Chinese language, trade with China, business culture, sourcing and practical knowledge.
A systematic guide to verifying Chinese suppliers using GSXT (National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System), platform badge analysis, cross-platform checks, and factory audits — with real case studies from the $45,000 vegetable greenhouse scam.
Amidst a context of social and economic disruption, there has been a lot of negative sentiment around investing in activities and driving commercial return from China. However, Chinese fan engagement around the FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup suggests this is premature. Hot Pot’s Adam Sandzer and Adam
A practical guide to ordering product samples from Chinese suppliers — free vs paid sample costs, bait-and-switch prevention, evaluation checklists by product category, and when to use a 1688 sample agent.
Discover how China Playbook offers strategic insights, expert analysis and actionable guidance to help brands navigate the complex Chinese market
A factory audit in China costs $199-$500 and reveals that 1 in 3 factories fails to match their online profile. This guide covers the 8-category checklist, 5 detection methods for trading companies posing as factories, cost tiers, and the CAP framework.
Brand leaders must think differently about offline in China, in terms of cost, execution, and integration with their digital strategy.
A data-driven guide to sourcing from 1688.com, China's largest domestic B2B wholesale platform — covering registration, payment methods, sourcing agents, shipping logistics, and the real price advantage over Alibaba.com for international buyers.
Market trends, key categories, and the impact of livestreaming and government policies on China's 2024 Double 11 Shopping Festival.
Structuring sourcing contracts with Chinese suppliers — CISG vs Chinese law, CIETAC arbitration, IP protection, and vague spec risks.
The Hot Pot strategy team breaks down the key trends stemming from Alibaba's Double 11 festival 2018.
A data-driven guide to China sourcing agents vs trading companies — when you need an agent, what they cost (3-10% commission or $300-$2,000 fixed fee), how to avoid fraud, and Reddit-verified best practices for 1688 purchasing.
The Hot Pot China Team look ahead at what might be waiting in store for this year, covering live-streaming, social channels and market entry strategies.