Thursday, July 29, 2010

New E-commerce Rules: China Will Implement Real-name Registration For Internet Stores

The State Administration for Industry & Commerce of China has formally published the "Interim Measures for Management of Network Commodity Trade and Related Services", effective from July 1, 2010.

According to the measures, individual online sellers in China who wish to sell goods via the Internet should submit applications to the operators of e-commerce platforms with their true identity information, including names and addresses. By doing this, anonymous sellers of goods will hopefully be eradicated. Considering the nuances of various online shopping websites, SAIC will establish a unified nationwide supervision and management platform in three years after this initial test phase.
The measures state that for registered enterprises and small private businesses who want to open online stores, they should provide their business licenses and related information; while for individuals who wish to do the same, they should provide their true identity information, including names and addresses, for verification, then the related websites will issue certifications to them, mark on their web pages, and establish registration files for regular checks and updates. This will affect sites like Taobao.com, which encourage users to create their own online retails stores.

The measures also asked Internet platform providers to enhance management of online stores in various ways. Apart from the examination of main bodies, websites and their online stores should not infringe registered trademarks or company names. If the legal rights' owners can prove the infringement of online stores, the related websites should take necessary measures, including passing the information of the websites to local authorities and shutting down the e-commerce stores.

In addition, websites and online stores should sign contracts or agreements, clarifying their rights and obligations in quality of products and services, and protection of consumer rights. Websites should set up a system to check and monitor product information of online stores. Once irregular activities are found, the websites should report to the local industry and commerce departments and can stop providing services to these online stores.

Monday, July 26, 2010

The consumer's kingdom

One of the most exciting topics to be analyzed in the last 30 years is the change that happened in the marketing behavior of companies, and even in the general public perception of the concept of marketing. In this article, I will share with readers how I see this evolution and leave a list of questions for companies planning. First, the so called wild view of marketing, that dominated the 70's, 80's and in some markets even the 90's. Then we had incredible macro-environmental changes and a new era of consumer sovereignty emerged. Finally, I address the messages and opportunities for companies that want to satisfy this very sophisticated consumer, full of choices and with very close competing companies wanting to supply.

The era of the wild view of marketing finished in most industries, although in some of them even today these "dinosaurs" are still present. This "wild view" used to see marketing as the architect of pushing consumption, full of advertising, sales and aggressive selling. New products were designed for sales, mass consumption and profit, with short term goals. Marketing was seen as manipulative and companies had a narrow consumer orientation, with lack of measurement and spreading problematic relationships. Most companies did not listen at all to consumers. All organizational structure was designed for selling, short term results and spot relationships.
At the end of the 80's and beginning of 90's, several environmental changes happened in most of the countries and markets. I consider the most important as the widening of markets and internationalization, the fast rate of technology change and progress, markets deregulation, increase in global competition, with some markets having more offer than demand.

Another bundle of important changes came from the information and communication process, with technology, internet and World Wide Web, increasing the speed of socio-cultural changes of consumers. We can also point the consumerist movement, growth of ethics in citizens' behavior and emergence of societal marketing movement (inclusion) as important changes in the last 20 years.

These changes took us to an era of consumer sovereignty, or an era of the consumer taking over production chains, that were now redesigned towards the satisfaction of this new king with a professional purchase behavior, new and growing expectations. This new era made companies understand that consumers values his time, wants well being, nice experiences and rewards and has the free choice in an individual way. For the bad behaving companies we had the emergence of consumer's ONG´s (bringing countervailing power) and large public attention to consumer rights. The risks for companies increased in an incredible basis with the fast communication process, discussion groups, Web based complains and new media.

The sovereignty of consumers led companies that want to conquer markets and win competition to a new strategic behavior. In essence, they need to be demand driven. This behavior is based on paying attention and collecting information about the consumers (1), competitors (2) and environment (3), to have a deep analysis and quick reaction of environmental changes (4).

