|Your company and products may qualify for the TAI First Distributor Program. If so, your search for an importer may already be over.
Exporting to the U.S. is an enticing and challenging prospect. In 2004, the U.S. imported almost $1.8 trillion dollars worth of goods and services from abroad. The vast majority of those imports are for products ranging from raw materials to industrial equipment to consumer goods. Penetrating the U.S. market requires a commitment to long term success; products that meet U.S. buyer tastes and preferences; competitive pricing; the right relationships; and suitable marketing and sales support. If any of these elements are missing, your chances of export success are slim. This is exactly why so much import demand goes unmet and why so many exporters fail to achieve their goals.
In order to help foreign manufacturers succeed, TAI has designed a First Distributor Program (FDP) that brings together all the necessary elements to establish a critical foothold in the U.S. market. First, we review your products and - based on our own expertise and feedback from the market – make a preliminary determination as to whether or not your product has a chance among U.S. buyers. If not, we will make appropriate recommendations for product modifications. If we feel there is no recourse, we will share that with you as well. Second, we review your packaging and marketing materials to determine if they are market ready. Do your products, packaging and collateral materials meet U.S. regulatory requirements? What changes need to be made? Third, we provide a pricing review to determine how you compare with the competition. What kind of sales channels support the price point and volume you are trying to achieve?
If you make the recommended adjustments, and we feel that your products are ready for the U.S. market, TAI will then help you to establish a marketing support budget. No product is successful without marketing support to address such costs as advertising, travel, trade show participation, domestic shipping, etc. Once a marketing support budget has been agreed to, we do what other marketing and sales consultants don’t – we place an order. The first order is always on consignment, and the manufacturer must pay for door-to-door shipping. We provide an agent for customs clearance, if necessary, and warehousing facilities on both the East and West coasts. We then guarantee what most 100% commission-based agents cannot – we will actually focus on and carry your product through our established sales and marketing network. We are very selective and we only take products that we think we can move – many agents and distributors claim they will promote your product but they rarely do so. We provide you with market feedback and regular reports regarding our activities and progress. We take responsibility for collections and remit money back to you for all sales collected.
Program Costs
Depending on your products and your level of market readiness, you may qualify for commission-only assistance or we may propose a monthly retainer as we prepare you for launch in our sales network.
Time Frame
Once your products are finalized and shipped to our warehouses, we begin the sales process. The sales process can range from 3 to 24 month in duration, depending on the mutually agreed budget, sales goals the level of market acceptance. During this phase, product sampling, product demonstrations, travel, and possible trade show participation will be implemented. After the initial shipment has been sold, re-orders can happen on a 100% commission sales basis. Commissions shall be set at levels that are commensurate with industry standards.
To apply for the TAI First Distributor Program, contact us and tell us about your products, situation and goals.. We will review all serious applicants and provide feedback within 72 hours. Also on our website you will find links to sources that can help you “do-it-yourself” and find more information about launching your products in the U.S. market.
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