I just returned from a two week trip in China. I want to dispel two myths.
Myth 1: There is no capitalism in China. FALSE
There is plenty of capitalism in China. From the person in the subway retail outlet selling purses and watches to the major manufacturing businesses like SMIC (Semicondutor Manufacturing International [Shanghai] Corp.) the China people are embracing their form of capitalism. I did not get enough exposure to really understand all aspects but from what I saw on the street the people are trying very hard.
Myth 2: Shopping in China is a pleasurable experience. FALSE
At the same time that they are capturing capitalism, I found shopping in China to be distasteful. Was it the fact that they kept dragging me to souvenier shops? No, I went to all levels of stores in Beijing, Chongqing, Fengdu, and Shanghai.
Was it the fact that you could not trust the quality of the products because there are so many knockoffs? Yes.
Was it the fact that they followed you and pestered you at almost every store, not really giving you time to look at something? Yes. I think the only time I bought anything was when they let me take a look at it on my own terms.
A key lesson learned here: Just because you own a store, and think you know capitalism does not mean you know how to make sales or will be very successful. I saw plenty of empty stores there. Obviously they would not be there unless they made money; but then again, I do not know the turnover of some of these stores. I doubt these shopkeepers were making a bundle of money. In a lot of cases (especially at Fengdu) the desperation of them to make a sale (any sale) was readily apparent. I watched as my fellow tourists were inundated with crazy sellers trying to make a quick buck. Some of the tourists loved it and bragged later how they got this or that piece of junk for almost nothing.
I decided to focus on the sights.
So, what is “Bu Yao”. Its a key phrase you need to learn if you go to China. Pronounced “Boo Yow”. It means, “I don’t want.” I think it technically means that “it is not important.” Say it and they leave you alone. I said it a lot there and they immediately left me alone.
For the most part, you never need to say that here. I’m glad but the key point still stands: Just because you have a business does not mean you know what you are doing and will be getting rich. Listen to your customers. Take the time to observe what they want. Deliver it to them.
