You want to sell your products in a foreign market, and you may have researched or want to research opportunities. You are certain that there is demand for your products in this overseas market, but where should you start? Should you begin with wholesalers, brokers, chain stores, or by setting up your own company with local staff in the target country? Maybe, buyers prefer working with a local contact person? Will you learn by experiencing the legal procedures and commercial processes of that country, or should you work with a firm that is already familiar with the local processes and culture, has experience in importing and selling similar products, and knows the buyers and the market? Such firms exist, but which one is right for you? How should you choose?
By following the process below, we find the ideal distributor, broker, agent, or representative for you in the target country.
Market Insight: Assessing opportunities and trends
We analyze the market size and opportunities for your product sector based on publicly available and statistical information, web searches, and official institution data in the target “country’s language”. We review other brands, local manufacturers, and imported brands present in the market to assess the suitability of your product range. If desired, we compare your product’s quality and price with substitute products. We research the most commonly used distribution channels in the sector and provide recommendations on what the most effective distribution model should be for you.
Preparing the Sales Partner Profile Form
To effectively promote your products, approach, and vision to your sales partner in the target market, we prepare a “Partner Profile Form” for your company. In the Partner Profile Form, which includes a brief introduction, we outline your expectations from the sales partner and the partnership terms you can offer.
Sales partner search process
Our team in the target country reaches out to potential sales partners, introducing themselves as your local consultant. They briefly explain who you are and your market entry intentions, and send the company presentation and partner profile form. We discuss with the decision-makers to determine their interest in forming a partnership and gather their impressions of the compani and the market. If there is a positive intent to collaborate, we inquire about expectations and partnership terms and obtain written company information. We continue the search until we find at least three companies that match the initially defined partner profile and have expressed a willingness to work together. This process may take approximately 3-8 weeks. At the end of this period, we provide you with a report detailing all interviewed candidates, their complete contact information, and their comments on the market, both positive and negative. If you would like to see a sample report, please feel free to request it via email.
Meeting with potential Sales Partner candidates
After your team review the report prepared at the end of the sales partner search process, we introduce the candidates to you and share our insights on the approach you should take for collaboration. We determine the time and place for the introductory meetings and organize them by confirming with the candidates. Whether the meetings are face-to-face or online, our team always participates in the initial meetings. This provides a ‘warm’ introduction, helps overcome cultural differences, and ensures proper follow-up communication. During each meeting, we ensure decisions are made regarding the next steps and timelines are established. After this stage, you can choose to continue communication with the candidates yourself or prefer us to remain in contact.
Distributor management
After meeting with potential sales partner candidates and reaching mutual agreement on expectations regarding the candidate, the market, and legal processes, you can still request our support until the “first order is delivered” and to ensure the process continues to benefit both parties. During this process, we conduct negotiations on your behalf, communicate your expectations and requirements to the candidate, and manage your distributor with your commercial and corporate approach. We prepare reports at designated intervals, plan visits, and organize any planned events.
Please take a look at our articles on distributor search projects.