Post: #51

(10-06-2013 02:15 AM)worldwidetraveler Wrote:  

(10-05-2013 11:29 PM)theArbiter Wrote:  Essentially, I was just asking ONE out of many questions like those that you have listed.

You didn't ask any questions. You made a statement.

Okay, fine. I did make a statement, but notice I wrote

"That's not really a good sign of confidence of a sustaining business model, but of course, it's not a definitive sign."

so my statement did not contain 100% confidence. In essence, I was throwing up a potential question.

Argue against this if you want, but this was my intent. Perhaps my wordsmithing isn't up to par, but arguments on semantics detract from the discussion.

This is off-topic anyway as this thread is about Enter China, so I'd rather not go on.

Post: #52

(10-05-2013 11:29 PM)theArbiter Wrote:  

(10-05-2013 04:02 PM)worldwidetraveler Wrote:  

(10-05-2013 05:14 AM)theArbiter Wrote:  I actually found out the exact product Matt was selling. It was Garcinia Cambogia, haha, but guess what? He actually sold the company to someone else. That's not really a good sign of confidence of a sustaining business model, but of course, it's not a definitive sign.

If I were to sell my company it would be because I lacked confidence in my business model?

What if I sold stocks in my company? That is selling ownership.

What if I didn't have the cashflow enough to expand my operations and decided to sell to someone who did?

What if I decided my passion was in a different field?

What if someone offered me way too much money that would take 10 years to make back from profits?

You really don't see the big picture.

Not what I'm saying. Matt and Jason are hyping this private labeling in Amazon quite a bit as the next big thing that I just had to add a potential counterpoint to think about.

Sure, those are legitimate questions, but you can also ask other questions.

What if the opportunity seems to be capping out?

What if it appears actually that revenues are following a dwindling trend?

Essentially, I was just asking ONE out of many questions like those that you have listed.

Alpha Mind Wrote:Lol...

This post reeks of amateur hour.

Thanks for adding value with an in-depth explanation.

There is no way this opportunity is tapped out but if you do a little bit of digging into the "Molecular research labs" business model you can see they weren't just relying on chucking up a product on Amazon and hoping people bought it.

He invested in building a suite of products around the brand and was clearly investing money into advertising to pages such as -

https://getgarcinia.com/
http://www.AncientFatLossSecret.com/

It's actually an interesting case study if you look further into it.

I dont know who they were using for private labelling the health products but I'm very familiar with these guys and would highly recommend them for anyone looking at doing something similar - http://www.privatelabelnutra.com/

Private labelling has been around for a long time and will continue to be a great business model.

From what I know of Matt and Jasons course ...its worth every cent if you are looking for a rocksolid system to follow.

Having said that I think those that excel at something like this will take the time to build a brand around there products and also really hone in on all marketing possibilites not just via amazon.

Post: #53

(10-04-2013 12:45 PM)Big Nilla Wrote:  Bump. YMG, VP, and others... as this relates to this thread, what do you think about the Amazing Selling Machine for $3500? https://amazingsellingmachine.com/secure...tep-3.html ... it's about importing from China and selling on Amazon.

I'd say be skeptical of any "program" to make you money like this. First, if it's so great, why are they revealing all these great "secrets" instead of jus doing it on their own and making all the money? If they're just being altruistic, then why not just give it away for free?

Post: #54

Can we get back to the topic guys? If you want to discuss the amazing selling machine regarding whether it's hype or for real, go ahead and start a new thread. But don't derail this thread please! This is about China and more specifically, the Enter China community!

Cheers!

Post: #55

(10-06-2013 11:41 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  Can we get back to the topic guys? If you want to discuss the amazing selling machine regarding whether it's hype or for real, go ahead and start a new thread. But don't derail this thread please! This is about China and more specifically, the Enter China community!

Cheers!

