[FREE ebook] How to attract Chinese ecommerce buyers?

Last Updated on December 8, 2023 by Zeljko Drazovic

China, being a population of an enormous size and purchasing power, has quite a lot to spend online and is more than happy to do so.

However, even though, there’s a lot of potential in the Far East, you may not find it straightforward to sell there. For starters, consider cultural differences and how they influence the way the Chinese consumer thinks and makes purchasing decisions.

In this article, first read about the characteristics of the Chinese consumer. Second, learn how to start selling in China and what challenges you may expect.

To plan your sales in 2020 on international ecommerce markets, download our FREE Ecommerce Planner!

For all global ecommerce sellers: happy CNY!

It’s the Chinese New Year (CNY) so why not celebrate a bit. Celebrate the fact that it’s the Year of the Ox.

Oxes won’t act without careful planning first. As a result, people with this zodiac sign are destined for success. In Chinese culture, Oxes are known for diligence, dependability, strength and determination. Happy Year of the Ox!

Some facts related to the Year of the Ox:

• Recent Ox years: 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021.
• Lucky numbers: 1, 4.
• Lucky colors: blue, yellow, green.
• Lucky flowers: lily of the valley, lucky bamboo.
• Lucky direction: north, south.
• Unlucky numbers: 3, 6.
• Unlucky colors: red, brown.

We don’t know whether the numbers, colors & directions above can make or break your sales deal. However, we trust that good fortune will come your way.

Ox occupies the second position in the Chinese zodiac cycle. Oxes are kind, logical and make great leaders, gaining recognition through their hard work. How to make 2021 successful for your business? Plan and work hard to fulfill your goals.

Remember:

Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised.

We believe in growing your ecommerce revenue both domestically and internationally in a hassle-free and smart way. Time to start now!

Ready to achieve record-breaking sales figures in 2021? Here’s our brand new Ecommerce Calendar 2021!

The profile of the Chinese ecommerce shopper

First of all, Chinese consumers are well-informed, inquisitive and online-shopping-literate. This means we can actually learn a lot from them. To better understand how to succeed in the different reality that is the Chinese market, you must understand the profile and needs of the local consumer.

What is the new Chinese Consumer like?

The new Chinese consumer:

• Pays attention to the price but is also brand-conscious, which stems from the importance of keeping face and social status in their local culture.
• Is willing to pay extra for a brand name that would raise their social status. According to research carried out by IDEO consultancy, a large number of young migrant workers whose earnings are less than 5,000 yuan (USD 830) per month will spend a month’s wages on an Apple iPhone.
• Is mistrustful when it comes to online payments made on various websites. Hence more trusted third-party systems, such as Alipay, are preferred.
• Is informed and active: takes time to research the product of interest. Social media channels and product-related comments are of greater importance than advertisements when it comes to finalising a purchasing decision.
• Loves brands that have a history, heritage and a strong position, such as Chanel.
• Is happy to try new brands, which is quite challenging for sellers seeking to win loyal customers. On the other hand, it also gives them a bigger chance of being tried out.
• Loves discounts and promotions.
• Wants personalised communication with brands via social media. Over 90% of online users have a social media account, compared to almost 70% in the US.

Over 90% of online users in China have a social media account. And there are over 630 million Internet users, many of whom love expensive brands from the West.

The Chinese consumer is curious about foreign brands and willing to raise social status by showing off luxury brands to the world. However, as the Chinese were exposed to radical economic change in their childhood, they are quite fickle and like to change brands.

So be prepared for the fact that customer loyalty may not be their strongest suit. At the same time, bear in my mind that the willingness to change brands increases the chances of yours being given a chance as well.

Chinese shoppers want products that are authentic and of high quality

Quality and authenticity appear to be the factors lacking on the Chinese consumer market. Not only are local products perceived as cheaper and of lower quality, but there’s also the problem of fake Western brands being traded in China. There’s quite a lot of distrust going on.

Additionally, distrust towards official information increases the importance of peer reviews when it comes to purchasing decisions. The number of likes and dislikes of the product on social media platforms is of crucial significance, even more than in the West.

Hence, your presence on local social media platforms, such as WeChat or Sina Weibo, is essential.

How the Chinese milk scandal has driven Cross Border Trade?

As mentioned thus far, the Chinese love Western luxury products to show off their social status. So if you have something luxurious in store, it may be a good idea to put it on the shelves of your (future) Chinese store.

But it’s not only about luxury. In fact, many run-of-the-mill items are in demand too, especially if there is a great deal of distrust towards the local production.

In 2008, contaminated milk powder and infant formula left hundreds of thousands of children sick and brought about a few deaths. You can imagine the shift in the perception of milk and other baby products in China.

After this unfortunate incident, Western versions were definitely preferred over the local ones. The Chinese product suffered enormously from the disastrously bad PR. As a result:

Even today maternity and infant care merchandise tends to imported from the West. This in turn drives Cross Border Trade on Tmall, an ecommerce platform run by Alibaba.

According to the Tmall Global survey, the types of products from abroad that entry-level consumers were most keen on are:

• Fashion
• Baby and maternity products
• Cosmetics
• Consumer electronics
• Food and nutritional supplements.

How to start selling in China?

The question of how to set up a business abroad is a complex topic. On top of studying the local culture and business practices, you must focus on the more practical side of selling items internationally.

Establish a B2B agreement with a low business risk

There are platforms, e.g. YDX, offering Western products to Chinese consumers via their websites and apps. Such platforms will help you with marketing, logistics and testing the market before you make too much investment and effort.

Set up your own shop and WeChat store

Building your own store in China is a relatively cost-effective enterprise, which may be a good starting point. It is also advisable to go for an extra option, e.g. a WeChat store.

How to go about setting up your online store?

Your local online store in China should:

• Be hosted in China
• Be translated into simplified Chinese
• Offer payment options typical of the local market, e.g. Alipay
• Have customer support operating via email, phone and live chat, 7 days a week for 16 hours per day.
• Ensure that returns are managed locally even when you ship directly from your country of origin.
• If you’ve been successful with your local Chinese shop, you can also test opening a Tmall shop (Tmall is an ecommerce platform run by Alibaba).
• Develop an mCommerce strategy

You will need:

• Tax registration documents
• A Chinese business license
• A trademark registration
• Other certifications required in the case of particular product categories.

Additionally, if you want to sell in China, you’ll have to do research. Consider the following factors:

• The language barrier, not only in terms of grammar and vocabulary, but also the alphabet
• Lack of familiarity with the local page design
• Logistics to more rural areas
• The complex regulatory system and complicated bureaucratic system

Conclusion

Based on this article, let’s highlight 3 facts:

• Chinese consumers seem to be well ahead compared to the rest of the world, and it could be us learning from them, not the other way round.
• Those who have already established their businesses and online shops in China may consider themselves very lucky. For not only are they present on the world’s toughest market of today, but have also made an investment in tomorrow.
• Those who haven’t started selling in China yet are encouraged to give it some thought, depending on what they have on offer and their ability and willingness to overcome the various challenges bound up with this venture.

If sellers figure out how to meet the needs of the demanding Chinese buyer and can establish consumer trust with high quality and authenticity, they increase their chances of a true ecommerce success.

This may require a great deal of work, though, since Chinese brands are getting better and better in terms of quality and product safety.

The sales potential, however, makes it worth considering such huge opportunities before they are grabbed by the competitors.