China market research
We measure demand, competitors and price ranges for your product in China, from the ground
Yeni İpekyolu carries out China market research for Turkish companies: we bring together findings from e-commerce platforms, social media, store shelves and conversations with industry players in a clear report in Turkish.
China market research: accurate information from the ground before you decide
Where market insight comes from in China: platforms, social media and shelves
Consumer behaviour in China is shaped largely on e-commerce platforms such as Tmall, JD and Pinduoduo, and on content apps such as Douyin and Xiaohongshu. Because these platforms have Chinese interfaces and their own ranking logic, it is hard to see the real picture from Türkiye. At Yeni İpekyolu, we compile from Chinese sources the leading brands in your category, price bands, packaging and content language, and the expectations and complaints that recur in user reviews. You then see how Chinese consumers search for the product and what drives their choice.
Online data is only part of the picture. When needed, our team in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen or Beijing visits supermarkets, imported-goods stores, wholesale markets or showrooms, documenting with photos how products sit on the shelf, at what price they sell and which brands are placed side by side. For B2B products we observe sector fairs and wholesale markets. This field observation reveals details that desk research can miss. You thus see your product's real competitors in China with your own eyes.
Asking the right questions: defining the research scope
Good market research starts with clear questions. In what price range does my product sell in China? Are my competitors local or imported? Do consumers care about country of origin? In which cities is demand concentrated? At Yeni İpekyolu, we prioritise these questions with you before the work begins. The report then becomes a focused document that directly helps you decide, instead of a thick file full of general information. A clear scope also makes it easier to plan both time and budget correctly.
Where useful, the research is enriched with short interviews with importers, distributors, store buyers or industry association representatives. Chinese counterparts usually respond more openly to a respectful, clear request made in Chinese and over WeChat. Our team conducts these conversations in Chinese and summarises the findings, with sources, in Turkish. Instead of numerical estimates, we provide concrete, observation-based information and always state clearly which source each piece of information comes from. You can then judge for yourself how reliable each finding in the report is.
Turning research results into a business plan
A common mistake among Turkish companies is to complete the research and then shelve the results. We end the report with an action list: which product to start with, which price band to target, what to change in packaging and labelling, and which channel and city to prioritise. Where needed, we also suggest a Chinese product name, packaging text and promotional materials. The research thus becomes the solid foundation of your China entry strategy. Each recommendation is clearly linked to concrete observations in the report, so you can see exactly why we suggest that direction.
After the research, Yeni İpekyolu stays with you for the next step too. The findings can turn into a distributor search, a fair visit, a test launch on Tmall Global or Douyin, or trademark preparation. Because we run all of these steps with the same team and the same Turkish reporting routine, everything you learn in the research is put to use in execution. Through regular review meetings at our Istanbul office or online, we also keep sharing market developments and new opportunities with you. The research thus becomes not a one-off exercise but an ongoing compass for your China journey.
Who wants to get to know the Chinese market?
First-time exporters to China
If you want to see whether your product will resonate in China before investing. The research sets the direction of your first step.
Companies testing a new product or category
Companies already selling in China that want to try a new product group. We quickly clarify the competitive landscape and price range.
Those evaluating investment or partnership
Executives who want to understand the market better before a partnership, distributorship or local entity in China. You base your decisions on concrete observations.
What is in the market research report?
Category and competitor map
We list local and imported brands in your category, their leading products and positioning. We prepare a short profile for each competitor.
Price band review
We tabulate the selling prices observed on platforms and in stores, together with product features. We also note promotion and discount habits.
Consumer review analysis
We compile the expectations and complaints that stand out in Chinese user reviews and social media posts. Our product and communication suggestions are based on them.
Field visits and photos
Where needed, we visit stores, wholesale markets and fairs. We document shelf layout, packaging and price tags with photos.
Industry interviews
We hold short interviews in Chinese with importers, distributors or store buyers. We summarise their views in Turkish, with sources.
Conclusions and action points
We close the report with recommendations on product, price, packaging, channel and city. We plan the next step together.
Service summary and requirements
| Research cities | Shanghai · Hangzhou · Guangzhou · Shenzhen · Beijing · Yiwu |
|---|---|
| Report language | Turkish; English on request |
| Pricing | Quote based on number of products and field scope |
| Service languages | Turkish · Chinese · English |
| Cities served | Guangzhou · Shenzhen · Yiwu · Shanghai · Hangzhou · Beijing (coordinated from our Istanbul office) |
The final price and timeline depend on the scope; we send you a clear quote promptly.
What you need to provide
- List of products to be researched and their technical details
- The key questions you want answered
- Competitors or reference brands you already know
- Your target price and cost framework (kept confidential)
China market research step by step
- 1
Defining the questions
We discuss your product and the decision you need to make. We agree in writing on the questions and scope the research will cover.
- 2
Desk research
We scan Chinese platforms, social media and industry sources. We prepare the competitor and price tables.
- 3
Fieldwork
Depending on scope, we carry out store and market visits and industry interviews. We document observations with photos and notes.
- 4
Report and presentation
We compile the findings in a Turkish report and present it online or at our Istanbul office. We answer your questions and finalise the action plan together.
Frequently asked questions
Do you provide market size figures?
Our focus is on verifiable observations: competitors, prices, consumer expectations and channel structure. Where published industry sources exist, we pass them on with their sources. You thus base your decisions on concrete information rather than estimates.
Do I need to go to China for the research?
No. Our team in China handles the desk research and fieldwork, and you receive the results in a Turkish report and presentation. If you wish, we can also plan a business trip so you can join the field visits.
Which sectors do you research?
We work in many fields such as food and beverages, cosmetics, home textiles, furniture, building materials, machinery and spare parts. We design the method separately for consumer and B2B products.
Can I find out competitor prices for my product in China?
Yes. We present the selling prices observed on platforms and in stores in a comparative table, together with product features and pack sizes. We also note price changes during promotion periods.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. We use your cost, price and product information solely for the research. In industry interviews we share your company name only with your approval, and we can sign a confidentiality agreement if you wish.
How long does the research take?
It depends on the number of products and cities and the scope of the fieldwork. Once the scope is set, we give you a clear timeline. We take periods such as Chinese New Year and Golden Week into account in planning.
What should I do after the research?
Our report ends with a concrete action list. The next step may be a market entry strategy, a distributor search, a fair visit or an e-commerce test. At Yeni İpekyolu, we stand by you in these steps too.
Tell us what you need in China
Our consultant reviews your needs for free and gives you a clear price and timeline.