Companies switched to a long range approach valuing satisfaction and well being of buyers (5). It is a new integrated network organization, dynamic and harmonic, decentralized with delegation (6) and now designed with a problem-solution based approach (7). This problem solution based approach considers "from trying to sell to helping to buy". There is a continuous search for new ways to solve existing needs, launching added value solutions (8) that considers and values corporate social responsibility (9), smooth and collaborative network with suppliers, distributors and service providers (10), with a strong focus on smart market segmentation (11), knowledge generation and dissemination (12) and measurement/accountable marketing (13).

With this behavior, there are several success cases of companies with performance contributing to growth of demand, democracy and inclusion. The target is to have very satisfied consumers with repeated purchases, what is called the "lock in" strategy (14). Companies build relationships and informal contracts with consumers that even can blind them towards competitors, increase their cost to change to another company, building a sustainable competitive advantage, with growth and profitability.

I always like to finish my articles with a working list. I have numbered here 14 points that could be transformed into questions (how to...?) that will make part of a planning debate of companies towards a list of ideas for improvement. Let's call them the "Consumer's Kingdom 14 Questions". Good work!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Chinese Valentine's Day




Chinese Valentine's Day is on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month in the Chinese calendar, which is also called Qixi. A love story for this day is about the 7th daughter of Emperor of Heaven and an orphaned cowherd. The Emperor separated them. The 7th daughter was forced to move to the star Vega and the cowherd moved to the star Altair. They are allowed to meet only once a year on the day of 7th day of 7th lunar month.

The story began from the good-looking poor orphaned boy living with his elder brother and sister-in-law. After his parents past away, his brother inherited the house and the land. The boy owned an old ox. He needed to work on the farm's field with the ox everyday. So he was called a cowherd. His daily life was just like in a Cinderella story.

The 7th daughter of Emperor is good at handcrafting, especially weaving clothing. So she was called a Weaving Maid. The Emperor likes her skill to weave clouds and rainbows to beautify the world.

The ox was actually an immortal from the Heaven. He made mistakes in the Heaven and was punished as an ox in the Earth. One day, the ox suddenly said to the cowherd, "You are a nice person. If you want to get married, go to the brook and your wish will be come true." The cowherd went to the brook and saw all 7 pretty daughters of Emperor came down from Heaven and took a bath in there. Fascinated by the youngest and also the most beautiful one, he took away her fairy clothes secretly. The other six fairies went away after bath. The youngest couldn't fly back without her fairy clothes. Then the cowherd appeared and told her that he would not return her clothes unless she promised to be his wife. After a little hesitation and with a mixture of shyness and eagerness, she agreed to the request from this handsome man. So they married and had two children two years later.

One day, the old ox was dying and told the cowherd that he should keep his hide for emergency purpose.

The Emperor found the sky's not that beautiful as before without the 7th daughter weaving clouds and rainbows. He wanted his daughter's grandmother to find the missing daughter and to bring her back. . While the 7th princess was flying to the Heaven with her grandmother, the cowboy wore the ox hide, took his children in two bamboo baskets with his wife's old fairy clothes and chased after his wife in the sky. The grandmother made a milky way in the sky with her hairpin, which kept them separated. The 7th princess was moved to the star Vega (The swooping - Eagle) in the Lyra (Harp) constellation. And the cowherd with his two children stayed in the star Altair (Flying one) in the Aquila (Eagle) constellation. The star of Vega is also known as the Weaving Maid Star and the star of Altair is as the Cowherd Star in China.

Magpies were moved by their true love and many of them gathered and formed a bridge for the couple to meet in the evening of the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, which is the day the Emperor allowed them to meet once a year.
They said that it's hard to find a magpie on Chinese Valentine's Day in China, because all magpies fly to make the bridge for the Weaving Maid and Cowherd. The one thing to prove that is the feathers on the head of the magpies are much lesser after the Chinese Valentine's Day. If the night Chinese Valentine's Day rains, the rain are the tears of the Weaving Maid and Cowherd.

This love story is no less touching than the Western Valentine's Day. Nowadays, Chinese pay greater attenion to their traditional culture. Lovers celebrate Qixi as westerners on their Valentine's Day, dating, enjoying romantic dinner and exchanging presents. Chocolate is the most popular present of Valentine's Day for the Westerner ,while cup is the one for Chinese. Surprising?