Hey guys, I emailed Nick from The Elevator Life recently with some questions about doing business in China, he offered me a lifetime membership fee of $497 to join the Enter China group, without mention of any other rates. I was all for the $97 for 3 months but, a flat $500 rate is steep when I'm trying to save money for my trip in a few months. Just wanted to hear some feedback from those of you who have been a part of the Enter China mastermind group for a while now. I'm currently in Toronto but planning on moving to Guangzhou for school and business in September, can't wait!

Cheers,
Cafe

Post: #56

Yes the fee doe Enter China has been recently increased from a quarterly 97$ to a one time lifetime fee of 497$. I realize it may nit be cheap but for anyone who's really serious about moving, living and or doing biz in China then this is by far the best community. I've been one of the original members since the EC started about a year ago and the calibre of both people and content there is very high. The best aspect of this community more than the information you have access to through posts, podcasts and videos is the networking. Guanxi or networking is of utmost importance in China. Being part of the EC will make possible to not only learn from the best and successful entrepreneurs don't great things in China, but most importantly, to build your own network before getting there and to strengthen it even further once you get there. With the EC you already have a network of people in place to make your trip or move to China a lt smoother by guiding you and showing you how things are done in China. I've met with these guys and they are not only cool but very knowledgeable. If you are serious about china, then you simply cannot afford not to be inside the EC.

As a disclaimer, I'm not affiliate or getting any kick back from them for putting a good work for them. I am simply doing it as these guys are legit and the real deal.

Cheers.

Post: #57

Is there anyone here actually living in Guangzhou that knows about shipping to Toronto? I've been down to Xiaobei quite a bit and they qoute me insane prices per cubic meter. I've heard from one guy that it normally costs between $80 to $100 CAD per cubic meter. VP, maybe I should make an effort to network with guys like that but how many members of that forum actually live here in Guangzhou or know about the true nature of the Chinese?

I posted this on another forum but you've got to really really watch the factories outputting crap. I've just met a guy out in Dashadi that was trying to export autoparts home... anyway the factory
kept sending him crap in boxes with a few 'good quality' samples tossed over the lot so he moved out to Dong Guam just to be at the factory doing personal quality control. That happens here alot... meeting people is the easy part but meeting trustworthy Chinese people... thats a whole different ball game. Lying, Cheating and backstabbing are an everyday part of Chinese culture and you'd think it was just from the 'bad apples' but actually, pretty much every company I've worked with has shut down or had all of their expat employees flee after some form of treachery involving the terrible management of clients/money.

The only people I trust are other expats and I'm more than a little suspicious of any expat claiming to 'love it here'... as most of those guys go nuts within a few years, I'm nearly at that point myself... if it weren't for my wife, I would be on a plane bound for anywhere else at the drop of a hat. The 'love it in China' guys are usually either n00bs, people from 3rd world countries or real scumbags... I've yet to meet any longterm individual who doesn't hate some part of the culture, and that goes for both teachers and guys here running successful businesses. Being married to the mob, I get to see what Chinese REALLY think of foreigners... and let me tell you, it isn't nice.

Just as a side note here: I have two Chinese friends, one I met in BJ who didn't really want to be identified as a mainlander and another who is from Guangzhou and getting 'out' to America where his parents currently reside, he'll be bringing his long time girlfriend with him shortly after. Even my own wife is growing disgusted by the ultra shady business practices and when I met her she was a staunch defender of all things China.

China's business model basically boils down to this: Get money by any means necessary.

Post: #58

Applied, looking forward to this.

CEO

Post: #59

(04-30-2014 08:10 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  Yes the fee doe Enter China has been recently increased from a quarterly 97$ to a one time lifetime fee of 497$. I realize it may nit be cheap but for anyone who's really serious about moving, living and or doing biz in China then this is by far the best community. I've been one of the original members since the EC started about a year ago and the calibre of both people and content there is very high. The best aspect of this community more than the information you have access to through posts, podcasts and videos is the networking. Guanxi or networking is of utmost importance in China. Being part of the EC will make possible to not only learn from the best and successful entrepreneurs don't great things in China, but most importantly, to build your own network before getting there and to strengthen it even further once you get there. With the EC you already have a network of people in place to make your trip or move to China a lt smoother by guiding you and showing you how things are done in China. I've met with these guys and they are not only cool but very knowledgeable. If you are serious about china, then you simply cannot afford not to be inside the EC.

