Former top US diplomat sets up store on Tmall
By Leeann Li |
September 1, 2012, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
A FORMER top United States diplomat has opened an online store on Tmall.com, China's largest online marketplace, for US companies to reach Chinese customers hungry for authentic American products.
Frank Lavin, former US undersecretary of commerce for international trade, has partnered with 14 American brands to sell their products, including backpacks, eye wears and snacks, on his online store called MeiLiKe.
Top-selling products at the store include Mack's earplugs and Sun-Maid dried raisin, which are popular in local supermarkets. Both cost just dozens of yuan, slightly higher than the price in the US.
The earplugs have attracted 150 customers and earned good reviews. "The product originated in the US! It's great," a customer commented.
The store opened early this year and is looking for more partners, according to a statement by Tmall.
Lavin said he was impressed by the huge demand in China for American products but found that it was difficult for small and medium-sized US firms to enter the market.
He therefore founded a trading company, Export Now, in 2010 to help US businesses gain access to China's consumer market by clearing barriers such as language, customs regulations and foreign-currency regulations.
Through this cooperation, US companies can introduce their products to China "at minimal cost", Lavin said.
In order to facilitate business and qualify for Tmall, he set up a team and built a warehouse in Shanghai. "We ensure that all products are imported from the US and are of good quality," Lavin said.
Frank Lavin, former US undersecretary of commerce for international trade, has partnered with 14 American brands to sell their products, including backpacks, eye wears and snacks, on his online store called MeiLiKe.
Top-selling products at the store include Mack's earplugs and Sun-Maid dried raisin, which are popular in local supermarkets. Both cost just dozens of yuan, slightly higher than the price in the US.
The earplugs have attracted 150 customers and earned good reviews. "The product originated in the US! It's great," a customer commented.
The store opened early this year and is looking for more partners, according to a statement by Tmall.
Lavin said he was impressed by the huge demand in China for American products but found that it was difficult for small and medium-sized US firms to enter the market.
He therefore founded a trading company, Export Now, in 2010 to help US businesses gain access to China's consumer market by clearing barriers such as language, customs regulations and foreign-currency regulations.
Through this cooperation, US companies can introduce their products to China "at minimal cost", Lavin said.
In order to facilitate business and qualify for Tmall, he set up a team and built a warehouse in Shanghai. "We ensure that all products are imported from the US and are of good quality," Lavin said.
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