China, with its 1.4 billion residents and a vibrant digital ecosystem evolving at breakneck speed, has been a growth engine for international companies in a range of industries. However, China presents a paradox: unparalleled opportunity obscured by overwhelming complexity. Therefore, staying competitive in the Chinese market demands precise and informed strategic planning. Daxue Consulting provides a solution to this very problem. Our China market research is tailored to help international companies make informed decisions, identify growth opportunities, and navigate local challenges, from market entry to dominating your category.
Why China market research is non-negotiable
China presents unparalleled opportunities for international companies. Though it might appear homogeneous on the surface, Chinese consumption habits vary significantly across regions, demographics, and urban-rural divides. For example, the purchases of a Shanghainese Gen Z will be driven by vastly different values than that of a middle-aged Chengdu parent. Engaging effectively with Chinese consumers is not just about translation, it’s about cultural and regional localization. Getting a return-on-investment in China necessitates an in-depth understanding of these variations, which is where China market research comes in.
Our approach to China market research
We design our China market research framework to address the complexities of the Chinese market. Our research can be broken down into solving these two key questions in the Chinese market: Where to Play and How to Win. This ensures our research doesn’t just deliver data, but clear, actionable recommendations to growth.
Where to play: Market research to map the playing field
China market research helps decision makers prioritize their marketing resources by fine-tuning their target market, product, pricing, and localization strategy before taking the next step. We use the below scopes to guide clients on where to play in the Chinese market.
This phase is about strategic prioritization, answering the core question: ‘Where can we achieve the highest return on investment?’
- Market sizing
- Market segmentation
- Trends Monitoring
- Persona Mapping
- Brand Audit
- Startup Scouting
- Product/Market Fit
- Product Testing
- Foresight/Prospective
How to win: Market research to fine-tune strategy
Once the foundational market insights are uncovered, its time to make strategic decisions on how to reach Chinese consumers. This includes choosing the right channels to reach the target consumer, messaging that speaks their language, and positioning the product on the market through pricing and branding. The following scopes play a role in how to win in the Chinese market.
This phase is about executional excellence, building the actionable plan for: ‘How do we connect and convert our target audience?’
- Brand/Product Naming
- Consumer Tribes & Activation Toolkit
- Channels Strategy
- IP Collaboration
- China Messaging Localization
- Open Innovation
- White Space Analysis
- Influencer Screening
- Pricing strategy
What strategic recommendations to expect from China market research?
China market entry go or no-go
Through market sizing and segmentation, gauge if your offering would have a sizable return-on-investment in China, before taking the plunge.
Who is the target consumer
Consumer segmentation is crucial in China’s highly fragmented and fast-paced market. For example, having a highly-precise target market helps cut through the noise in the saturated consumer goods market.
How to reach the target consumer
With a myriad of apps in social media, entertainment, and e-commerce, a brand can easily be lost in China’s digital ocean. Our channels strategy research determines which channels your target consumers use, so you can focus your marketing budget.
Whether to redefine the product offering
While some brands benefit from keeping things consistent globally, for many there’s often much more to gain from creating something unique for the Chinese market. We conduct product testing and uncover white spaces to guide product development.
Whether to redefine the value proposition
A value proposition is build of brand attributes that both represent a brand while resonating with consumers. A value proposition that resonates in your home country may not resonate in China, for example, a sustainable brand that’s recognized for its values in Europe could be valued more for its safety in China. In fact, the country-of-origin could even be a brand attribute in China, such as Tim Horton’s Canada-themed cafes.
What to expect in China for the next 3-5 years
China is a fast-changing country with a continuous flow of new market entrants, both domestic and from abroad. Therefore, relying on yesterdays data guarantees obsolescence. Leadership belongs to the brands that consider both the macro- and micro-trends. We work with companies in fast-paced industries to continuously monitor for emerging trends, allowing them to get ahead.
Why choose us for China market research?
With over 700 projects completed across various sectors, ranging from B2B, B2C, and governmental institutions, and a team of 40 China-based consultants, we have an unmatched on-the-ground perspective. Our deep local insights and flexible research methodologies provide businesses with the precise market intelligence needed to make informed decisions and succeed in China’s dynamic market.
What sets us apart
- We don’t just deliver data, we deliver a strategic roadmap: Our proprietary ‘Where to play + How to win’ framework, strengthened through 700+ projects, is designed to answer the critical questions every board of directors asks before investing in China. We don’t just tell you the ‘what,’ we give you the ‘so what’ and the ‘what’s next,’ ensuring your strategy is built on insights, not assumptions.
- Highly strategic research is our game: We uniquely combine market research and strategy consulting, with an objective to share conclusive and actionable, data-based deliverables to help our clients achieve growth in China.
- Tailored research services: Every project is customized to meet the specific needs of each client. We adapt our research methods to fit the client’s needs and changing market conditions.
- Multi-cultural team: Our diverse team combines local and international expertise to provide nuanced insights and solutions.
- Diverse industry experience: Our team works projects across diverse industries, allowing us to bring fresh perspectives to each project.
Take the next step
Whether you’re entering the Chinese market for the first time or looking to expand your presence, Daxue Consulting’s team of consultants is equipped to deliver the insights necessary for your success. Let us help you thrive in one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets
Contact us for a custom market research proposal
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About us: Creatively strategic and strategically creative
Daxue Consulting is a China-origin growth-centric advisory firm helping companies uncover hidden opportunities in China and the APAC region.
Through our market research and strategy consulting, we equip businesses with the knowledge and guidance to achieve growth in APAC and beyond.
We specialize in solutions from the Chinese market segmentation to operational expansion, suitable for all kinds of businesses. The client is at the heart of our work. Our diverse team ensures comprehensive coverage and extensive China market advisory.