As a disclaimer, I'm not affiliate or getting any kick back from them for putting a good work for them. I am simply doing it as these guys are legit and the real deal.

Cheers.

Thanks for the reply VP, The Elevator Life and our travel forum were majorly responsible for my decision to make the move so I was already salivating at the potential value and money to be made from building Guanxi on EC. I trust your opinion on this, I'll have to fit the application fee into my Guangzhou budget.

Cheers

Post: #60

Thinking of joining up - looking for manufacturers in Guangzhou and so far it's been proving extremely difficult.

Post: #61

Got my email back saying i got accepted. Seems pretty legit,and they seem like cool guys.

Post: #62

I was running through this thread and I didnt see anything about exporting into China from North America. Is this group all about exporting to North America or would they have some insight into agricultural importing into China ?

Post: #63

It's about anything China related, importing into China and exporting from China as well as product development, sourcing etc. There are a few guys inside the EC who are doing very well bringing products from Europe and the US into China.

Post: #64

I've just applied. The last two years I've been working with chinese people every fucking day. China is the place for business. When I ask a foreigner "why China?" The answer is either "business" or "woman".

Chinese are incredibly hard working people. One trait I enjoy about them is that they don't bullshit. Their are extremely goal oriented.
Im thinking on relocating to Macau for a few months. Hk is also an option but prices are too expensive.

I think the business now is helping chinese millionaires investing overseas.

Post: #65

(05-08-2014 06:57 PM)Pepini Wrote:  One trait I enjoy about them is that they don't bullshit. Their are extremely goal oriented.

These are two images from a collection called East Meets West by a German artist called Yang Liu. As if it needs any explanation, blue is the German approach and red is the Chinese approach:

"Expressing an Opinion"


"Handling a Problem"

Post: #66

(05-08-2014 06:57 PM)Pepini Wrote:  I've just applied. The last two years I've been working with chinese people every fucking day. China is the place for business. When I ask a foreigner "why China?" The answer is either "business" or "woman".

Chinese are incredibly hard working people. One trait I enjoy about them is that they don't bullshit. Their are extremely goal oriented.
Im thinking on relocating to Macau for a few months. Hk is also an option but prices are too expensive.

I think the business now is helping chinese millionaires investing overseas.

give it a week

Post: #67

I implore anyone who has dellusions of china grandeur, come over and live here for at least TWO years. The first year will be your 'china blue pill' period, the second your 'china red pill'. I really don't think most of you even know the true history of China or the culture, if you did, you'd be absolutely disgusted with yourselves for doing business here. Unless you are already a criminal in your own country or somehow bound for hell... then I can understand.

Modern China was built by a man that said "Get rich first, then second, you can help others". The helping part never came. Every single CHINESE person who lives in CHINA will tell you that Chinese had a completely different value system only 20 odd years ago. That has been completely wiped away over the mindless pursuit of riches. What people will do here for money is appalling. You think contributing to this mess is helping you? Just wait until your country is run by these people and you are the one working for THEM.

I've only recently found god from being here among the godless. You want to see evidence of true evil, come and live among the rich and their children.


http://www.chinasmack.com/2014/stories/m...sband.html

I wish sh1t like this were the exception but this happens here EVERYDAY.

I'll give you a little look into my week. My wife and I are standing at a bus stop. Bikes are passing in the road infront of us, it had just rained. An old man loses his balance and takes a spill, nothing serious. He grabs the bike infront of him for what looks like stability and hauls the woman and her grocery box into the pavement. He gets up and brushes himself off. The woman hits the pavement hard but sort of gets up and manages to get her stuff off the road and runs over to the now wailing old man.

