QuestionDear Linda,
I have a Japanese cosmetic manufacture that wants to sell their products in the United States. Is there a company that will handle a new product from start (finding a buyer) to finish (delivering the merchandise to the buyer)in the United States? So far, I could only find companies that are marketing companies that will only do marketing research of the product which includes finding a buyer, but will not warehouse and ship the product. Or companies that will warehouse, repackage and ship the product to the buyers, but will not find buyers for the product. Are there companies that does both including checking the ingredients for FDA standards? If yes, can you please advise? If there are no such companies, can you recommend a reputable company that does the marketing including finding a buyer and checking the ingredients for FDA standards and a reputable company that does the warehousing and shipping after finding a buyer? Also, if you have any suggestions on how to launch a product from Japan into the United States, please advise.
Thank you.
Azuma
AnswerDear Azuma~
I regret that I cannot absolutely point you to someone who can assist you with what you need. However, I do have three suggestions:
1) You can contact an outstanding US distribution company called The Kirschner Group and ask for Bevan Marvy at 952/ 473-8871 Please tell him I referred you. My last name is pronounced "Gerky". He may be able to help you or at least point you in the right direction.
2) Are you familiar with LinkedIn? wwwlinkedin.com This business networking forum has many many subgroups related to the cosmetics/beauty industry...such as CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) etc., I would join LinkedIn if you're not on it already. (No cost to join) and I would join as many of these free subgroups as possible and ask your question there. I have no doubt someone would be able to direct or help you.....its one of the largest professional networking forums in existence.
3) Once on LinkedIn plug in the name: Stephen Forte. You may even Google him and find some contact information. He's likely to know someone who can help you. I haven't spoken to him in several years, but he would also know me from LinkedIn as a product developer and marketer based in Minneapolis.
Good luck and best wishes Azuma!
Best,
Linda Gearke
Strictly Personal - The Personal Care Marketing Experts
612/ 599-1096
