DETAILS OF SERVICES FOR U.S. COMPANIES:
Market Information
Country Commercial Guide
The U.S. Commercial Service in France prepares a yearly report on France to give businesses a comprehensive understanding of the social, political, economic, industrial, and business climates.
Market Research Briefs
The U.S. Commercial Service has briefs covering all the major markets in France that may be of interest to U.S. firms.
Industry Sector Analyses
Flexible Market Research
COMPETITION:
Identification of competitive (both local and other foreign)
technologies, products or services, and suppliers/producers of a
given product or service in the market.
DELIVERY: To be determined by Post and U.S. client
COST: http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf.
Complete estimate provided in Scope of Work.
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
CONTACT LISTS:
Product-specific list of companies that could serve as potential
agents/distributors. This service consists of two options:
- "NON-VERIFIED CONTACT LIST" selected from local databases to include company name, address, phone, fax, contact name, title and principal activity.
- "VERIFIED CONTACT LISTS" via telephone campaign will provide the specific contact name, company address and specific sub-sector activity of interest to the U.S. client.
DELIVERY: To be determined by Post and U.S. client
COST: http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
MARKET ENTRY ISSUES:
Information on duties, taxes, quotas, non-tariff barriers and
local trade regulations that may affect the marketing of a
specific product or service.
DELIVERY: To be determined by Post and U.S. client
COST: http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
MARKET SIZE:
Information on market size/demand for a particular product or
service
DELIVERY: To be determined by Post and U.S. client
COST: http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
MARKET TRENDS:
Evaluation of market potential for a particular product or
service based upon general market trends, industry sources, and
import statistics. The reports include expected significant
developments likely to have an impact on market prospects, such
as major new investments or projects, government programs, policy
changes, new legislation, etc.
DELIVERY: To be determined by Post and U.S. client
COST: http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
REGULATORY ISSUES:
Information on the general regulatory environment and legislation
governing the marketing of products or services in a given
sector.
DELIVERY: To be determined by Post and U.S. client
COST:http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
SALES CHANNELS:
Identification of usual sales channels for marketing a specific
product or service in a given market
DELIVERY: To be determined by Post and U.S. client
COST:http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
STANDARDS / PRODUCTS REGISTRATIONS:
Information on standards and required registration procedures as
they pertain to a particular product or service.
DELIVERY: To be determined by Post and U.S. client
COST:http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf
For more information, send email toParis.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
Commercial Partner Searches
International Partner Search (IPS)
The International Partner Search (IPS) assists U.S. firms in
obtaining interested and qualified overseas representatives,
agents, or distributors for their services or products. The IPS
promotes U.S. exports by helping U.S. firms gain effective
representation abroad. In each target market, the post conducts a
personalized search to select the most promising prospects for
the U.S. firm. The post initially screens the possible agents,
distributors, joint venture partners, manufacturer's
representatives, franchisees, or licensees, then directly
contacts the top prospects to review the U.S. firm's product line
and marketing objectives. A typical IPS report identifies up to
five qualified, reputable and interested prospects. The report
gives each prospect's: name, addresses; including e-mail and Web
site contacts of prospective overseas representatives - name and
title of the key contact at each overseas company; ·-
telephone/fax/email numbers for each overseas contact - each
prospect's opinion on the market for the client's product or
service and the projected success of an agreement - licensing
arrangement or joint venture - preferred language for
correspondence - in-country sector specialist's opinion on the
contact(s) level of interest and suitability; · as requested by
the U.S. client - other marketing information, such as size or
number of years in business, for each
DELIVERY*: 6 months to a year, defined with the U.S.
Client.
COST: http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf
*NOTE: If Commercial Service France determines that it will not be able to complete the IPS in 30 working days or less , it will notify the respective domestic office and propose an alternative solution at no additional fee.These additional services will consist of initiating, organizing and participating in follow-up phone conference meetings with the U.S. company, the selected prospective partners and CS France. We will ask the USEAC to let us know if this is something that is acceptable to the U.S. client.
The full program of the service provided would be as follows:
- Study of information in order to understand client product/technology and objectives.
