Case 1
Client: a leading American microfinance organization operating in over 20 nations
Project: concept testing & competitive benchmark for China market entry
Our client wanted JLJ to assess and confirm the market for its micro-lending services to enter one of China’s more rural provinces. In addition to understanding the banking preferences of potential local customers, we assessed potential competitors and recommended ways for the client to differentiate their own offering.
The project was executed by conducting in-depth, face-to-face interviews with busy small business owners in the region, to understand their needs and preferences, together with an in-depth analysis of the competitive landscape and the regulatory environment.
Result: combining both qualitative and quantitative analysis, our team provided in-depth and counter-intuitive insights that helped the client tailor its China entry strategy to the local market and to differentiate itself against strong established competitors.
Case 2
Client: a large American industrial component manufacturer
Project: China market entry strategy and growth services
Our client was already successfully sourcing from China. However, they wanted to investigate whether they should also grow their business in the promising but competitive China domestic market.
JLJ first conducted a thorough market entry feasibility study, through in-depth primary and secondary market research, which suggested that there was indeed a market opportunity. JLJ then developed a comprehensive market entry strategy that included several components such as market entry plan, marketing & sales strategy, setup location analysis, and recommendations for optimal setup structure and tax optimization.
Result: The client decided to enter the China market and successfully set up their operations in China, recruited key staff, and outsourced their HR through JLJ. The company has been growing fast in the China market since, and became profitable within 2 years.
Case 3
Client: an important US government organization
Project: Series of 15 industry research reports on key emerging markets in China
To identify the best prospects for US companies exporting to China, the client selected JLJ among many companies to develop a series of market research reports for 15 key industry sectors, including several industrial-based segments in up-and-coming Tier 2 cities across China.
These reports were developed over the course of one year, and for each industry and city JLJ analyzed market opportunities & barriers, key customers, sales processes, and accessibility for American companies.
Result: The 15 reports were made available to US companies through joint-marketing programs. Some are currently being updated.
Case 4
Client: a leading US location-based services & navigation company
Project: Consumer research, feasibility study, and setup advisory for market entry
JLJ conducted extensive market research on the attitudes of Chinese consumers toward niche software applications and performed a competitive landscape analysis. In addition, JLJ executed a focused feasibility study for new technology implementation in all regions of China and provided the client with setup advisory services, explaining the various legal setup options available to them.
Result: JLJ’s findings and insight were instrumental in guiding the client’s overall market entry strategy.
Case 5
Client: a large US medical equipment manufacturer
Project: Competitive benchmarking for China market entry
JLJ assisted the client in benchmarking key players in China’s medical equipment market, focusing specifically on their sales practices and answering a series of specific questions. JLJ extracted strategic insights from this benchmark research and possible implications for the client’s own entry approach.
Result: The client incorporated JLJ’s findings into their business plan and used the strategic insights and implications identified to guide their successful market entry.
Market Consulting