A friend of my girlfriend owns a textile factory near the Shenzhen/Canton area. Once I was told, "We have like 3 days off for a 7-day holiday, 2 days if it gets too busy". Yes, Labor Laws here are less effective.
On the other hand, I have been trying to help a client in the US to find the right local partner to work with. It's a nightmare. The companies I contacted either ignored me or the contact person left the company after a few emails exchanged, and we had to find another contact person.
We finally found the current partner who's really helping.
It's really harsh to me. I used to believe the US was the beacon of hospitality and entrepreneurship. My belief has collapsed.
I work for an electronic device ODM/OEM maker in Shenzhen. In the business sector, but was once heavily involved in R&D.
It is true that you can walk into a shop and get electronic parts. It is also true that you can get PCBs in a shop, but probably pre-made ones.
For serious business, you probably want to ask for samples from serious suppliers. But usually, you will get the parts you asked for on the second day, or within a week or two for a simpler PCB.
It used to be "walking distance" for all electronic components, maybe 10-20 years ago, but since the cost of living has increased in Shenzhen, factories are moving away from the center of the city. But still, if you really want something today, within a 1-hour drive, you can get what you need.
On the other hand, I have been trying to help a client in the US to find the right local partner to work with. It's a nightmare. The companies I contacted either ignored me or the contact person left the company after a few emails exchanged, and we had to find another contact person.
We finally found the current partner who's really helping.
It's really harsh to me. I used to believe the US was the beacon of hospitality and entrepreneurship. My belief has collapsed.