The obstacles and solutions for overseas expansion faced by electrical equipment trading companiesTeruya Electric Co., Ltd.

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

We at Teruya Electric manufacture and sell products related to electrical infrastructure, such as control components and electrical materials, and have primarily operated in the domestic market until now. However, as we aim to expand our market, we have come to realize that developing overseas sales channels is unavoidable. It was around this time that we were offered the opportunity to open a store on a major distribution platform. However, we had absolutely no experience in handling inquiries from overseas customers in English, or in export operations if our products were to sell.

"We were worried because we didn't even know where to begin," but then we learned about "Omakase Trade." "Omakase Trade" provides support from export handling to handling inquiries in English, so even though we don't have any specialized knowledge, they will guide us every step of the way." This support system was the deciding factor in adopting it.

What exactly did it entail?

What we value most since implementing the system is the support system, including how inquiries are handled. Even when we don't know how to respond to questions in English, the STANDAGE staff give us precise advice, which allows us to confidently communicate with overseas partners. For example, they respond to even the smallest requests, such as "Please provide this document" or "Please reply with this information in English."

Currently, we haven't reached the stage of actually closing a deal, but I'm very grateful for the hands-on support that has helped alleviate my initial anxieties.

What effects have you seen since implementing it?

Currently, we are in the phase of "getting used to the process of international trade." At the beginning of the contract, our goal was to bring processes in-house within one to two years, and eventually build a system that would allow us to handle overseas business negotiations on our own.

Although we haven't yet reached that goal, we are gradually working on improving our sales system, and awareness of "handling overseas business" is beginning to take root within the company. Having STANDAGE as an intermediary gives us peace of mind, as we don't have to deal with overseas buyers directly.

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

Going forward, we also expect specific marketing proposals such as "which products will sell in which countries and how." For example, if you could provide information such as "there is a need for these kinds of products in this region," it would allow us to approach the market more strategically.

Furthermore, because our company deals in the niche field of electrical materials, our products differ from highly versatile items like "kitchen knives" or "tea," which are often seen as success stories on major distribution platforms. That's why we believe that supporting the matching of our products with markets, countries, and customers that are a good fit is key to our future growth.

Comment from Mr. Wada of Teruya Electric

"We want to start trading, but we don't know where to take the first step"—for companies like that, we highly recommend STANDAGE's "Leave-it-to-us Trading" service. Their comprehensive support, from handling inquiries in English to arranging exports, is a reassuring presence for companies feeling anxious about expanding overseas.

To be honest, just because you open a store on a cross-border e-commerce site doesn't mean you'll see immediate sales. However, with STANDAGE's support, you gain the courage to take that first step into uncharted territory. And for small and medium-sized enterprises like ours, that's of immense value.