Even the best products are open to failure if they are unable to reach their target markets in an efficient and timely manner. Knowing how to deliver your product to your customer is critical to the success of your business. The structure of the Japanese market can often be complex and confusing--frustrating to say the least-- with its distribution systems a maze-like network of channels and detours, hoops and hurdles that must be jumped through and over in order to get your products to market.

The skin care industry alone must have a distribution network that includes convenience stores, supermarkets, drug stores, department stores, franchised chain stores--such as the Shiseido group of stores--and even sports clubs and bath houses. Add to this the newly developed and fast growing online channels and you have a potential distribution nightmare. As a result, it is critical to be well informed, well represented and well organized when dealing with the distribution process in Japan.

Knowing how to deliver your products to your customers in an efficient and timely manner is critical to your business success in Japan's competitive markets.