The Canton Fair is one of the biggest and most important trade fairs in the world. This is the largest trade show in China, and it's a great opportunity to see what's new in the industry, make connections with suppliers and customers, and learn about new products and technologies. Here are some tips on how to make the most out of your visit to the Canton Fair.
The Canton Fair: China's Largest Import And Export Trade Fair
The Canton Fair, held annually in Guangzhou, China, is the largest import and export trade fair in the country. Drawing over 200,000 visitors from all over the world, the Canton Fair is an important event for businesses looking to break into the Chinese market.
The fair is divided into three phases, with each phase featuring a different selection and types of products.
Phase one focuses on electronics and household appliances
Phase two features textiles and garments
Phase three showcases a wide range of consumer goods.
With such a diverse selection of product categories on offer, the Canton Fair is an ideal place for businesses to find new potential suppliers and make deals.
In addition, the fair provides an excellent opportunity to network with other businesses and learn about the latest industry trends. For anyone looking to do business in China, the Canton Fair is an event not to be missed.
The Best Tips For Making The Most Out Of The Canton Fair
If you are planning to go to the next Canton Fair, these tips will come in handy to make the most out of your trip.
Be Ready
The Canton Fair can be overwhelming, so it's important to be prepared before you go. Here are two major things to help you get ready before going to the fair.
- Be ready to network. Bring plenty of business cards and make sure your pitch is polished. You'll meet a lot of people at the Canton Fair, and you want to make sure they remember you.
- Do your research. Know who you want to talk to and what you want to say. There's a lot of noise at the Canton Fair, and you don't want to waste your time chasing dead ends.
With a little preparation, you can make the Canton Fair a valuable part of your business strategy. So get ready, do your research, and get out there and network!
Don't Skip Them All
It is important to never skip a single booth. You never know what you might find if you take some time to browse. be sure to take lots of photos of sample products and get their ideas.
Not only will this help you remember what you've seen, but you can also use them as references when working with manufacturers later on.
Don't Be Afraid To Ask Questions
Find a booth that interests and excites you and ask questions. There's no better way to get an idea of their direction than hearing it straight from them.
Once you’ve found a good booth, ask about any new products they’re working on. The manager/owner loves to talk about it, as they’ve spent a lot of time working to develop it. By doing so, you also show that you’re genuinely interested.
Be sure to not only ask about any products they're working on but also take note if this seems like something your company would be interested in producing or marketing. Without some proper notes, you would easily forget all the information by the time you get to the 10th booth.
Do they have cheaper quality options for a more affordable price? Is there a unique formula that sets them apart from others?
You also need to ask about their minimum order quantity or MOQ. Know their unit price. However, take note not to ask these as one of your first questions.
Just be direct, serious, and to the point. Ask about the product specs, different quality, different materials, how long they have been making their products, etc.
Pay Attention To The Details
When you see an interesting product, take some time to inspect it, as it can tell you a lot about the manufacturer.
There are a few things to look for when inspecting products at the Canton Fair.
First, check the workmanship. Make sure that the product is well made and that there are no loose threads, rough edges, or uneven stitching. The quality of their products on display speaks volumes about what they consider to be a good standard. Also, see if the items are displayed in the best possible way. If you’re into making high-quality products, you’d want your products to be taken care of the same way.
Second, look at the materials used. If possible, try to find out where the materials were sourced from and how they were processed. Third, ask questions. Don't be afraid to talk to the manufacturers about their products. They should be able to answer any questions you have about their products and manufacturing process.
By paying attention to these details, this will give you a much better chance of finding a quality product/manufacturer at the Canton Fair.
Test The Knowledge Of The Salesperson
At Canton Fair, you'll be bombarded with salespeople from all over China. They'll all be trying to sell you their products and services. Most of them will be very knowledgeable about their products and services, but there will also be some salespeople who are less than knowledgeable.
This is why you need to test the salesperson's knowledge. Not only will it help you know if the recommendation they give you is reliable or not but also help you see whether you can trust them or not. As the face of the company, you want a salesperson. If they cannot give you a detailed response, who's to say that people from that company who might end up working with you would?
So how can you tell the difference between a knowledgeable and less knowledgeable salesperson?
It's simple: ask them questions. Lots of questions. Ask them about the features of their product, how it works, what advantages it has over other products, and other relevant questions. You also need to ask how or what they can play around with customization or whether they hold certificates for your market if it’s necessary.
The more knowledgeable salespeople will be able to answer your questions easily and confidently. The less knowledgeable ones will hesitate, stumble over their words, and might even get defensive when you start asking tough questions.
So when you're at Canton Fair, don't just take the salesperson's word for it that their product is the best. Test their knowledge and make sure they really know what they're talking about. It could save you a lot of headaches (and money) down the road.
Consider Factory Visits
If you're serious about sourcing from China, a big part of your Canton Fair strategy should be visiting factories. Make sure you allow yourself a couple of extra days between the 2 stages of or after the fair to visit the factories that you have developed more interests in.
There are a few reasons why factory visits are so important:
- It allows you to get a first-hand look at the manufacturing process and assess the quality of the products.
- It's an opportunity to meet face-to-face with the factory owners and get a better sense of their business.
- It gives you leverage when negotiating prices.
- It shows that you're serious about doing business with them.
Document Your Trip
Documenting your trip is a must. Not only will it help you keep track of all the products and businesses you want to follow up with, but it will also be a great way to share your experience with others.
You can document your trip through photos, videos, pen and paper notes, or a daily diary or blog. Whatever method you choose, just make sure to document as much as possible. This will come in handy when it is time to follow up with all your new contacts.
The Bottom line
Are you planning to visit the Canton Fair?
It is a great opportunity to source new products and make connections with suppliers. While it can be overwhelming and difficult to know what to expect from your trip, our tips will help you get the most out of your time at the Canton Fair. So make sure to keep them in mind!
If you haven't checked out our Canton Fair: Everything You Need To Know Before Attending blog yet, this can really help you prep for the event!
