Picture this: you’ve just uprooted your life, relocated to the bustling heart of China, and launched a promising new business. You’ve got a shiny new office, a growing team, and a flurry of inquiries. Most of these inquiries are coming from Russia, the place you once called home. If you’re curious about why I made such a leap, you can catch up on that adventure in my previous article.
So, why is there such a high interest in our business, you might ask? There are two main reasons. First, many years ago, I founded the well-known digital agency Texterra.ru. It continues to develop under the watchful eye of my partner. Yes, the Russian economy is going through tough times, and my agency is affected as well. However, over the years in business (I’ve been in business since 2007), I have built a vast network of connections, and many entrepreneurs in Russia know me personally. Second, perhaps driven by innate entrepreneurial insight, I launched Enterchina.ru many years ago—a Russian-language site dedicated to doing business in China. This site, now repurposed for our new venture in equipment sourcing and supply, has become a lead magnet. Therefore, we are currently receiving a substantial number of inquiries.
But every silver lining has its cloud, and in our case, there are two substantial storms brewing.
Problem #1: The Lead Labyrinth
The Russian site is a lead-generating powerhouse, but here’s the catch: these leads are all over the map. Potential clients are bombarding us with requests for a dizzying variety of equipment. We’re talking everything from industrial machinery to niche technological gadgets. We haven’t had the luxury of time to hone our expertise in any single category. So, each new inquiry sends us on a wild goose chase through the vast Chinese market. As of now, our company is still in its infancy—less than three months old—so we’re yet to seal any deals. My diligent Chinese colleagues are starting to feel the strain. They’re pouring hours into searching for equipment and nailing down prices, but their efforts haven’t borne fruit just yet.
Problem #2: The Language Barrier
Meanwhile, on this side of the Great Wall, I’ve launched another website — DSConsult.pro — aimed at English and Spanish-speaking audiences. The hitch? My proficiency in these languages leaves much to be desired. Effective promotion, especially through content marketing, demands a fluency I simply don’t possess. To make matters more challenging, the site is still in its infancy, less than six months old, and as green as they come. Traffic is a trickle, and inquiries are non-existent.
So, here we are, navigating the complex terrain of international business, tackling language barriers, and trying to make sense of a market as vast and varied as China’s. It’s a journey filled with lessons, and while the road ahead is anything but smooth, it’s one that promises growth, adventure, and endless opportunities. Stay tuned, dear reader, as we unravel this intricate tapestry, one thread at a time.
Imagine standing at the edge of opportunity, with the bustling streets of China behind you and the vast, untapped potential of international business ahead. That’s exactly where I found myself when I moved to China and launched my company. It’s been a whirlwind—an exhilarating, challenging journey that’s tested every ounce of my resolve.
Picture this: We have a sparkling new office, a team brimming with ambition, and a flood of inquiries pouring in from Russia, the country I once called home. My Russian business, Texterra.ru, is heading for the abyss because of the war, and our initial foray into the Chinese market seemed promising. But the reality? It’s been a rough ride.
The inquiries we receive are a mixed bag, a grab-bag of requests for every type of equipment imaginable. One day, it’s a CNC machine that needs to match precise technical specs. The next, it’s specialized machinery for vacuum metalizing fabric. Each new day brings a new challenge, and with it, the same frustration: all this effort, yet no deals have materialized. My Chinese colleagues are working tirelessly, only to see their efforts go unconverted into revenue.
And then there’s the constant buzz of WhatsApp and Telegram. Clients from Russia are desperate for help with payments to China—payments entangled in the web of sanctions and customs codes. It’s a labyrinth with no clear exit, and they’re looking to us for a way out.
Recognizing the urgency of our situation, I called for a series of strategy meetings with our key employees and partners. It was time for a pivot. During one such meeting, we laid out our problems on the table. The consensus was clear: we needed focus. We had to zero in on a few key areas and develop our expertise step by step.
First, we chose to specialize. We compiled a list of the most requested equipment and began identifying reliable suppliers in China. By narrowing our focus, we aim to offer superior service and improve our chances of closing deals.
Second, we decided to beef up our presence in English and Spanish-speaking markets. I began the hunt for talented content marketing specialists who could elevate our DSConsult.pro website. With their expertise, we hope to drive traffic, generate leads, and attract a new clientele.
Third, we tackled the thorny issue of payments from Russia to China. We reached out to experts in international transfers, exploring ways to navigate around sanction restrictions. This could open a new revenue stream for us, offering a vital service to businesses caught in the sanctions crossfire.
Let me be crystal clear: we have no intention of supporting any war effort. I stand firmly against violence and the senseless loss of life. But the reality is, ordinary people in Russia are struggling to pay for everyday items—towels, dishes, fabrics—because of the toxic perception of Russian money in Chinese banks. It’s unjust that innocent people bear the brunt of political decisions they had no part in making.
These strategic shifts are time-consuming and require significant investment. But I believe in our mission and our team. We won’t give up. We’ll keep refining our processes, enhancing our services, and pushing forward. I’m confident that soon, we’ll see the fruits of our labor and elevate our business to new heights in China.
So here we are, at the crossroads of challenge and opportunity. The journey is far from over, but with every step, we’re inching closer to our vision. Stay tuned—our story is just beginning.
Life as an international business operator isn’t just about the jet-setting lifestyle and glamorous deals—it’s a grind, and the challenges are many. Picture this: you’re juggling demands from clients across continents while trying to navigate the murky waters of international trade. The stakes are high, the pressure is relentless, and the rules of the game can change in the blink of an eye. But there’s one particular problem that stands out, a thorn in the side of anyone trying to do business with China: getting prices from manufacturers. And trust me, it’s not as straightforward as you might think.
First off, there’s the question of uncertainty about volumes and terms. Chinese suppliers are meticulous—they want precise information about how much you’re planning to buy and the terms of your cooperation. Without this, they’re hesitant to nail down prices. It’s a classic case of “if you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there,” but in this case, they’d rather leave you hanging than risk quoting a price that might not suit them later.
This is just my photo from our Chinese office. Let it be preserved for history. Someday, archaeologists of the future, studying the Internet of our era, will find it, and will study the lives of Russian refugees from the war using this photo.
Then there’s the issue of competition and secrecy. Chinese manufacturers are savvy; they understand the cutthroat nature of global markets. Prices are closely guarded secrets, only to be disclosed when they’re sure you’re a serious player. They’re not just protecting their margins—they’re safeguarding their competitive edge.
Let’s not forget price volatility. In China, prices can swing wildly due to a myriad of factors—raw material costs, exchange rates, you name it. Suppliers are wary of quoting prices that might need constant revision. And here’s a fun fact: the same product can have different prices in different countries, adding another layer of complexity.
Personal contact is another hurdle. Many Chinese suppliers value face-to-face interactions before they feel comfortable sharing sensitive information like pricing. When you’re just pixels on a screen—an email here, a WhatsApp message there—they don’t see the person behind the request. Establishing that trust often means hopping on a plane, shaking hands, and building a relationship in person.
Lastly, there’s the ever-present risk of fraud. The market is rife with scammers, and suppliers are understandably cautious. They might demand proof of your serious intentions—upfront payments, references, the whole nine yards—before they divulge any commercial details.
Despite these challenges, we press on. In moments like these, I lean on stoic philosophy: do what you must, and let the chips fall where they may. It’s a test of patience, resilience, and unwavering focus. We keep moving forward, navigating through the complexities, and inching closer to our goals. After all, in the world of international trade, persistence is the name of the game.