Tips for Exhibiting in China for the First Time

Enquiry exhibition stand builder china ,  Hong Kong please contact info@yimuexhibits.com

Please use this manual as a supplementary guide to our “Tips For Exhibiting Success”. Here we’ve compiled a broad selection of hints and advice that will be particularly useful for international exhibitors at our Chinese events.

1. Pre-Show

1.1 Travel and Accommodation

1.1.1 Obtaining a Chinese Visa

• Non-Chinese participants will need to apply for an entry visa into China.
• Once you finalize your arrival and departure dates, submit your application for a Chinese visa.
• Processing times vary across regions. In general, we advise exhibitors to submit applications for a Chinese visa at least two months before the start of the event.

1.1.2 Booking a Hotel Room

Prior to every event, the organizers will provide a list of approved hotels (for varying budgets) located near to the exhibition venue. We encourage exhibitors to select one of these official accommodation options for the duration of the exhibition as they are within walking distance of the show venue, so there is no chance of being caught up in the morning or evening rush hour.

1.2 Logistics Support

1.2.1 Finding a Freight Forwarder

To avoid having key exhibits stuck in shipments and customs during the show, choose a highly rated freight forwarder. It is probably the most important decision you make, after the one to participate. When choosing a freight forwarder, consider three questions:

1. Is this company the officially appointed freight forwarder of the show?
2. Does it specialize in transporting trade show goods?
3. Does it have an office in China or in the city in which the show will be held?

Notes:
1. Using the official freight forwarder cuts out much of the hassle and saves you time.
2. Be aware of the move-in time noted in the Exhibitor Manual and make a timetable and shipment list to plan all your logistics. If you do not use the official freight forwarder to import your exhibits into China, make your carrier aware of the move-in time and contact the official freight forwarder in advance to let them know of the alternative arrangements. We recommend engaging a freight forwarder least four months prior to the show.

The Table below illustrates a show to the logistic processes to perform for a show to be held in Shanghai in July.

3. Do not hold up an entire shipment for a last-minute item. This may drive up your costs.
4. Rather send small items to your hotel than to the exposition site, to avoid small package charges.

1.2.2 Freight Forwarding Checklist

The following points are applicable when you choose to forward your equipment to China using the official freight forwarder recommended by Reed Exhibitions:

1. Follow the Shipping Information Instructions & Tariffs provided by the Official Freight Forwarder.
2. Exhibitors must arrange their own comprehensive round-trip insurance cover for transit to the exhibition city.
3. Exhibits that can be hand-carried by one person may be delivered to / removed from the exhibition halls by exhibitors themselves. Anything that requires mechanical transportation within the hall can only be moved by the Official Freight Forwarder
4. It is essential that exhibitors make the Official Freight Forwarder aware of accurate weight and dimensions for heavy exhibits. Floor loading varies within different parts of the hall.

1.2.3 China Customs Regulation on Exhibits

China Customs treats all imported exhibits as temporary import and export goods. The exhibitor shall therefore accept the supervision of the Chinese customs and carry out specified procedures. Exhibits under the supervision of China Customs include:

1. Goods and articles displayed or demonstrated in the exhibition hall;
2. Goods and articles required for demo machines and apparatuses.
3. Construction and decoration materials used by the exhibitor to setup a temporary stand.
4. Films, slides, videotapes, tapes, specifications and advertisements used by exhibitors for demonstrations and publicity activities.

All promotional materials and technical data to be used or demonstrated, including films, slides, tapes, video tapes, CD-ROMs, pictures, descriptions and advertisements, should be submitted to the Customs office in the show city for pre-approval. Without Customs’ permission, the aforesaid items shall not be used or distributed. All print materials and audio-visual products harmful to the politics, economy, culture and morality of the People's Republic of China, and those infringing on IPR, cannot be used or demonstrated. In contravention of this stipulation, they will either be confiscated or forcibly modified prior to any kinds of utilization.

2. At the Show

2.1 Business Etiquette in China

Getting to know someone face-to-face is a key the Chinese use to determine if they want to work with you. Below are a few tips to help you make a strong and positive impression to potential Chinese partners and customers.