Monday, July 19, 2010

E-commerce boom continues in China

BEIJING - For Wen Zhenhua, the biggest success of her career was the bulk sale of condoms on www.meituan.com, a newly-opened and flourishing group-buying website.
Some 50,000 international brand condoms sold out within hours of going on sale, and to Wen's delight, many Chinese Internet users discussed the sales as such trade in condoms is rare in China.
"As the first among Chinese group-buying websites to sell condoms, we were pleased with the consumer response," said Wen, marketing manager at Meituan.
The condoms were sold for a price of one yuan (15 cents) each, down from the market price of 3 yuan each.
Meituan has more than 200,000 registered users only four months since it was established. It is now one of the leading Chinese group-buying websites.
Wen said she is not surprised about the rapid increase in registered users -- she is "of course very happy about it" -- given that Chinese e-commerce is developing at a dazzling speed.
Nearly 34 million Chinese people joined the online shopping army in the first six months the year, bringing the total number to 142 million.
These figures mean one out of every three Chinese Internet users, or one out of 10 Chinese people, shops online, according to a report by the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) released Thursday.
"The rise of group-buying websites showcases the regional development of e-commerce," the report says.
Online retail sales increased 117 percent annually between 2007 and 2009, and they are expected to amount to 450 billion yuan ($66.45 billion) this year, according to the research center of Alibaba Group, which runs the global e-commerce site Alibaba.com.
"The Internet in China is moving from a platform for information and opinion to being a network with diverse applications and mass participation," said Hu Yanping, general manager at Data Center of China Internet, an independent Internet market monitoring agency.
Hu says Chinese Internet users' online consumption will continue to grow rapidly.
Nowadays, Chinese people not only buy articles of everyday use like clothes and snacks on the Internet, they also buy cameras and laptops and luxury goods like diamonds. Reports say some automakers plan to sell vehicles online.
For many people, online shopping means a change of lifestyle and convenience with a few mouse clicks.
Tsinghua University student Liu Dun, 21, bought a ticket to a Beijing golf tournament for just 20 yuan -- instead of the usual 1,000 yuan -- on group-buying website Aibang.com.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

China makes revised offer for WTO pact

WASHINGTON: The United States on Thursday said China had submitted an improved offer to join a WTO pact that allows members better access to lucrative government contracts.
China submitted its revised offer last week.We are still analyzing it but we recognize that it includes significant improvements over its initial offer that was submitted at the end of 2007,” said deputy US trade representative Demetrios Marantis.

Marantis said the new offer could be “a solid step toward ensuring China’s huge government procurement market is open to US companies.”

Last month US lawmakers propose a ban on the US government buying Chinese-made goods or services until Beijing signs the WTO’s agreement procurement ,or GPA.

The lawmakers, three Democrats and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, complained that US firms cannot compete in China's government procurement market, estimated at $500 billion, while the US government buys Chinese tires, ammunition, office equipment, and other items.

"After we complete our analysis, including consulting with domestic stakeholders, we will work with China and other GPA members to ensure China terms of accession are comprehensive and comparable to that of other GPA parties," said Marantis.
The pact demands that countries do not discriminate against foreign bidders in non-defense contracts.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

The Leaders in Export

Germany has been known as the world’s top exporter, but with the latest economic figures being revealed in regard to China, it seems that Germany has now been surpassed, catapulting China into the leading position. After suffering an economic decline for approximately thirteen months, China seems to have overcome its challenges, and has even doubled predicted increases. It is forecast that 2010 is going to be a year of strength and development for China, one that is filled with the prosperity and success.

According to the data, China is not only on its way to take over Japan’s position as the second biggest world economy, but it has also excelled in its automotive industry, taking the number one slot from the US. China is now the leader in the automotive industry, as well as in the export industry. Looking at the growth that China has enjoyed, economists have forecast that China will experience an estimated growth in their GDP of approximately ten percent annually for the next few years. According to custom logs, China has had an increase in trade of approximately 17.7 %, which is more than the 4 % that was predicted for their growth. Imports have also increased, specifically in regard to copper, iron ore and crude oil. There is, however, concern that China might get criticized for their dramatic increase in the use of raw materials, as this increase leads to the destruction of more rainforests; and as the world is trying to minimize the burning of fossil fuels, environmentalists might fight China on these issues.

