The challenges and the opportunity.
There are more than 400 million small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) around the world and the vast majority of them struggle to export their products.
In the US alone only 1% of SMEs currently export their goods. While most of these producers have excellent export potential, and many have the desire, they face daunting barriers and impediments to trade, both internationally and domestically, including:
- A lack of knowledge about the needs and potential of foreign markets.
- An inability to cost-effectively identify and connect with the right retailers or resellers.
- The financial cost of establishing sales, marketing and distribution partnerships and programs in advance of revenue.
- Complex logistics processes and regulations including taxes, customs and duties, product fulfillment and shipping.
At the same time, retailers are facing unprecedented challenges. To survive and thrive, they need to access new and unique products, significantly reduce their cost of goods and, simplify and accelerate how they procure goods.
There is a clear need for a comprehensive and trusted technology-based solution to solve these challenges.
