Ukraine - Using an Agent to Sell US Products and ServicesUkraine Using an Agent or Distributor
Identifying a reputable, reliable agent or distributor is vital to mitigating risk and achieving success in the Ukrainian market. In order to identify such a business partner, it is absolutely essential to conduct appropriate due diligence. Depending on your business plan, you may want to look for distributors that have nationwide capabilities, including those located in the major cities and regions of Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Lviv, and Odessa. These regions are the most densely populated and important commercial centers of Ukraine.
Depending upon your long-term interests, using an agent or distributor is an excellent way to learn about the Ukrainian market, gauge market potential, establish connections, develop a customer base, establish a foundation for future expansion into new product lines, introduce new-to-market technologies, and develop product recognition in the market. To find a qualified potential partner, the Commercial Service recommends using one of our services, such as the Gold Key Service, to conduct initial screening and meet with potential partners, agents, or representatives. Attending or participating in Ukrainian trade exhibitions is another way to identify and gauge the qualifications of prospective partners. For more details on the trade exhibitions taking place in Ukraine, please refer to the U.S. Commercial Service in Ukraine.
The Commercial Service strongly advises against covering the Ukrainian market from regional offices in Europe, particularly from Russia. Ukrainians prefer to deal directly with local agents or representatives and subsequently an on-the-ground presence is crucial to successful business development in Ukraine. In addition, your Ukrainian partner can help you explore markets beyond Ukraine. Finally, given the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, several companies have reported that commercial relationships managed by regional offices in Russia have become very politicized and that information to U.S. headquarters companies regarding the Ukrainian market may be distorted as a result.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
Depending upon your long-term interests, using an agent or distributor is an excellent way to learn about the Ukrainian market, gauge market potential, establish connections, develop a customer base, establish a foundation for future expansion into new product lines, introduce new-to-market technologies, and develop product recognition in the market. To find a qualified potential partner, the Commercial Service recommends using one of our services, such as the Gold Key Service, to conduct initial screening and meet with potential partners, agents, or representatives. Attending or participating in Ukrainian trade exhibitions is another way to identify and gauge the qualifications of prospective partners. For more details on the trade exhibitions taking place in Ukraine, please refer to the U.S. Commercial Service in Ukraine.
The Commercial Service strongly advises against covering the Ukrainian market from regional offices in Europe, particularly from Russia. Ukrainians prefer to deal directly with local agents or representatives and subsequently an on-the-ground presence is crucial to successful business development in Ukraine. In addition, your Ukrainian partner can help you explore markets beyond Ukraine. Finally, given the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, several companies have reported that commercial relationships managed by regional offices in Russia have become very politicized and that information to U.S. headquarters companies regarding the Ukrainian market may be distorted as a result.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.