Product Pricing in Japan's marketplace
Comparisons of Bank Regulation Between the U.S. and ChinaBusiness Guide--How doing business in Japan
2008/01/15 18:11 | by SamChan ]
Business Guide--How doing business in Japan
1.Sales Service/Customer Support
Excellent product service and customer support throughout the sales cycle are highly important in Japan. This includes establishing a close working relationship with and long-term commitment to a U.S. exporter’s potential Japanese partners. Every effort should be made to answer technical questions in detail, to ensure delivery dates are met, and that other issues regarding shipments are absolutely clear. Problems most often arise from misunderstandings, lack of communication, language difficulties, and differing business practices.
The arrival times and condition of shipments are critical. Shipments should arrive on time, they should be well packed, and they must not be damaged upon arrival. Customs documentation should be complete and accurate; if it is not, the entry of the merchandise could be delayed or, in certain cases, the merchandise might be returned to the sender. Japanese buyers are highly concerned with the quality of packing and have used poor packaging as an explanation for market entry problems. Missed deadlines and goods damaged through poor shipping practices will lead to lost business. Many U.S. companies that have succeeded in Japan have established a local presence to handle sales and to provide customer support and service. In some cases, local agents or distributors can provide this support.
2.Protecting Your Intellectual Property
See below, under Chapter 6, Investment Climate.
3.Due Diligence
A U.S. company resident in Japan is not legally required to use a Japanese attorney for filings, registrations, contracts or other legal documents, which can be prepared by in-house staff, but retaining a competent Japanese attorney (bengoshi), patent practitioner (benrishi), or other legal professional is a practical necessity. A U.S. company not resident in Japan should also retain competent Japanese counsel. Patents and trademarks must be filed through a Japanese agent, which should be a licensed attorney or patent practitioner.
In recent years, Japanese industry has been shaken by a record number of bankruptcies. Japanese commerce has also witnessed an unprecedented number of mergers and acquisitions. This rapid pace of industrial restructuring has created an increased level of risk for American companies selling into Japan.
The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo continues to see trade dispute cases of all kinds. It has become more common for small- and medium-sized Japanese trading companies to run into payment problems. Importers, wholesalers and distributors without real estate assets may find it more difficult to obtain trade financing in the present environment. Banks in Japan have become less inclined to provide credit to small- and medium-sized enterprises of all types. Larger companies with excessive debt may also experience problems obtaining financing.
As a result, American companies are well advised to perform due diligence procedures and check the bona fides of their Japanese agents and/or customers. To address this need, the U.S. Commercial Service in Japan provides the International Company Profile service. For more information about this service, please visit:
www.export.gov/salesandmar....
5.Local Professional Services
CS Japan’s website features lists of business service providers in different fields who may be of assistance to U.S. exporters in Japan. Although these lists are not comprehensive, and inclusion does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. Commercial Service or by the U.S. Government, they are a useful starting point for firms that need professional services in Japan. Please click on the following links and you will be taken straight to the list of business service providers that are of interest to you:
- Accounting, Auditing, and Tax Services
- Advertising
- Business Administration Services
- Business Consulting
- Computer and Internet Services
- Distributors, Sales Agents, and Importers
- Education and Training Services
- Engineering Services
- Entertainment Services
- Hotels and Meeting Facilities
- Human Resources
- Insurance Services
- Legal Services
- Market Research
- Marketing, Public Relations, and Sales
- Patent and Trademark Law Services
- Real Estate Services
- Relocation services
- Restaurants and Catering
- Security and Personal Safety
- Telecommunications
- Trade Show and Exhibition Services
- Translation and Interpretation
- Transportation, Freight Forwarder and Storage Services
- Travel Facilitation
- Other Business Services
or visit our web site at www.buyusa.gov/japan/en/bs....
6.Web Resources
Information on investing in Japan, establishing an office, and other programs for foreign businesses:
Japanese External Trade Organization (JETRO)
Information on doing business in Japan:
American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ)
/www.accj.or.jp/accj.or.jp/content/01_home
Venture Japan: Doing Business in Japan
How to Succeed in the Japanese Market
Information on business service providers in Japan:
U.S. Commercial Service, American Embassy, Tokyo
Foreign Agricultural Service, American Embassy, Tokyo
U.S. Embassy, American Citizen Services
tokyo.usembassy.gov/e/tacs-main.html
Information on Japanese government procurement:
Office for Government Procurement Challenge System (CHANS)
Coordination Bureau
Cabinet Office
www5.cao.go.jp/access/english/chansmaine.html
E-commerce marketplaces:
Marketplace name: TWX21 (Hitachi)Products: MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Operations), etc.
www.twx-21.hitachi.ne.jp/e...
Marketplace name: SC Grainger (Japanese only)
Products: MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Operations)
www.monotaro.com/
Marketplace name: Alpha Purchase (Japanese only)
Products: MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Operations), etc.
www.alphapurchase.co.jp/ho...
U.S. exporters seeking general export information/assistance or country-specific commercial information should consult with their nearest Export Assistance Center or the U.S. Department of Commerce's Trade Information Center at (800) USA-TRADE, or go to the following website: http://www.export.gov.
To the best of our knowledge, the information contained in this report is accurate as of the date published. However, The Department of Commerce does not take responsibility for actions readers may take based on the information contained herein. Readers should always conduct their own due diligence before entering into business ventures or other commercial arrangements. The Department of Commerce can assist companies in these endeavors.
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