- Phone or video-conference session with client and USEAC Trade Specialist (Q&As with client to answer questions and obtain more detailed information) (2-3 days after receipt of IPS request).
- Work on targeting effort to determine potential in French market (identify experts, multipliers, search databases, and other sources of information)
- Call or meet experts or contacts to seek information, exchange ideas and develop partner search strategy.
- Write an introductory letter containing information on company, products and objectives.
- Phone/mail/fax information to prospects.
- Send complete set of documentation to prospects having expressed interest.
- Follow-up with those that have the most interesting profiles but may not have responded.
- Follow-up and interview with those that asked for documentation.
- Phone conference to provide intermediary report to client (3 weeks).
- Writing, approval and sending of Final IPS report (5 weeks).
- Phone or video-conference debriefing with client with the participation of USEAC Trade Specialist (2-3 days after final report delivery) Follow-up phone conference meetings.
- Organization and initiation of three-party phone conference meeting among U.S. Client / best French prospects / post trade specialist (this phase should take place less than a week after debriefing to client on IPS final report).(6 weeks).
- Phone or video-conference final debriefing with client and
USEAC Trade Specialist to discuss pending results, follow-up,
actual visit to Europe, and otherwise...(7 weeks) Delivery time:
5 weeks from date of receiving complete request including
documentation + one/two weeks for phone meetings and
close-up.
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov or fill out the following IPS pre-registration
Gold Key Matching Service (GKS)
GOLD KEY MATCHING SERVICE:
A bilingual CS France Trade Specialist will identify and contact
qualified French prospects, potential agents, distributors or
other partners. Commercial Service France will schedule
appointments and accompany client to appointments in the Paris
area ( on an as needed basis). Client will bear
transportation costs to the company sites. For time and cost
efficiency, appointments with prospect companies located outside
of Paris or Commercial Service France locations might be
scheduled in the offices of CS Paris. The Embassy can also assist
in making hotel reservations. The Gold Key Service provides four
meetings per day.
DELIVERY: 7-9 weeks advance scheduling required. 35-45 business
days.
COST: http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov or
fill out the following Gold Key pre-registration
SHORT TURN-AROUND TIME GOLD KEY MATCHING
SERVICE:
Scheduling of no more than two appointments in 48-hour
turn-around time with already identified organization
COST:http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf
DELIVERY: 15 days for one company, upon post availability -
variable for multiple companies at the same time.
COST:http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
FOLLOW-UP CONTACT STATUS REPORT SERVICE:
With each and every French firm that has been identified in a
search for partners in connection with an IPS, Gold Key Service
or U.S. Pavilion at trade event organized/managed by a CS office:
- Written status report on the results of the follow-up with
recommendations on the next steps to take in developing or
concluding an agreement with a partner in the market.
DELIVERY: 15 days for one company, upon post availability -
variable for multiple companies at the same time.
COST: http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
Follow-ip Meetings Scheduling
Face to face or virtual meetings between already identified
parties and with the assistance of post industry specialist
DELIVERY: 15 days.
COST:http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf
Credit card payment or check payable to Department of Commerce in
USD only.
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
Video Gold Key Matching Service
Available at CS Paris, the Video Gold Key is intended to provide
clients an opportunity to conduct initial interviews with
prospective business partners prior to visiting a country, to
obtain feedback regarding the market for their product, and as a
result, to use their time in-country more efficiently and
effectively. The Video Gold Key is not normally intended to
substitute for a country visit, although there have been cases
where a company made significant strides toward closing a deal
and even made sales prior to visiting as a result of a Video Gold
Key. The Video Gold Key is implemented exactly like a regular
Gold Key, with the exception that the in-country portion is
conducted as a videoconference. Posts will endeavor to provide 4
high quality appointments according to the profile provided by
the U.S. client. Videoconference appointments will be scheduled
at the convenience of all parties, and they need not all be on
the same day. Each appointment will be for one hour unless
otherwise requested by the client. In the event of a "no-show" on
the foreign side, at least one attempt will be made to reschedule
the meeting. The name Video Gold Key takes advantage of
identification with our best known and most successful brand, the
Gold Key. The term already has been in widespread use to describe
pilot efforts. For anyone familiar with our Gold Key, the name is
almost self-descriptive and therefore easier to immediately grasp
and to explain to clients.
