A common challenge for firms entering a new market, is simply understanding how exactly their products will be received in an unknown environment, and subsequently adapting their products to account for these differences. Often times these differences are completely invisible until it’s too late, leading to managers at all levels having to reconsider their fundamental strategy.
When trying to sell in Japan for example, foreign businesses must contend with a never-ending list of regulatory stipulations, including far stricter standards for food handling, packaging, product labelling, Human Resources, and even contracting, than what they are typically used to in their home market. Compounding this is an often-underestimated number of fundamental differences in consumer behavior and preference that often force changes to products and services themselves (a quick google search reveals no shortage of companies who failed the entry to Japan for exactly this reason).
With our team of consultants experienced with both the European and Japanese markets, we can swiftly identify how your products or services may clash with Japanese regulations or consumer preferences, and provide advice and support for. How to effectively localize your offerings, to ensure that they retain the same appeal as in your home market.