2.1.2 Business Meetings

These start promptly, so arrive early for the standard formal introductions. It is usual to be introduced to the most senior person at the meeting first, followed by the others, in descending order of seniority.

2.1.3 Greetings

A handshake is the standard way of greeting. Note that the Chinese respect their elders, so an extra show of courtesy in the presence of an older person reflects well. It never hurts to know even a little Mandarin in advance. Simple phrases such as Ni hao (hello) and xiexie (pronounced ‘shee-eh shee-eh’ - thank you) can go a long way towards making a positive impression. Note that surnames are placed first, e.g. Mr. Zhang Li should therefore be addressed as ‘Mr. Zhang’.

2.1.4 Business Cards

These are essential in China. As mentioned earlier, have these cards translated into Chinese on the reverse side. Present your card with both hands with the Chinese side face up. It’s a sign of respect to spend a few moments examining the business cards you receive. Don’t put the card into your pocket, or write on it.

2.1.5 Dining with the Chinese

Never begin eating or drinking until your host does. It is considered good manners to try all the dishes offered to you, although you can discreetly leave anything you don’t like at the edge of your plate. Always set chopsticks down horizontally, never vertically, in a bowl. Dinner speeches and frequent toasts are standard, with locally produced wines or ‘baijiu’ spirit the usual drinks for toasts. It is customary for both sides to make toasts during the meal.

2.1.6 Gift Giving

The Chinese generally like to give small, inexpensive gifts. It’s therefore a good idea to bring similar presents with a theme from your country. You can even wrap these up in colors such as red, yellow or gold, which are regarded as lucky in China. It is not customary for your hosts to open the gifts in front of you, unless you encourage them to do so.

Note: China is governed by very strict anti-corruption laws. To avoid misinterpretation of your intentions when giving a gift, ensure that your gits are small and that their presentation cannot in any way be related to the specific conclusion of a business deal.

2.1.7 Negotiations

Chinese negotiators know that foreigners will be reluctant to travel home empty-handed. Be prepared for the possibility of extended discussions. Ensure that your interpretations of any business deal are consistent with theirs and that everyone understands their duties and obligations. In the case of delays or frustrations, remain patient and polite. The Chinese don’t like to ‘lose face’ so loss of temper will only set you back.

2.1.8 Non-Verbal Communication

If you are beckoning to someone, motion towards you using your hand and palm pointed downwards – never palm up. Furthermore, don’t use your index finger or point when speaking.

2.2 IPR in China

2.2.1 Who You Can Contact for your exhibition stand construction in china?

Since 2003, YiMu Exhibits offer exhibition stand construction services for exhibitors,any question for your tradeshow booth in china, if you have any queries ,welcome contact us.

Mark Ye

Email: mark@yimuexhibits.com
Tel: +86 15 22 100 44 55

3. After The Show

3.1 Steps to Effective Follow–Up

If sales leads are to be followed up efficiently and converted successfully you need to take the following four steps:

1. Prioritize leads according to urgency
2. Follow up leads immediately
3. Pursue leads on an ongoing basis
4. Track leads to provide a measure of ROI

3.2 The Final Analysis

When you’ve had the time to analyze results, and allow for sales follow–up, you should prepare a final exhibition report or audit.

This should document:

• What was achieved, against set objectives
• Detailed breakdown of costs

It should draw conclusions and make recommendations on:

• Viability of set objectives
• Choice of event
• Choice of exhibits
• Proficiency of planning and budgeting procedures
• Effectiveness of stand brief and resulting design/layout
• Proficiency of stand designer/contractor
• Effectiveness of show–linked promotions
• Performance of stand personnel, as a group and individually
• Efficiency and follow-up of leads

It should contain samples of any promotions undertaken in connection with the event (direct mail, email, advertisement, etc.) and photographs of the stand. This will help you to raise standards for next year.

Thank You!

We appreciate you taking the time to read our brochure. We’ve tried very hard to make it concise and relevant. Our hope is that this detail will help you to get the very most out of your exhibition investment.