If you are interested in manufacturing your product in China, and even if you pretend to use our help at China Facture to do so, you should consider opening an account on the biggest and most important app currently used in China: WeChat.
Many people have referred to WeChat as the Facebook/Instagram of Chinese people. However, we believe that is a huge understatement, as the app has a wide variety of features that go far beyond social media, and it is an essential tool to create your business network in China, and especially in Shenzhen.
WeChat was developed by Tencent and launched in 2011. Since then, it has grown importance to Chinese people as it allows them to do almost anything without leaving the app, things ranging from texting and calling friends, paying bills, booking doctor appointments or even ordering a taxi. According to an article in the Business Insider online, the app has more than a billion monthly active users to date, making it almost indispensable for anyone living or working in China.
More than an app, WeChat is an integral part of Chinese culture, so it is common for business people to have multiple accounts, a personal one, and a business one, for example. However, if you don’t feel like creating two or more accounts, just go for a very professional one, with your full name and a nice and current profile picture.
We noticed that several of our new business partners do not exchange cards anymore, instead, they show you their phone for you to scan their WeChat QR code. And from that moment on, they feel like they know you better.
There is also an important business protocol to follow after you have been introduced to a partner’s WeChat account. Before you make a direct call to their phone, send them a chat message on the app. Say “Hello” or “Ni Hao”, share a smiley face, explain who you are and ask them if you can give them a call later. They will be absolutely delighted to hear from you and will respond quickly. This will be the first step for an honest and growing business relationship for both.
There is a feature on WeChat called Moments, where you can share your daily life as if you were on Facebook or any other social media. Just because of this, do not take WeChat lightly, use it as a business tool as well. Search for factories and manufacturers, build a professional profile for your company, even advertise what you need, if necessary. This app is capable of opening doors as it is widely used and taken very seriously in the business environment.
Get reminders of important Chinese cultural dates, and send messages to your partners. Once you are in China, use it as a wallet to ease your way around restaurant and shops. Get acquainted with its features and make sure you make it your best friend, it will help you to get to know more about Chinese people and their lifestyle.