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Could you comment on if, as an American engineer, getting to know Shenzhen and learning Mandarin would be worth doing as valuable business skills?

• SexyCyborg 10y ago
  You would need really, really good Mandarin in order to manufacture something without a translator. In conversation I find culture is more of a problem than language. We can always make it clear you will get the part on Tuesday. What Westerners can't understand is why that really does not mean that you will get the part on Tuesday But everyone who lives here should study enough so they can get around and take care of themselves.
  • iNerdier 10y ago
    What does it mean? I'm curious as to what the subtext of something like that really is. Will it also mean that local manufacturers there would be more likely to try and pass off something non-genuine to westerners?
    • SexyCyborg 10y ago
      >What does it mean? I'm curious as to what the subtext of something like that really is. Means he'd very much like for you to have it on Tuesday:-) He also does not want to make you unhappy and possibly lose you as a customer by saying it will probably be Wednesday. After all it could be Tuesday so why not have a try? It's a little frustrating for non-Chinese. >Will it also mean that local manufacturers there would be more likely to try and pass off something non-genuine to westerners? I think Westerners are more likely to get fake money since we assume they won't know how to check. Most Chinese think Westerner engineers are more technically competent so while they might sell fakes I don't think it's a lot more likely? I can't really say though I don't do sourcing. Also it's about risk. Rip off another Chinese person he will tell others and it will hurt your reputation. Maybe he will tell someone and make trouble for you. This is less likely with Westerners.
      • digi_owl 10y ago
        Sounds like the advice Scotty gave in TNG, about always giving longer estimates so you appear a miracle worker when you deliver early.