Market Entry Strategy
U.S. companies must visit the Indonesian market in order to properly choose an appropriate agent or distributor from Indonesia’s vibrant and experienced international business sector. Appointment of a representative requires care, since it is difficult to terminate a bad relationship. Qualified representatives will not take U.S. principals seriously unless they make a commitment to visiting the market on a regular basis. Patience, persistence and presence are three key factors for success in Indonesia.
Important factors affecting purchasing decisions in Indonesia are pricing, financing, technical skills, and after-sales service. Firms should be prepared to invest in training for their local staff, from entry-level personnel to experienced managers.
Indonesian non-financial firms often depend on trade financing with nearly 50% of their financing obtained from abroad via loans, bonds, and other credit. U.S. Ex-Im Bank1, OPIC, and SBA are all suitable providers of export-related trade financing for local projects.
Although it is possible for U.S. companies to sell directly to the government and state-owned companies, local agents or distributors are often critical (and at times, required by law) for successful project development and delivery of products or services. Many government tenders are awarded based on the proven track record of providers or long-established relationships between the government agency and an agent or distributor.