What is the typical make up of Plitt International's client base?
Manufacturing
Manufacturing companies of all sizes and product category approach Plitt International for help in international sourcing and more specifically, our expertise with China. Firms can be located anywhere in the United States, but local manufacturers can be more highly serviced. We work with all levels of personnel at manufacturing firms. Initial contacts are commonly made at the corporate management level (President, CEO, CFO, COO, General Manager). Project details are carried out or provided by middle management (Purchasing managers, Production managers, Project engineers). International purchases through Plitt typically start at $10,000 per year per part number.
Common threads of manufacturing firms we serve:

• Little or no direct international sourcing experience
• An unpleasant international sourcing experience
• Firm is feeling heavy competitive pressure from domestic competition
• Firm is open to new ways of thinking
• Desirous of gaining expertise in international trade
• Have staff open to international sourcing
• Firm is looking to lower costs
• Streamlining of sourcing is a priority
• Manufacturer often has a high level of anxiety regarding international trade
  

Retail
Plitt has worked with retail establishments of small and mid size, and of varying product categories. Retailers can be located anywhere in the United States. Location seems to be of little concern to retail clients. Buying behavior is typically scheduled, but with ever changing product styles and of varying quantities. One time orders are common. We work with all levels of personnel in retail, with midlevel personnel making the primary buying decisions. Initial contacts, as in manufacturing, are almost always made at the corporate management level (President, CEO, CFO, COO, General Manager). Project details are carried out or provided by middle management (Purchasing managers). International purchases through Plitt start at $5,000 per year per product type. Common threads of retailers we serve:

• Little or no direct international sourcing experience
• Firm is feeling heavy competitive pressure from domestic competition
• Firm is open to new ways of thinking
• Desirous of expertise in international trade
• Have staff open to international sourcing
• Privately held company
• Firm is looking to lower costs
• Streamlining of sourcing is a priority

Wholesale
Wholesalers of small and mid size, and of varying product categories (snow boarding boots, precision forgings, engine accessories, baby garments, etc.) have been a successful and growing business segment for Plitt. Wholesalers can be located anywhere in the United States. Location seems to be of little concern to these clients. Buying behavior is typically scheduled, with seasonal product runs, but of varying quantities. One time, annual, orders are common. We work with all levels of personnel in wholesale, with high level personnel making the primary buying decisions. Again, initial contacts are made at the corporate management level (President, CEO, CFO, COO, General Manager). Project details are carried out or provided by middle management (Purchasing managers, Designers, Project engineers). International purchases through Plitt typically start at $25,000 per year. Common threads of wholesalers we serve:

• Little or no direct international sourcing experience
• Firm is feeling heavy competitive pressure from domestic competition
• Firm is open to new ways of thinking
• Desirous of expertise in international trade
• Have staff open to international sourcing
• Privately held company
• Firm is looking to lower costs
• Streamlining of sourcing is a priority
  

Not-for-Profit
Large not-for-profit organizations have been excellent clients for Plitt International. Often large promotional campaigns are conducted and Plitt is asked to be the resource for the promotional items. Not-for-profits can be located anywhere in the United States. Buying behavior is sometimes scheduled, but more often than not, coincides with a marketing push. Seasonal product runs are not uncommon and quantities vary with funding levels. One time, annual orders are common. A high level of flexibility is needed and Plitt International is able to fit that need. We work with all levels of personnel. Lower level personnel gather product details, and final buying decisions are often made by committee. Initial contacts are made at all levels of the organization. International purchases through Plitt commonly start at $50,000 per year. Common threads of non profit organizations we serve:

• No international sourcing experience
• Organization is looking for high perceived value in items sourced
• Firm is open to new ways of thinking
• Desirous of expertise in international trade
• Have staff open to international sourcing
• Low cost is the driving attribute

Entrepreneurial Ventures
Entrepreneurial ventures and business start-ups are the most fun to work with and develop into very loyal clients. We have sourced fishing lures, crafts, electronics, office furniture, metal fabricated items, luggage, and machined parts for these firms. These firms can be manufacturing, retail, or wholesale. Plitt's sourcing ability is highly valued and we have profound impact on the success of these clients. Firms can be located anywhere in the United States. Buying behavior is typically unscheduled and with varying quantities. Small orders are often a challenge. One-time orders are common. We typically work with the business owner or founder. International purchases through Plitt start at $10,000 per year. Common threads of entrepreneurial firms we serve:

• Little or no international sourcing experience
• Firm is open to new ways of thinking
• Desirous of local expertise in international trade
• Are not engaged in machine manufacturing
• Expect to see a representative of PI during the project start-up
• Expectant of participation in strategic planning of the sourced product
• Have staff open to international sourcing
• Privately held company
• Firm is looking to lower costs