Business expansion into new territories is a significant decision for any organization. The decision becomes even more critical when the destination is a diverse and dynamic market like India. As a direct selling company, formulating an effective India entry strategy is vital to your success in this vibrant economy.
Understanding the Indian Market: A Huge Potential for Direct Selling Companies
With its 1.39 billion population, India is one of the most significant contributors to the global economy. It presents an attractive destination for direct selling companies owing to its fast-growing economy, increasing household income, changing consumer lifestyle, and burgeoning middle-class population.
The Indian economy is consistently evolving, meaning growth opportunities exist across multiple sectors. For instance, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India's retail market is anticipated to increase by over 60 per cent to reach over USD 2 Trillion by 2021.
The direct selling market in India holds immense potential. However, it's crucial to understand the Indian market's intricacies and complexities before moving.
India's Investment Scenario
India's investment landscape is characterized by its equity, debt, foreign exchange, and derivative markets. Businesses with capital investments through the stock market thrive in business expansions and growth. The forces of the market depend on various factors, including monsoons, global funding flowing into equities, and the performance of various companies.
In recent years, the Indian government has been proactive in supporting business sector improvement through trade liberalization, tax ratification, and an open approach towards foreign investments. With the rollout of the Union Budget, India now permits 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in single-brand retailing, further boosting growth opportunities for foreign retailers.
Challenges to Market Entry in India
Despite the promising opportunities, entering the Indian market comes with its share of challenges. The country's vast geographical and cultural diversity and complex regulatory environment can make market entry a daunting task for foreign companies.
Moreover, India's historical relationship with the rest of the world has sometimes been challenging. Though businesses worldwide are deeply enmeshed in their economy, decision-makers outside India often retain a mythologized view of the country. Therefore, companies must be prepared to navigate India's diversity and contradictions to succeed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' or 'self-reliant India' policy also presents challenges for overseas brands. This policy aims to accelerate the country's economic development by focusing on five pillars - Economy, World-class infrastructure, Technology focus, Vibrant demography, and Demand. However, it also means restricting imports of many goods manufactured in the country, which could affect foreign direct-selling companies.
Crafting a Robust India Entry Strategy
Formulating an effective India entry strategy is the first step to success in the Indian market. The process starts with an in-depth evaluation of the market opportunity. This includes understanding the dynamics of the Indian market, analysing the competition, assessing the technical barriers, and identifying the appropriate distribution channels.
The next step involves developing strategic propositions for market entry. This requires a thorough understanding of the client's short-term and long-term goals, strategic priorities, risk appetite, and industry growth curve.
Finally, a successful India entry strategy must be successfully implemented. This involves all the necessary activities to set up the client's business, from the incorporation of the Indian entity, undertaking M&A/JV activities, setting up a Greenfield facility, recruiting key executives, to identifying operational vendors.
Role of Strategy India in Your Success in the Indian Market
In the journey of Indian market entry, an experienced strategic consulting partner like Strategy India can be your guiding light. Strategy India brings years of experience and deep knowledge of the Indian market to the table, enhancing your chances of success in the Indian market.
Strategy India's consulting services cover all aspects of the India entry strategy, starting from market exploration to strategy formulation and implementation. The team of Strategy India brings fresh perspectives on strategic opportunities in India and provides innovative solutions to answer your questions about the competition, market opportunity, technical barriers, pricing, compensation plan, and distribution channels.
The company's market exploration approach involves an in-depth assessment of the market size, competition, regulatory environment, customer segments, distribution channels, and other key market factors. They offer robust market research (Primary and Secondary Research), data analysis, and threats & opportunities assessment services.
Strategy India's consulting team can help you implement market strategies by providing actionable business plans and can assist with incorporating the Indian entity, undertaking M&A/JV activities, setting up a Greenfield facility, recruiting key executives, and identifying operational vendors.
By partnering with Strategy India, direct selling companies can gain access to India's markets with reduced risks and compressed gestation times, ensuring a smooth and successful entry into the Indian market.
Conclusion
India's market holds immense potential for direct-selling companies. However, tapping into this potential requires a well-crafted India entry strategy. Understanding the Indian market, crafting a robust market entry strategy, and choosing the right strategic consulting partner are critical to ensuring your success in the Indian market. With its deep market knowledge and comprehensive services, Strategy India can be your trusted partner in your journey to the Indian direct selling -mlm market.
