Outsourcing "sales channel development capabilities"—new market avenues revealed through the use of external resourcesPlus Minus Zero Co., Ltd.

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

We had already established a presence in major Asian markets such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea, and possessed a certain level of expertise. However, in the emerging markets that we were targeting as our next sales channel, we encountered significant obstacles in language, culture, and communication with locals. In particular, sales and follow-up became physically and temporally challenging, and we felt we had reached our limits.

To overcome these challenges, we strongly felt the need for a "partner" who could strengthen collaboration with local communities, and we began to consider external services with a well-established support system.

The reason we ultimately decided to implement "Omakase Trading" was a recommendation from a company we trust. In addition to feeling that it perfectly matched the challenges we were currently facing, the sales representative explained the service in a thorough and detailed manner, and they answered our questions and concerns on the spot, which was the deciding factor in our decision to implement it.

What exactly did it entail?

Since implementing "Omakase Trading," the STANDAGE representative has truly become our "right-hand man," supporting our overseas expansion. Furthermore, we have established connections with our internal team, partner companies, and third-party support organizations, creating an environment where information can be shared in real time. We've already received inquiries from several companies in the initial stages, and negotiations are currently underway. Although it's only been a short time since implementation, we're already feeling positive results.

What effects have you seen since implementing it?

While we're not yet at the stage where we can see quantifiable results, we are definitely becoming able to approach markets that we previously felt were "out of reach." We are extremely grateful that they go beyond simple translation and document creation and get involved in actual sales activities and negotiations with local parties.

Furthermore, the responsible approach of the STANDAGE staff is a major source of reassurance. The level of detail and frequency of information sharing are high, and I feel that a system is in place that facilitates building trust.

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

Our primary goal in the countries where we plan to expand is to first find a general agent. There are limits to what we can do on our own, and support is essential for adapting to language barriers, legal regulations, and local cultures.

Since we deal with consumer electronics, a product that requires essential after-sales service, our local distributors need to do more than just "sell" the products. They need to build a system that can represent our brand image and provide service responsibly. We have high expectations for the STANDAGE representatives as partners who can help us overcome these high hurdles together.

Plus or minus zero - Comment from Mr. Kobayashi

What I feel most strongly at this point is the power of "people." The support from the person in charge is extremely thorough, and we are able to collaborate with them as if they were members of our own company. "Omakase Trading" is a service that acts as a strong partner in overcoming the "first hurdle" in overseas expansion. I would definitely recommend that companies struggling to expand their sales channels consult with them at least once.