There’s No Place Like Home.docVIP

There’s No Place Like Home 　　Being one of the three major engines of the economic growth in China, exports are suffering a setback in the global financial crisis. Most export-oriented enterprises are facing sluggish sales and overcapacity. This situation has forced them to look for alternatives, and many are discovering a huge and previously neglected domestic market. 　　Export-oriented Manufacturers Turning Inward 　　 　　“The current crisis urges us to shift from overseas to domestic markets,” says Wang Xiaohai, a member ofBeijing Jinyi Bushe Garment Export Co., Ltd.’s export sales staff. The period from the end of last year to the beginning of this year was the most difficult time ever in his work life: foreign purchasers forced down prices, leaving narrow profit margins. Then the number of export orders dropped 40 percent due to the decrease in demand. Moreover, in order to save costs, foreign firms no longer take responsibility for certain kinds of business procedures, and pass them on to the export companies while setting stricter standards on product quality and compensation. “So we are planning to promote the brand that was sold abroad on the domestic market,” Wang Xiaohai announced. 　　A number of export-driven companies have begun to try their luck at home.Yan Shibo, domestic sales manager for Beijing Rikon Electric Appliances Co., Ltd., confirms that his company has adjusted its marketing strategy, devoting more energy to sales within China. The company’s preparation includes the translation of product information, better supervision of regional sales agents and franchises, and improvement of after-sale service. These timely strategic adjustments have brought Rikon a handsome monthly turnover so far this year: RMB 600,000 to 800,000 and on the increase. 　　In response to the downturn, some companies are expanding into emerging markets in Africa and South America. However, they are also longing for further relief from developing home markets. “Though w