EXPERIENCE

With 31 years experience in the Asia Pacific Region, almost every conceivable challenge has been confronted and successfully overcome.

Whether it was 1975 with Saigon falling and the city about to be invaded and with customers and a staff of 250 in a state of panic, or, something simple like an acquisition by a major corporation with an edict to merge two separate entities and open fully owned subsidiaries as was confronted in 1978. Or, the opening of a subsidiary in a country 'derecognized' by the U.S.A. as was experienced in 1979. There have been other challenges, such as the decision of the corporation to go on a major acquisition trail requiring the integration of over 35 brands into the market. Or, a major economic slump in 1987, resulting in major currency devaluations, at a time when a joint venture in Australia was in progress. Also there was the biggest challenge of all - the economic crisis of 1998, where currencies devalued up to 80 percent in some of the largest markets. And, last, but not least, the challenge of penetrating the Mainland China market with products five to ten times the value of locally made products. These experiences were "gifts" to face future challenges. There is always "the way" and Asia Inroads™ knows the way.

KNOWLEDGE

The challenges faced above could not have been met and conquered without full knowledge of the market place. This knowledge could not have been achieved without the benefit and experience of running companies in the Region and having a 'hands on' experience of the problems that all distribution confronts there. How to select the right wholesalers and dealers? How to collect money? How to motivate distribution to sell?

How to successfully deal in a 'post dated check' financial scenario?

If you have experienced your customer's problems and know them, then you will have credibility. In the opening scene of a famous Broadway production called "The Music Man", there are a group of salesmen riding on a train to a town in hopes of achieving sales. The song they sing is "Ya' Gotta' Know the Territory." This is essential in any market. It is mandatory in Asia.

CONTACTS

Contacts are important in any market. In the Asia Pacific Region, because of the maintenance of the classical distribution system comprised of thousands of dealers in each market, with another thousand wholesalers serving them, it is mandatory that you contact them all.

This is not an easy task because the shops are small, often dirty and far from sophisticated. It is a tiring process, but the payback is rewarding. Asia Inroads™ has worked with hundreds of importers over the years, thousands of wholesalers and many more thousands of dealers over the course of the last thirty one years. Asia Inroads™ has had sales and product development experience in over 22 markets in the Asia Pacific region. The benefits from the past success of Asia Inroads™ fuels the rewards of future success.

SUCCESS

A survey of the Asia Pacific Region would show that the success of quality manufacturers from the U.S.A. and Europe is not particularly high. There are however, some successes within the hand tool and power tool accessory business. These are found among the companies that fall within the background of experience of Asia Inroads™. Success is measured in terms of presence on the shelves and those products are on the shelves.

REPUTATION

Relationships are extremely important in the Asia Pacific Region. Good solid relationships are developed over the course of time and can only survive if the reputation of both parties is good. Because of the background of Asia Inroads™, a very good reputation is in place throughout the Asia Pacific Region.

COMMITMENT

The successful achievement of sales and brand development in the Asia Pacific Region over the course of the last 31 years could only have been achieved because of a strong commitment to do so. Asia Inroads™ pledges that same commitment to its present and future clients.