Amway, the Ada, Michigan-based direct-sales company known for its vitamin supplements, makeup, and dishwashing soap has found major success in China, having become a favorite business opportunity among China's middle class. Tang Shaoping is one of Amway's 13000 top sellers awarded with a trip to the United States for excellent sales performance, however, just four years ago Tang worked in a NIKE shoe factory where she had spent most of her 20's enduring long hours, low pay, little sleep and a poor quality of life. Finally, her sister introduced her to Amway, and Tang Shaoping got her first taste of the American dream.
Amway had difficulty getting established in the Chinese market due to China closing the door on direct selling in 1998, claiming that some companies had engaged in “underground activities,” smuggling and selling fake products. The new changes greatly affected Amway who originally started door-to-door sales in China 15 years ago. Since 1998 the company made a comeback by refitting its business model and opening 237 shops in 197 cities.
"Since joining Amway, my health and confidence have improved so much. I see Amway as a career for life." she said while touring Universal Studios with her husband who was also an Amway sales rep.
The current influx of Amway China's vacation recipients make up 5% of Southern California's tourists, who appear confindent and content, and among them is Zhou Fanyang, another Amway associate that has worked for the company since 1995. Mrs. Fanyang is accompanied by her 5 year old daughter who wants nothing more than to see Disneyland.
Aside from Zhou, her parents, husband, brother, sister-in-law have all become Amway reps with strong cusatomer bases.
"People are always resistant at first, but they don't say no to health, they don't say no to beauty and happiness. That's what we try to offer to our customers."
Many of the tourists from the Amway trip have had to adjust to American food, with only a limited number of authentic Chinese restaurants and too many participants to serve, causing the groups to split up and circulate their presence.
"Western food is very hard for us to get used to. I can't eat cold food. They serve a lot of cold food on the trip. Salads. Drinks. What do I do? Stay hungry all the time." said Zhen Guoguang, a sales rep for Amway China.
