Despite labor shortages, a small, elite cosmetics manufacturer is venturing overseas to develop new markets.FW JAPAN Co., Ltd.

Could you tell us what led you to introduce STANDAGE's automated trading service this time?

Our company, with a small staff of only five employees, had secured a certain level of sales domestically. However, we had long envisioned expanding our sales channels overseas as the next stage of growth. In fact, we had exhibited at overseas trade shows together with our Korean business partners, but the Korean manufacturers were the main focus of the booths, and we were forced to remain in a supporting role. Although we wanted to put our own products front and center, language barriers, lack of knowledge of trade practices, and a shortage of manpower were obstacles that prevented us from doing so.

Amidst all of this, I was introduced to STANDAGE's "Omakase Trading" service. After hearing that they had a system in place to handle everything for us, I felt it was exactly what I wanted, and I immediately decided to implement it.

What exactly did it entail?

For our company, the greatest support is the outsourcing of our overseas sales and marketing activities. In particular, overseas promotions utilizing social media were difficult to execute internally due to a lack of knowledge and expertise. "Omakase Trading" accurately fills in these areas where we "cannot do it." Including the English translation of sales materials and promotional content, we feel like they are truly a "reliable partner" working alongside us.

What effects have you seen since implementing it?

At this point, we are still in the early stages of overseas sales. However, we are learning firsthand how time-consuming and laborious the preparations required to bring our products to overseas markets are—for example, the necessary registration and review procedures in each country.

In a project we were working on in collaboration with a South Korean manufacturer, it actually took more than a year of preparation before we could even begin sales. That's why we believe that actually generating sales in even just one country will be a crucial stepping stone for the future.

What kind of support do you expect from Omakase Trading in the future?

Our immediate goal is to achieve at least one sales success in a country, including one in Asia. We believe that this small step will lead to the next country and further expansion. At the same time, we would like to continue to request marketing support to penetrate the local market with our products. We hope that the support system will function not as an "end" but as a "beginning."

Comment from Mr. Lee of FW JAPAN

To be honest, we're completely clueless when it comes to international trade operations. We don't have any English-speaking staff in-house, so we're learning everything from the basics—what to prepare, how to prepare it, and what documents are needed. If I were to recommend "Omakase Trade" to another company, it would be solely because of the "peace of mind" it provides. I believe that companies that feel the barriers of language, knowledge, and personnel will find value in this kind of service. We are still in the process of achieving results, but we feel that we are steadily making progress step by step.

"If it can truly yield even one positive result, I want to continue"—that's my honest feeling right now.