Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the essential differences between cross-border trade and general trade, highlighting the strategies that overseas brands can adopt when entering the Chinese market, including the role of agency operations and self-management. Group 1: Differences Between Cross-Border Trade and General Trade - Cross-border trade involves transactions that cross national borders, including goods, services, technology, and investments, while general trade refers to conventional trade where both parties are within the same country [3]. - The process of cross-border trade is complex, requiring compliance with multiple countries' laws, currency exchange, and customs clearance, whereas general trade follows simpler domestic regulations [4]. - Cross-border trade benefits from tax exemptions, such as a 70% tax on value-added and consumption taxes for cross-border e-commerce, while general trade requires full tax payments with potential for export tax refunds [5]. - Risks and costs in cross-border trade include currency fluctuations, political risks, and high logistics costs, while general trade faces lower risks but must manage domestic market competition [6]. - Typical scenarios for cross-border trade include platforms like Tmall International and Amazon Global, while general trade is exemplified by traditional export businesses [6]. - Cross-border trade is characterized by its reliance on platform rules and user insights, making it suitable for emerging brands, while general trade requires long-term customer relationship building, favoring established companies [6]. Group 2: Agency Operations for Overseas Brands - Agency operations provide a rapid entry strategy for brands, as demonstrated by Panasonic, which achieved over 60 million in GMV in its first year through agency collaboration [6][7]. - The Ordinary, a Canadian brand, successfully penetrated the market with a "component-focused" strategy, generating over 100 million in GMV through agency-led campaigns [7]. - Strong brands like LVMH and Apple have opted for self-management, establishing their own flagship stores and leveraging brand ambassadors to reach high-end consumers [8]. - The choice between agency operations and self-management depends on the brand's resources and market stage, with agency operations being ideal for resource-limited brands and self-management suited for financially robust companies [9]. Group 3: Strategies for Entering the Chinese Market - Successful market entry requires localization, as illustrated by Santa Maria Novella, which launched a "Chinese-style fragrance gift box" through an agency, achieving over 10 million in GMV in its first year [10]. - A comprehensive traffic strategy is essential, utilizing platforms like Xiaohongshu for product discovery, Tmall for conversion, and Douyin for repeat purchases, creating a closed loop of content, transaction, and retention [11]. - Agency operations can help brands navigate compliance and efficiency challenges, such as avoiding advertising violations and optimizing supply chains for faster delivery [12]. Group 4: Conclusion on Trade Forms and Brand Strategies - The fundamental difference between cross-border and general trade lies in the balance between globalization and localization, influencing how overseas brands approach the Chinese market [13]. - The choice between agency operations and self-management should align with the brand's specific needs and market conditions, with agency operations serving as an accelerator for rapid adaptation [13].