Uk 2 Us

**10 Pence Short** · 04-28-2002, 02:58 PM

I have been offered the opportunity to spearhead our British company into supplying Optical outlets with our dispensing products in the U.S.

To be honest I don't know how you guys operate when it comes to buying equipment, or how you are approached to buy stuff by other companies? I have been told in the past that companies are not allowed to 'cold call' prospects over the phone, for example.

Would appreciate any comments on experiences you've all had in buying equipment for your businesses, and how you found out about the products in the first place.

Anything to escape England... (only joking, honest)

Cheers.

**John R** · 04-29-2002, 12:50 AM

Moved to Gen forum for a better view..

JohnR

**Joann Raytar** · 04-29-2002, 06:56 AM

10 Pence Short,

What type of equipment are you selling?

You could place ads in our trade magazines. Attending trade shows like Vision Expo is a must. Post your info to the Optical Marketplace forum here on OptiBoard. If it is supplies you are selling, you could partner with wholesale labs so they can distribute your product. Grobet and Hilco do this. Then the lab would just send out your catalogue to their accounts and post your products in their own price guides.

**Pete Hanlin** · 04-29-2002, 08:49 AM

I have been told in the past that companies are not allowed to 'cold call' prospects over the phone, for example.
Boy, if that's true I wish someone would tell the reps that drop in on me all the time! If anything, you can probably get away with more aggressive sales tactics here in the States (after all, we don't have the same sense of "properness" that you more refined Brits have).

To what part of the States would you be moving?

**10 Pence Short** · 04-29-2002, 02:22 PM

Pete,

At the moment it's an opportunity that's rattling around the empty spaces in my head not filled by my brain.

I haven't considered exactly where I'd start- I think somewhere on the West Coast would seem 'closest' to home.

I don't wish to get into specifics about our product at the moment, suffice to say it is computerized dispensing equipment that we have sold succesfully to independents and multiples in the UK.

The opportunity this may offer for my company and, of course, myself is huge but god it's gonna take some considering!

**Pete Hanlin** · 04-29-2002, 04:26 PM

I think somewhere on the West Coast would seem 'closest' to home.
Actually, the East Coast would be closest to home (both geographically and demographically- Californians are, well, Californians!).

Good luck with whatever you decide!

**MVEYES** · 04-29-2002, 06:31 PM

You should premiere your product at the National Trade and Education conferences for Ophthalmology, Optometry and Opticianry. The investment certainly would get you the exposure you need and the attendees are in a buying mood.

:cheers: Jerry

**Maria** · 05-04-2002, 04:52 PM

Is it magic mirrors? Cos they already have them. Failing that, if it could be in ANY way used to enable someone to work from home, put me down for one. ;)

**10 Pence Short** · 05-04-2002, 07:47 PM

Maria,

What makes you say 'magic mirrors'? (and what are they?)

**John R** · 05-05-2002, 12:47 AM

10 Pence Short said:
Maria,

What makes you say 'magic mirrors'? (and what are they?)

Magic mirrors is a camera, a monitor and some software which allows you to show the customer what they look like with their new ?? frames on..
Works great with them who cant see without their spexs...

**10 Pence Short** · 05-05-2002, 07:35 PM

John,

Was playing dum (it comes natural to me). I asked because we supply a UK multiple who call this product 'Magic Mirror' and it seemed a coincidence that IOC called it the very same thing!

Trust me it really does work.