Trading Company/Sales Rep Office in China...what's needed?

Question

Hey folks,

Might have to quit my job working at a factory here in kunshan at the end of the year. Problem is I don't really want to leave China and would like to use the contacts I make here to take the customers I make in the meantime with me (ethics problem maybe, but...hey it's China). Plus another factory let's me freelance sales-rep for them. It makes sense to me to start a one man trading operation possibly, or at least a one man free-lance sales rep operation of some sort.

Anybody know what it takes to start this type of thing up here in China? Or would HK/Taiwan be the better choice? I've gotta stay in this part of the world since my daughter is going to be in taiwan and I'd rather not waste my mandarin ability. Plus you get end up getting hooked on life here.

So, is this a hopeless case or what? Or should I just try to go to work for a trading company already established?

Not really sure what the future holds and trying to figure out options. Thanks.

Doroto · Answer

I don't quite get what you are up to by saying "one man trading operation". As a foreigner, you either start your own business (say, a WFOE) or get employed by another entity. Otherwise, you stay in China may have problem.

I am not sure of the meaning of your "freelance sale rep". I guess you are saying that you will not be regarded as an employee with that manufacturer using your service but as an independant contractor. While leglally speaking, your agreement with such manufacturer as an independance contractor will not be held void at law but I am afraid that how you can ensure your stay in China, i mean, your residence permit etc..

Trading Company/Sales Rep Office in China...what's needed?

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