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Old 05-20-2007, 09:43 PM   #14 (permalink)
uberinquisitive
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I worked for a year in Asia, at a consulting company (we told other multi-national companies how to do better business internationally).

It is NOT easy doing business in other countries. They have different needs. They have different language. They have specific culture. There is a reason why the Coke vs. Pepsi challenge would never fly in Japan. There is a reason why pizzas in Korea have bulgogi, and Japanese McDonalds sells shrimp sandwhiches. How adaptable is your product? Not to mention, in the Far East, products have a much shorter shelf life than in the West. Food companies have to come out with something like 5 different flavors every few months just to stay competitive.

Now, if you're selling a prestige item, such as a luxury goods...which are inaccessible to most people anyways...then you don't have to adapt. In fact, adapting lowers your value.

There are so many companies in China who don't want/need to go international. A 2nd tier city in China (the Chinese equivalent of let's say Milwakee) has 2 million people. A 1st tier city, like Shanghai, has tens of millions. Why do they need to export? There are also about 5 billionaires in China, and 3 of them made their billions in the gaming/internet industry. Unless your gaming product can compete with a homegrown, well-trusted brand...it'll be an uphill struggle.

So anyways, when going into foreign markets...do your market research thoroughly. Don't assume there is a market for something. Your research will probably shock you.
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