Quote:I’ve got his book so will read that first. If there’s anything interesting I’ll share it here. 🙂I’m considering opening a franchise in Chengdu/China so this’ll be very interesting. Will check out the China Law Blog, too.
Sounds like the perfect book to read for a franchiser interested in China. Here’s a link for anyone interested in checking it out: The China Twist
Quote:Even when I try to get administrative things done, expecting a clusterfuck, I’m still surprised at the magnitude of the clusterfuck.This happens to me all the time. Just a part of being in China!
Quote:Even when I try to get administrative things done, expecting a clusterfuck, I’m still surprised at the magnitude of the clusterfuck.Just about anyone who’s conscious and working within a Chinese led organisation in a developing city such as Chengdu can relate to this. After working for over a year in construction I’m almost at the point where nothing surprises me, but not quite. Much of this I could continue to allow to aggravate me, but at some point you have to realign yourself to it somehow.
What I have noticed though, even coming from expats who’ve been here for a number of years, is the negative default stance they can take. God knows simple tasks are tough here, I’ve been eyeing up different business ideas since arriving, and have had to just let some of them go for fear of disappearing into a black hole of time, effort, and energy, not to mention the money I’ve spent. And that black hole shows up frequently. Being run around the houses by all and sundry is just how it’s going to be if you’re planning on investigating doing something yourself. Personally though I see all of that as an education. I’m not in a mad rush to be a millionaire, I’d just like to figure something out in the longer term that keeps me interested. Of course there are barriers here, none of that will go away, so the only thing to do is do your homework, make reliable contacts, and keep at it with confidence. There’ll always be people bitching and moaning about the why not, but then those are usually the same people who couldn’t stick it out and keep working at it. If you’re serious about setting up in business here, you’ll learn over time who to trust, who to confide in, and who to avoid like the plague.
I will definitely be checking this book out, I’m sure there are some really interesting anecdotes in there.
Tell me about it. I spent over a week (ok, not exclusively) just searching for a post office. And even then it wasn’t the right one for my specific parcel weight and destination. Think they took the principle of specialisation a tad too far.
After the above ordeal I’m not too sure I can cut it doing business in China, haha.
Doing business in China…
Danny and I can tell endless stories as the owners of a restaurant. We will share some of them with Chengdu Living when we return from our MUCH needed six week break. Charlie…sorry it has taken us so long to answer your questions. Lets just put it this way to give other expats an idea of just how difficult it is, when we leave Chengdu we do have to close and take the loss! This is far from ideal but the financial loss of closing (we still obviously pay rent and our staff) is less than keeping it open while not there. Frequently getting out of China helps us stay positive and focused while in Chengdu.
Check out the Ease of Doing Business Index:
Quote:Doing business in China…Danny and I can tell endless stories as the owners of a restaurant. We will share some of them with Chengdu Living when we return from our MUCH needed six week break. Charlie…sorry it has taken us so long to answer your questions. Lets just put it this way to give other expats an idea of just how difficult it is, when we leave Chengdu we do have to close and take the loss! This is far from ideal but the financial loss of closing (we still obviously pay rent and our staff) is less than keeping it open while not there. Frequently getting out of China helps us stay positive and focused while in Chengdu.
Check out the Ease of Doing Business Index:
http://www.doingbusiness.org/rankings
Sorry to hear that. I’m planning to open a restaurant myself; think I’ll just stick with Western locations for now until I feel ready to handle China. Opening a restaurant regardless of cultural nuances is going to be a minefield anyway, I can feel it.
It must be a relief to finally close though! Good luck for the future. 🙂
Quote:Danny and I can tell endless stories as the owners of a restaurant. We will share some of them with Chengdu Living when we return from our MUCH needed six week break.Oh it must be so tough for you poor souls off on your 6 week trek around wherever you are now!! 😉
I really should be able to get my burger 24/7, 365 days a year. Don’t you think!?
Lisa…
Please don’t be discouraged from what I wrote! I really think the most important factor determining success is true passion for what you do. Sorry for the cheese, but if you are driven, know what you want and are determined to not let anything (or anyone in many cases!) get in your way you will be successful. A sense of humor helps a lot too! And, to be honest, opening in China has been easier in a lot of ways compared to our own country. Without having such well defined laws on how to do business or what is needed can actually help you. I am happy to talk with you at any point and encourage you not discourage you! Much luck.
Brendan…I agree with you, however, we were broken hearted when we named a burger after you and you disappeared for months!
Quote:Brendan…I agree with you, however, we were broken hearted when we named a burger after you and you disappeared for months!Not sure if should laugh or cry.
Took a peek at that ‘doing business’ chart… Just love that ‘Dealing with Construction Permits’ has China at 181st place (out of 185). Sums up my work week nicely.
Side note: When are you guys open again? I promise I will come and eat burgers. 😀
We will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 19th….unless the travel bug stays in our system. Interesting business model we have.
@ Dana: Aww no, I won’t be able to check out your restaurant! My flight is on the 16th. I think I need to work on some of the prerequisites you mentioned – namely not letting anyone stop me, haha. I’d love to hear your experiences, definitely! Will PM you. 🙂
What was/is the Brendan Burger? Lol.
Quote:What was/is the Brendan Burger? Lol.It’s only the best damn burger you can find in Chengdu!!
Quote:Charlie…sorry it has taken us so long to answer your questionsNo rush, enjoy your time traveling! When it’s published, it will be an awesome resource for expats either considering or already in the early stages of starting a business in China. Natooke and Kafe Stugan are other great businesses in Chengdu that have a lot of valuable lessons to share, I would like to interview them in the future as well.
Quote:It’s only the best damn burger you can find in Chengdu!!However, eating it might require that you unhinge your jaw like this.
oh my. that burger!! I die.
Quote:However, eating it might require that you unhinge your jaw like this.
LMAO. Makes me think of this.
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