She helps him to check out his bike, no damage. He checks himself, no damage... then





He grabs onto her.

The VERY next thing out of his mouth is: "YOU PUSHED ME, YOU OWE ME MONEY!"

She then proceeds to hand him a 20 rmb bill. Wherein he throws it back in her face and is now rolling around on the ground screaming like a banshee that he needs to goto the hospital and starts hitting the woman.

This is happening not 2 feet away from my wife. Traffic hasn't stopped by the way, its just doing large circles around the 2 bikes. Police vehicles are driving by, they don't care. A large crowd is gathering to watch the two, NO ONE IS INTERVENING. I tell my wife "translate everything I say exactly". I walk inbetween the old man and the woman to deflect a few of the hits and call him out on what he is doing. Chinese people dislike foreigners but they take notice when we do things that are morally correct (because most of them are morally bankrupt). There is an epidemic in China of old people falling over and claiming good samaritans pushed them (then being richly rewarded for it). I didn't do this for the woman, I did it because people need to start standing up for whats right and by god, I will not stand by while this happens.

He says to me "Foreginer this does not concern you, get out of CHina we do not welcome you here, leave or I will call my friends to handle you", translated into Chinese, its actually extremely rude. At this point my wife, usually quiet and reserved, runs up looks at the crowd, says something in Chinese and the two of us start yelling at him. Then a few people from the crowd step in and start shouting at this man, before we knew it the entire crowd is yelling at him. He gets back on his bike and proceeds to ride down the street without any problems.

Had we not intervened this would be one more Nanjing incident on TV.

Later that day, I'm walking across the street in Zhujiang Newtown with my wife, my TA and two of my young students and a luxury landrover comes flying at us. I just managed to get the kids out of the way but my wife was infront of it just as it screeched to a halt. The driver, a woman on a cell, then gets out and screams at my wife for being in the way of her car. The story has a good ending though. As I walk away complaining about China, She gets back into the car, we hear the door slam shut, she steps on the gas and T-BONES 2 cars infront of her in the intersection.

Just another day in the heavenly kingdom and yes I live in the same city as the elevator life guys. It happened in the same neighbourhood. Live among the people for a year and you'll see no end of this stuff, if you still want to do business with them by the end of it, then may god have mercy on your soul.

Post: #68

http://www.chinasmack.com/2014/stories/b...yment.html

http://www.chinasmack.com/2013/stories/f...er-up.html

http://www.chinasmack.com/2013/stories/s...g-out.html

http://www.chinasmack.com/2013/stories/b...rking.html

http://www.chinasmack.com/2013/videos/pr...china.html

http://www.chinasmack.com/2013/stories/g...t-car.html

http://www.chinasmack.com/2013/stories/c...ldren.html

http://www.chinasmack.com/2012/videos/po...ungry.html

http://www.chinasmack.com/2012/pictures/...ocked.html

http://www.chinasmack.com/2011/stories/r...alous.html

http://www.chinasmack.com/2013/pictures/...viral.html


Do some research before you run off to blindly support China.

Post: #69

(05-09-2014 11:14 PM)BadWolf Wrote:  I implore anyone who has dellusions of china grandeur, come over and live here for at least TWO years. The first year will be your 'china blue pill' period, the second your 'china red pill'. I really don't think most of you even know the true history of China or the culture, if you did, you'd be absolutely disgusted with yourselves for doing business here. Unless you are already a criminal in your own country or somehow bound for hell... then I can understand.

Modern China was built by a man that said "Get rich first, then second, you can help others". The helping part never came. Every single CHINESE person who lives in CHINA will tell you that Chinese had a completely different value system only 20 odd years ago. That has been completely wiped away over the mindless pursuit of riches. What people will do here for money is appalling. You think contributing to this mess is helping you? Just wait until your country is run by these people and you are the one working for THEM.