Other industries that have also taken off in this period of economic growth includes soya beans, steel and meat. Farmers are preparing to accommodate the increase in demand for agricultural products as consumer needs have grown. When comparing exports for last year, the United States came in with $1.06 trillion, Germany exported $1.12 trillion and China raked in $1.2 trillion. China has emerged victorious from their economic slump, and continues to mature in economic strength. And if this phenomenal growth persists, China will remain the leader in exports and many various industries.

China Strengthens Trade with France, Egypt

The increasing buying power of Chinese consumers has significantly boosted the domestic market in China, while at the same time providing a market for goods brought into the country. Recently, authorities from France and China held talks to strengthen trade and economic ties between the countries, noting that consumers in China would benefit from access to French products, particularly where France has advanced technology, such as in the fields of energy saving and environmental protection, as well as in the efficient processing of agricultural products.
According to a report by Xinhaunet.com, Chinese Economic Counselor Ma She noted in an interview that China views trade cooperation with France as being of great importance, particularly as the economies of the two countries complement each other. The counselor also pointed out that the two countries have enormous potential for cooperation in emerging industries, in addition to trading in the more established sectors such as aviation, transport and energy. Official data documents that China is France's biggest trade partner in Asia, with its 2009 trade volume topping more than US$34 billion in 2009. As at the end of 2009, France had established 3,938 investment projects in China, with a further 3,968 agreements being signed by Chinese businesses to import technology from France, making France China's fourth biggest EU trade partner.

The Invest in France Agency (IFA) confirms that China's investment in France is approaching US$1.5 billion in the sectors of tourism, trade, communications, finance and the chemical industry. Consistent growth in bilateral trade has been achieved despite the global economic downturn and the Counselor expressed confidence that "Based on the principle of mutual win-win cooperation and common development, China and France will surely expand their cooperation to more areas and push it toward a new stage."

On Monday July 5, a seminar aimed at strengthening trade relations between China and Egypt was held in the Egyptian city of Cairo, with more than 60 representatives from business and government sectors of both countries being present. In 2009 the bilateral trade volume reached US$ 5.86 billion, being evidence of the rapid development of trade and cooperation between the two countries.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Valuable and Useful Information to Boost your Internet Marketing Career

The impact of the Internet on the perceived value of information is just as huge as anybody would ever think. Undoubtedly, Internet changed the way people learn and search for useful information. Before the arrival of the Internet culture, individuals who are looking for some valuable and useful information would be congregating themselves in classrooms, public libraries, bookstores, and magazine stands because these are the places where such information could be found.
However, it’s been about ten years since the Internet became accessible to the public and the difference it made has been gigantic.

The impact is drastic enough that the Internet changed the typical procedure of searching
for information that has existed since the civilization era. If you want to learn the life of Florence Nightingale, Christopher Columbus, or even the terrorism acts of Osama bin Laden, you do not need to take a class, read a book, or purchase newspapers everyday. You can Yahoo or Google these personalities, and if you are savvy enough, you will be able to find a website that is dedicated to the study of these personalities.

Through the Internet, such valuable and useful information is readily accessible. In addition, retrieval of information is free. You do not have to suffer purchasing Da Vinci Code for several dollars cheaper than what you would have to pay in a brick and mortar bookstore. The search and retrieval of the manuscript
of the book is instantaneous (in short, instant!), no wasting of time, and definitely there is no need to spend for transportation.

In other words, searching and retrieving information on the Internet is cost-free, except the purchase of your personal computer (if you do not have any) and the Internet connection fee.

Almost every kind of information could be found on the Internet, historical accounts, answers to personal problems, and information about business opportunities. In other words, every online-based business opportunity related information can be accessed through the Internet.

Nothing more, nothing else. Why purchase marketing strategy books or business newspapers if all information that you need is stored on the Internet and can be read for free.

However, unlike other information on the Internet, information related to Internet marketing are not entirely for free. In fact, there are marketing gurus who sell such information to Internet marketing neophytes.

