Think about China’s huge, 1.3 billion strong population and its fast growing affluence, it’s tempting to just see a huge untapped market.
It is important to understand that most Chinese have a very strong sense of cultural identity. They’re both proud of, and comfortable with their heritage. That means they’re are not as easily drawn to popular Western fads and fashions as other nations have shown themselves to be.
If your product is going to be well received in China it will need to fit in with local tastes and the local way of doing things. That may mean adapting it, repackaging it in some way, or bundling it with other products.
China is not just one big market – it’s a collection of many smaller markets
It’s equally important to appreciate China’s enormous cultural and economic diversity. Put another way, the concept of ‘Chinese taste’ is almost as vague and woolly as the concept of Asian taste. A product that sells exceptionally well in Shenzhen may well flop in Beijing. Comparing these cities is a bit like comparing Paris and Tokyo – they’re poles apart.
Of course, when it comes to market research, there is no substitute for actually testing and measuring your market’s response. Nevertheless, if you’re thinking of exporting your products to China we strongly recommend you first familiarise yourself with China’s cultural and economic landscape, along with some of the more important regional variations. Do this and you’ll stand a much better chance of making an accurate assessment of consumer choice.
Our Chinese Market Research Services
Red China Business provides a comprehensive range of market research services that can be tailored to suit your operation’s size and budget. These include:-
1) Initial assessment of your product’s relevance to the various Chinese markets.
2) In depth market research surveys conducted by an reputable consumer research agency.
3) Surveys of available distribution channels.
4) Short listing of potential Joint Venture partners.
5) Surveys of existing competition.
6) Feasibility studies for local manufacturing.
If you’d like to use your in depth knowledge of Chinese markets to assess the viability of your product in China contact Red China Business now to discuss your needs further.