I've only recently found god from being here among the godless. You want to see evidence of true evil, come and live among the rich and their children.

BadWolf, I'm very glad to hear some opposing views on living/doing business in China. It's easy to get tunnel vision with constant flow of positive information/opinions, when you get excited about something. I've actually been actively seeking opposing views to keep my opinion about moving China grounded in reality.

However, I think your opinion on the Chinese culture, business wise and socially seems to be very personal. I'm not saying your wrong, I can agree with a lot of the statements you made, but as with any culture some people may absolutely hate it, some people may accept it and some might thrive in it. Seems like you take offence with how they do business rather than if there are actual opportunities there.

Since this thread is about doing business in China, more specifically the Enter China mastermind forum. My question to you is, if someone doesn't care, is completely willing to adapt with the negative cultural differences and wants to make a ton of money, do you think China is the right place to be?

Post: #70

(05-12-2014 12:55 PM)Cafe Mocha Wrote:  

(05-09-2014 11:14 PM)BadWolf Wrote:  I implore anyone who has dellusions of china grandeur, come over and live here for at least TWO years. The first year will be your 'china blue pill' period, the second your 'china red pill'. I really don't think most of you even know the true history of China or the culture, if you did, you'd be absolutely disgusted with yourselves for doing business here. Unless you are already a criminal in your own country or somehow bound for hell... then I can understand.

Modern China was built by a man that said "Get rich first, then second, you can help others". The helping part never came. Every single CHINESE person who lives in CHINA will tell you that Chinese had a completely different value system only 20 odd years ago. That has been completely wiped away over the mindless pursuit of riches. What people will do here for money is appalling. You think contributing to this mess is helping you? Just wait until your country is run by these people and you are the one working for THEM.

I've only recently found god from being here among the godless. You want to see evidence of true evil, come and live among the rich and their children.

BadWolf, I'm very glad to hear some opposing views on living/doing business in China. It's easy to get tunnel vision with constant flow of positive information/opinions, when you get excited about something. I've actually been actively seeking opposing views to keep my opinion about moving China grounded in reality.

However, I think your opinion on the Chinese culture, business wise and socially seems to be very personal. I'm not saying your wrong, I can agree with a lot of the statements you made, but as with any culture some people may absolutely hate it, some people may accept it and some might thrive in it. Seems like you take offence with how they do business rather than if there are actual opportunities there.

Since this thread is about doing business in China, more specifically the Enter China mastermind forum. My question to you is, if someone doesn't care, is completely willing to adapt with the negative cultural differences and wants to make a ton of money, do you think China is the right place to be?

As in with enough money can someone put up with the problems? Sure. My big problem with what you said is
1. It's FAR easier to say than do (as far as "sucking it up"), it can really wear you down. It even gets to me and I think I'm one of the more "integrated" members (I can survive in China and speak only Mandarin indefinitely and have no change in quality of life)
2. The "make tons of money" part is also way harder than it sounds. For every 1 entrepreneur who makes it big in China, there are dozens, if not hundreds more that wash up. Even the forum had a few people that went and it doesn't seem like much came of it.
I'm not trying to be a downer or discourage you from going, just that it's not as easy as everyone makes it out to be, financially or socially

Post: #71

First of all, Clever Alias, where are you now? I'm in Guangzhou if anyone is down to meet up, you can listen to my rantings in person.

Quote:However, I think your opinion on the Chinese culture, business wise and socially seems to be very personal. I'm not saying your wrong, I can agree with a lot of the statements you made, but as with any culture some people may absolutely hate it, some people may accept it and some might thrive in it. Seems like you take offence with how they do business rather than if there are actual opportunities there.

Since this thread is about doing business in China, more specifically the Enter China mastermind forum. My question to you is, if someone doesn't care, is completely willing to adapt with the negative cultural differences and wants to make a ton of money, do you think China is the right place to be?