The basics of success on Internet marketing starts with learning the basics of this lucrative industry. Such basics could be learned through various Internet marketing-related information scattered over the Web. If you want to acquire information that is proven to be useful for your online business, definitely you will purchase such information from different Internet marketing gurus.

To get the real worth of your money, you can look for the following categories of valuable and useful information for your online business outlined below:

• The content of the information package must be controlled and distributed by licensed and well-known personalities on Internet marketing. Verify the individual behind the personality—check if he is really a marketing genius or not. With so many ‘bogus gurus’ out there, there is a need to check on your information resources first before handing out money.

• Such information must be on its updated status. What is the use of information gathered in 1980 on a 2006 market? Ask for some sample excerpts or initial information that you can see for yourself if it is updated or not.

• Look for the “money back guarantee” condition of paid information. If you are not satisfied by the results or the results are not what you expect, you can have your money back. There are many experienced Internet marketers who are willing to give your money back if you are not satisfied with the information you have acquired.

If you cannot afford to purchase premium information sold by different Internet marketers over the Web, you can still look for free information. You may visit different article directories over the Internet that publishes hundreds to thousands of articles related to Internet marketing.

Some of these articles are written by the Internet marketing gurus themselves, thus you are assured that the information is valuable and can be applied to your online business. There are also business sites wherein they give away free information guides that you can use for your Internet marketing career. Just be resourceful and creative enough to locate this free yet useful information.

The Internet is the information superhighway—whether free or paid information, make sure that these will help you learn the ideas and basic strategies to make your Internet marketing career a successful one.

Valuable and Useful Information to Boost your Internet Marketing Career

The impact of the Internet on the perceived value of information is just as huge as anybody would ever think. Undoubtedly, Internet changed the way people learn and search for useful information. Before the arrival of the Internet culture, individuals who are looking for some valuable and useful information would be congregating themselves in classrooms, public libraries, bookstores, and magazine stands because these are the places where such information could be found.
However, it’s been about ten years since the Internet became accessible to the public and the difference it made has been gigantic.

The impact is drastic enough that the Internet changed the typical procedure of searching
for information that has existed since the civilization era. If you want to learn the life of Florence Nightingale, Christopher Columbus, or even the terrorism acts of Osama bin Laden, you do not need to take a class, read a book, or purchase newspapers everyday. You can Yahoo or Google these personalities, and if you are savvy enough, you will be able to find a website that is dedicated to the study of these personalities.

Through the Internet, such valuable and useful information is readily accessible. In addition, retrieval of information is free. You do not have to suffer purchasing Da Vinci Code for several dollars cheaper than what you would have to pay in a brick and mortar bookstore. The search and retrieval of the manuscript
of the book is instantaneous (in short, instant!), no wasting of time, and definitely there is no need to spend for transportation.

In other words, searching and retrieving information on the Internet is cost-free, except the purchase of your personal computer (if you do not have any) and the Internet connection fee.

Almost every kind of information could be found on the Internet, historical accounts, answers to personal problems, and information about business opportunities. In other words, every online-based business opportunity related information can be accessed through the Internet.

Nothing more, nothing else. Why purchase marketing strategy books or business newspapers if all information that you need is stored on the Internet and can be read for free.

However, unlike other information on the Internet, information related to Internet marketing are not entirely for free. In fact, there are marketing gurus who sell such information to Internet marketing neophytes.

The basics of success on Internet marketing starts with learning the basics of this lucrative industry. Such basics could be learned through various Internet marketing-related information scattered over the Web. If you want to acquire information that is proven to be useful for your online business, definitely you will purchase such information from different Internet marketing gurus.

To get the real worth of your money, you can look for the following categories of valuable and useful information for your online business outlined below:

• The content of the information package must be controlled and distributed by licensed and well-known personalities on Internet marketing. Verify the individual behind the personality—check if he is really a marketing genius or not. With so many ‘bogus gurus’ out there, there is a need to check on your information resources first before handing out money.

• Such information must be on its updated status. What is the use of information gathered in 1980 on a 2006 market? Ask for some sample excerpts or initial information that you can see for yourself if it is updated or not.

