American business culture

[michfr]

If you were to advise someone in China who wants to do business with Americans, what would you tell them about American business culture? What are some contrasts between Chinese and American business culture?

[goldenseal]

I'm not sure if I have the answer you are exactly looking for, mine is probably the reverse question! As an owner of an american company, we recently began doing business with a company in China. Actually one of their sales people contacted me in response to an ad I placed. I had responses from many companies in India, only a couple in China, one Africa, one indian representative, called and one China rep called directly. I got the prices, and information I needed and decided on the company in China. I have only dealt with the one sale person directly, no-one else in that office, but have found him to be very nice, keeps everything current, a lot of attention to detail. He has been very very good at trying to communicate, his english is pretty good, I know NO chinese whatsoever, but am trying to learn.

I guess from an american business perspective I can only speak for myself, I waited till I found someone I felt comfortable with, and could trust (as much as you can via internet) it was a huge job, a lot of money involved, and I had to make sure it was workable for both of us. personally I DONT like high pressure sales, if people get to brash and pushy I look elsewhere. I looked for someone who seemed willing to cooperate, and was able to work through potential problems, and could talk it out. He was good at all these things. He didnt have a negative attitude, has never been rude, and will tell me the truth.

I havent had a negative experience yet, but if I had to mention one problem, a very very small one.... is that on one part of this job we are relying on their expertise, and when I try to get an answer, they will defer to me the customer. I would like a little more imput in some areas, and I am open to it, but its not very forthcoming. Also, this particular sales guy has NOT shipped containers overseas, so alot of that rested on me, which I would have preferred they handle. In the future it will be easier however, just the first time is harder.

I think most american business owners, and I dare say, all business people, want a straight answer, good service, honesty. I was unable to find that here in the USA for this particular job, and was happy to go to China. sorry so long,,, sheesh!