I had a bigger post but I decided to delete it, I love my wife and I can only imagine the terrible things here that will happen if the wrong people take notice of my posts. You can make it here and you can do very well but if you were raised in America with any sort of value system, you will go nuts. Mark my words.

If, however, your previous work experience includes wall street and big bankers then it should be a walk in the park for you. If you want to make money in China, you need to HAVE money first. Don't come here broke, there are no welfare systems, there isn't anyone to help you and no one cares. If you get hurt here, you are completely fvked. The only people that really make it here are the people who have nothing to go home to or CAN'T go home for some reason.

Post: #72

I'll give you a good example of a 'business' deal I just did.

Last year, I bought a used printer from a company for 300 rmb with my Cantonese friend. They swore up and down it would print with the continous ink system (which I also bought). I took it home, plugged it in, and it just sat there. Wouldn't move, nothing... ok np, I bought it with a warranty. I take it back and they say they don't understand what I'm saying. The next weekend I take it back with my Cantonese friend and they say that it will cost me another 50 rmb to fix.... I was a little miffed but ok whatever. Take it home, still doesn't work and guess what is clogging the printer up? Cockroaches. Yes, I'm not kidding you, there are several (5+) crushed cockroaches in my printer. Does it work after I clean it all up? Nope. Bring it back again and they say I need to pay another 30 to fix it, afterwards they plug it in to my laptop, nothing... this time they just flat out refuse to fix it OR RETURN MY MONEY, after a bit of a yelling fight (my friend and the person behind the desk) they close the shop and walk away.

This year, I bought a brand new printer, got the proper warranty from a reputable store and everything, bought a new ink system, complete set of ink, the sales and tech lady and owner were super nice to me. I paid about 500 rmb for a new Canon printer. Bring it home and within 2 weeks it stops working completely. I take it back with my Cantonese friend and the store owner and tech lady won't even look me in the eye. The tech is busy watching ultra man on her phone and the owner is too busy to see me. When my cantonese friend starts talking to her, she doesn't take her eyes away from the phone, they look pissed off that I would even bother them. When the lady finally does look away, she glances at me in a look that can only be described as revultion and says that she doesn't remember me at all.

My friend tells me that because there is no more money to be made from me, they don't really want to talk to me. Is my printer fixed? Nope... I have to buy a new one... again.

Welcome to China.

Post: #73

im back stateside trying to get a plan for going back to China off the ground atm

Post: #74

China has good and bad things. If you want to work, hustle and make money. Not friends, cash. Maybe China is the place to be. Chinese are liquid and somebody needs to unload this weight from them.
If I would live in China for a longer period than 2-5years? Hell no. Hk and Macau are better than mainland China though, but still. For a young person to make some bucks.

I had two invitations to go to China this months. Everything paid, 5 star hotels, etc, etc. I refused.

Let´s not forget not so long ago people died of hunger with the great famine. But they managed to create infrastructures which are state of the art.

A chinese hospital maybe the closest place to hell on earth.

I didn´t felt insecure in terms of street crime. Different story is state crime. State police entering your room and taking you to some black jail is problematic, to say the least.
When I was in China I woke up in the midle of the night and start screaming: "they are there, they are there". My wife was like: but where? where?. And I responded Behind the curtains, look at they´re feet. Nobody was there. In that afternoon a chinese lawyer had told me entire families disapear in China without trace. Police say they went travelling. Since I´m not a careful person by nature this might be a huge downside.

This also might explain some of chinese mistrust. Living in a country where in the midle of the night somebody can enter your room and take you away and your family to death just because you said the wrong words is inadmisible in my book. For all the idiots advocating fascism/dictatorships go to China and experience it first hand and then talk.

Post: #75

Anyone still a part of this forum? I was thinking of joining but it now seems to be $500 instead of the $99 that it was when the OP was written.

Sounds awfully expensive to join a forum.