• Look for the “money back guarantee” condition of paid information. If you are not satisfied by the results or the results are not what you expect, you can have your money back. There are many experienced Internet marketers who are willing to give your money back if you are not satisfied with the information you have acquired.

If you cannot afford to purchase premium information sold by different Internet marketers over the Web, you can still look for free information. You may visit different article directories over the Internet that publishes hundreds to thousands of articles related to Internet marketing.

Some of these articles are written by the Internet marketing gurus themselves, thus you are assured that the information is valuable and can be applied to your online business. There are also business sites wherein they give away free information guides that you can use for your Internet marketing career. Just be resourceful and creative enough to locate this free yet useful information.

The Internet is the information superhighway—whether free or paid information, make sure that these will help you learn the ideas and basic strategies to make your Internet marketing career a successful one.

Valuable and Useful Information to Boost your Internet Marketing Career

The impact of the Internet on the perceived value of information is just as huge as anybody would ever think. Undoubtedly, Internet changed the way people learn and search for useful information. Before the arrival of the Internet culture, individuals who are looking for some valuable and useful information would be congregating themselves in classrooms, public libraries, bookstores, and magazine stands because these are the places where such information could be found.
However, it’s been about ten years since the Internet became accessible to the public and the difference it made has been gigantic.

The impact is drastic enough that the Internet changed the typical procedure of searching
for information that has existed since the civilization era. If you want to learn the life of Florence Nightingale, Christopher Columbus, or even the terrorism acts of Osama bin Laden, you do not need to take a class, read a book, or purchase newspapers everyday. You can Yahoo or Google these personalities, and if you are savvy enough, you will be able to find a website that is dedicated to the study of these personalities.

Through the Internet, such valuable and useful information is readily accessible. In addition, retrieval of information is free. You do not have to suffer purchasing Da Vinci Code for several dollars cheaper than what you would have to pay in a brick and mortar bookstore. The search and retrieval of the manuscript
of the book is instantaneous (in short, instant!), no wasting of time, and definitely there is no need to spend for transportation.

In other words, searching and retrieving information on the Internet is cost-free, except the purchase of your personal computer (if you do not have any) and the Internet connection fee.

Almost every kind of information could be found on the Internet, historical accounts, answers to personal problems, and information about business opportunities. In other words, every online-based business opportunity related information can be accessed through the Internet.

Nothing more, nothing else. Why purchase marketing strategy books or business newspapers if all information that you need is stored on the Internet and can be read for free.

However, unlike other information on the Internet, information related to Internet marketing are not entirely for free. In fact, there are marketing gurus who sell such information to Internet marketing neophytes.

The basics of success on Internet marketing starts with learning the basics of this lucrative industry. Such basics could be learned through various Internet marketing-related information scattered over the Web. If you want to acquire information that is proven to be useful for your online business, definitely you will purchase such information from different Internet marketing gurus.

To get the real worth of your money, you can look for the following categories of valuable and useful information for your online business outlined below:

• The content of the information package must be controlled and distributed by licensed and well-known personalities on Internet marketing. Verify the individual behind the personality—check if he is really a marketing genius or not. With so many ‘bogus gurus’ out there, there is a need to check on your information resources first before handing out money.

• Such information must be on its updated status. What is the use of information gathered in 1980 on a 2006 market? Ask for some sample excerpts or initial information that you can see for yourself if it is updated or not.

• Look for the “money back guarantee” condition of paid information. If you are not satisfied by the results or the results are not what you expect, you can have your money back. There are many experienced Internet marketers who are willing to give your money back if you are not satisfied with the information you have acquired.

If you cannot afford to purchase premium information sold by different Internet marketers over the Web, you can still look for free information. You may visit different article directories over the Internet that publishes hundreds to thousands of articles related to Internet marketing.

Some of these articles are written by the Internet marketing gurus themselves, thus you are assured that the information is valuable and can be applied to your online business. There are also business sites wherein they give away free information guides that you can use for your Internet marketing career. Just be resourceful and creative enough to locate this free yet useful information.

The Internet is the information superhighway—whether free or paid information, make sure that these will help you learn the ideas and basic strategies to make your Internet marketing career a successful one.