Differences between stores in the US and China

[website]

Many foreigners in China may notice that the stores here seem to have problems with overstaffing. Many Chinese-owned department stores, restaurants, and grocery stores have one or two employees stationed at every aisle, rack, or table. Small shops often have no customers while the clerk sleeps and kids play on the floor. Sure it's nice to have good service, but even an impatient Chinese would probably prefer even lower costs. McDonald's and Wal-mart in China seem to manage their staffing levels and satisfy customers at the same time. Labor here is cheap and abundant, but employees do cost money. Maybe the excess employees can be laid off and find jobs as babysitters or something. State-run businesses are probably even more inefficent.

In the USA, in contrast, business is meant to be separate from family life

and efficency is sought after. Employees' kids are not taken to work places. Stores like video stores, gas stations, and others are minimally staffed to save on high labor costs and self-service is encouraged. Stores that aren't busy or don't have many sales are closed down.

China's move to capitalism from socialism should be applauded, but in matters of marketing, copyright protection, accounting, quality, efficency, and other areas they have a long way to go.

[skylee]

Perhaps China is not alone. Take a look at this 2002 report ->

Going Nowhere Fast

Yes, Japan has broken banks and crummy companies. But the real problem is unproductive workers

And why don't you show them how things should be? Open you own store in China. Hire the minimum number of staff and run it in the highest efficiency. It may be one small step for you, but it could be one giant leap for China.

[liuzhou]

Another Website's Weekly Wonder!

[Cyberian]

Many foreigners in China may notice that the stores here seem to have problems with overstaffing.

Too many workers!!! Too many workers!!! Too many workers!!! Unemployment is good for the economy!

Many Chinese-owned department stores, restaurants, and grocery stores have one or two employees stationed at every aisle, rack, or table. Small shops often have no customers while the clerk sleeps and kids play on the floor.

Translation: Chinese people cannot manage business!

Small business have no business. Clerks are lazy and sleeping. While the kids are unwatched and left to play alone. Who knows, some kidnapper might nab the child!

So not only are Chinese terrible at managing big and small business, they are lazy, and cannot take care of their kids.

McDonald's and Wal-mart in China seem to manage their staffing levels and satisfy customers at the same time.

Unlike the Western business, they know how to do business! WHITE POWER!!!

Labor here is cheap and abundant, but employees do cost money. Maybe the excess employees can be laid off and find jobs as babysitters or something.

Why good is cheap and abundant labour if they are going to be sleeping on the job?

No, I according to you, I don't think these Chinese people can be good babysitters. Just look at that lazy store clerk!

State-run businesses are probably even more inefficent.

Private business run by Chinese are poorly managed. State-run businesses are even worse! No business in China is good! Except ones by Westerns.

In the USA, in contrast, business is meant to be separate from family life and efficency is sought after. Employees' kids are not taken to work places. Stores like video stores, gas stations, and others are minimally staffed to save on high labor costs and self-service is encouraged. Stores that aren't busy or don't have many sales are closed down.

SEE!!! The White people knows how to run businesses! Silly Chinaman don't!

China's move to capitalism from socialism should be applauded, but in matters of marketing, copyright protection, accounting, quality, efficency, and other areas they have a long way to go.

I would really like to know your credentials.