Canton fair. Anyone been?

[htrowsoc]

Thinking of going next week to go and meet some suppliers (instead of just going on Alibaba like everyone else does). This really is an impulse thing though. Anyone here been?

http://www.cantonfair.net/

[951TSE]

I've not been yet but you might find some good info on this blog: http://www.youngmoneychina.com/ one point he does make though is don't actually buy anything there, you'll pay inflated 'special show prices'. Just go for the contacts and maybe arrange a factory visit or two.

He says it also helps to know what you want to look at before hand as the shows are so vast that you can end up going round in circles and not make any headway at all.

[paul0843]

You will need a visa..
You will need an invitation letter to get this.. The fair officials
should be able to organise.
Allow at least 4-5 days for visa.
I normally find cathay pacific have the best fares.

Paul

[alan-87]

That blog is a great read!

[Boarder1]

Just go on a tourist visa, no invitation letter needed.

[VEIGHT]

I got a business Visa - was really easy but takes longer than it used to (first time I got one same day in HK).

The fair itself is HUGE so get a good idea where you want to go and what you want to see.

Around the fair, it's a dump. Not much to do or see if you are thinking to see some sights also!

[Marc p]

951TSE said:

I've not been yet but you might find some good info on this blog: http://www.youngmoneychina.com/ one point he does make though is don't actually buy anything there, you'll pay inflated 'special show prices'. Just go for the contacts and maybe arrange a factory visit or two.

He says it also helps to know what you want to look at before hand as the shows are so vast that you can end up going round in circles and not make any headway at all.

Thanks for posting that link, I've been dabbling in a few markets of late and I am starting to see profits(still very small fish though), so it's great to read something like that which gives a real view from an English persons view of what is happening at the other end, no doubt I'll spend a lot of time tonigh reading through that blog.