Interview with Entrepreneur Brian Sloan

Interview with Entrepreneur Brian Sloan
Dec 31, 2008 By Fred Dintenfass , eChinacities.com








 Name: Brian Sloan
 Occupation: Entrepreneur
 Birthplace: Chicago



Why did you come to China?

I first came to China to buy antiques, about 3 years ago. Since then, my business has changed a lot and by the time I decided to move here, I was transitioning out of selling antiques to selling "new" products from factories. The reason I decided to live here was simple: to grow my business and meet interesting people. 

What kind of business do you do?
I have several websites selling latex clothing and adult toys.

Is the antiques market in China still a profitable one?
I don't deal in antiques anymore. Good items are harder and harder to find, and the market is not great right now.

Do you aim any of your products at the Chinese market; advertise on the Chinese sites, etc?
As for my adult products - I do not sell in or advertise in China. There is not an interest in latex clothing in China, and as far as the adult toys go - I specialize in a single toy for men, and the price I charge for it is not really appropriate for the Chinese market.

How did you get from antiques to latex?
The transition started in the US. I didn't only sell antiques in the US - I also sold goods from bankruptcy auctions online as well. But buying goods from auctions and re-selling took a lot of work - including physical labor which I didn't enjoy. I needed something steadier, and something that I could build on for the future. I knew that the latex clothing market was underserved - so I decided to start my own brand.

Any advantages to doing business here – taxes, quality of living, etc.?
The main advantage to doing business in China is of course the cost of goods, but this is an obvious one.  The real best part of doing business in China is the other people I meet who are also doing business. The ideas we share and things I learn from them are priceless.

Any disadvantages to doing business here – getting your white board, assistants, taxes, quality of living, etc.?
 Sometimes my Chinese partner has a different idea of what it means to do something "on time". This causes some serious problems for my customers, who tend to be very demanding.

Do you plan to stay here?
 Yes, I'm here "long term".

Any advice for prospective expats and/or business owners?
Think a lot and act fast.


You can find more about Brian’s products at kinkykinglatex.com .

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