Finding Trusted Partners & Allies in a Foreign Country

Posted by Michael Michelini on Jul 30 2008

I dont want to say being in China is a reason for saying its hard to find trusted partners. But I think its being a foreigner / visitor in a faraway place that makes it complex and hard to know who is out for your best interests, not only their own.

I keep hearing these horror stories about being robbed of deposits, products, people fleeing the country with another’s business plan or client list. And its foreigners doing it to other foreigners! That is the insane part. An American in China screws another American in China, all the time!

Just makes my life that much more complicated, as people are hesitant to trust me, and I am more hesitant to trust them. Because at one point, a contract needs to be signed, money needs to exchange hands, and one is putting trust in the others.

Always on my toes and thinking worst case scenario…CYA

Piotrek

better safe than sorry. gotta be vigilant. it’s probably similar here only in the USA its probably easier to find and prosecute those that rob or cheat you. in china you may have a tough time trying to prosecute or somehow trying to get money back. here in teh us there are better business beauros and other consumer advocacy groups that help protect consumers (and businesses) from fraud. like a midget at a urinal – you have to stay on your toes my friend

About

American ecommerce guy, I've been living in South China - Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Dongguan (+ a touch of Philippines) since end of 2007.

Successfully selling online since 2004, took it fulltime early 2007. Love international business & connecting, and working on ways to give hard working people global opportunities. (Read More...)