Local intelligence

Foreigners are often not very good at procuring resources in an unfamiliar environment. Sometimes they don't understand the rules, don't have a good enough network, aren't familiar with local brands, or don't like the quality of local goods. Some are reluctant to accept an unfamiliar product even if it is quite servicable and functionally equivalent. In some Asian cities, goods are available but suppliers have their own private networks and work out of private homes or backstreet shops. The only way to gain access is to have a local person introduce you or refer you. As another example, a computer supplier gave excellent follow-up service, but only if the customer took the broken down computer back to the shop. They didn't provide a call-out service.

Consequently, you might like to ask the following questions:

Local materials

1. What local materials are available?
2. What quality, brands, styles and prices?
3. Who are the suppliers?
4. What conditions come with goods? These may be guarantees delivery taxes, etc.
5. What is the turnaround time for orders?
6. Is supply guaranteed?

Local services

1. What local services are available?
2. Who are they?
3. What quality should you expect (e.g. reliability, expertise, professionalism)?
4. How much should you pay?
5. What employment arrangements? (private contractor, wage earner, "don't hire anybody you don't know," conditions of employment, etc.)

Farming conditions

1. What climate?
2. What kinds of soil?
3. What plant types and cultivars?
4. What effects do heat, monsoon, etc. have?.
5. What local pests?
6. What have they tried already?
7. What sells for what price, and what doesn't sell?

Other

Similar questions could be asked on market conditions for entrepreneurial projects, and health conditions for health projects, etc.