DELIVERY: 5 weeks upon receipt of product literature and
payment.
COST: Research & preparation per video appointment
Clients will be requested to pre-pay for 4 video appointments. In
the event that fewer appointments are arranged or take place, the
client will have credit for one or more follow-up
videoconferences. For example, if only three hours of line-time
are used, the client will have credit for an additional one-hour
follow-up meeting. http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
Platinium Key Service (PKS)
Customized support services on a range of issues in which the
U.S. client needs long-term sustained assistance. CS France will
work in close coordination with the USEAC and the U.S. client to
identify specific requirements, which will constitute the "scope
of work" for the services provided, and establish a timeframe for
completion of the services. The services may be composed of a
combination of CS services as well as outsourced services
(advertising campaign, trade show, acquisition of market research
available on the market, etc throughout a period of 6 months to a
year (or more).
DELIVERY: 6 months to a year upon specifications defined with the
U.S. client
COST: http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf
Variable upon scope of work.
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
PKS FOR EXTENSIVE FRANCHISE PARTNER SEARCH:
The Commercial Service will provide customized service via an
extensive promotional campaign to locate potential Master
Franchisees. This service is customized to the franchise sector,
to effectively identify the appropriate potential candidates for
a master franchise. It combines a direct mailing and advertising
campaign to professional magazines (franchising magazines,
industry sector magazines, and business/economic magazines).
Research: 3 months research (includes mailings to industry sector
companies, other related sectors, Embassy contacts and
multipliers). The Commercial Service will counsel clients on the
most appropriate press media to use. Prices of ads vary depending
on the press medium, its notoriety and circulation.
DELIVERY: 7-9 weeks advance scheduling required.
COST: Package for three industry sectors - http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf
For more information, send email to e-mail: Rose.Marie.Faria@mail.doc.gov
Promotion
Franchise Yearly Promotion Service
The Commercial Service will promote a specific franchise concept
all year long using its contacts with the press, local
multipliers, any inquiries from potential Master Franchisees and
The Commercial Service Paris Web site. The Commercial Service
will provide the client with any leads received and will forward
any press articles published. Ultimately, the Commercial Service
will act as a PR firm for the client.
DELIVERY: Set up 4- 5 weeks upon receipt of order or
payment.
COST: http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
Single Company Promotion
Organization of promotional events to launch U.S. products/services in the French market. This could include conferences, seminars, press conferences, lunches, cocktail receptions, and dinners, organized at elegant and prestigious U.S. Embassy facilities.
DELIVERY: To be detremined by Post and U.S. Client.
COSTS Indicative): - Turn key cocktail reception at the Embassy for 100 guests, including invitation, response follow-up, guest list, catering, flower decoration - Turn key lunch or dinner reception at the Embassy for 50 guests, including invitation, response follow-up, guest list, catering, flower decoration - Turn key breakfast presentation for 20 business contacts in a nice hotel, including invitation, response follow-up, hotel catering expenses.
Will be quoted upon application.
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
Customized Mailing Service to Launch a U.S. product/service
A promotional mailing would be made on Embassy/Commercial Service
letterhead to announce the introduction to the local market by a
local distributor and/or U.S. company of a new American product
or service. The mailing would contain a presentation of the
products, prices and the address of the French distributor. This
could also be combined with the "Single Company Promotion"
organized on Embassy/Consulate premises.
DELIVERY: 4- 5 weeks.
COST: Variable according to extent and nature of mailing.
http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
Business Service Provider - CS France Web Site Company Promotion
Dedicated space for 12 months on CS France's web site where U.S.
Small-to-Medium-Sized Entreprises (SMEs) can promote their
products and services. Options include: - Company Name - Logo -
Brief description of your company - Brief decription of the
services offered - Contact Person - Link to an E-mail address and
web-site -. Cost $ 300 . For additional fee of $ 150 you can be
listed under a specific industry on our sector pages if you have
a specialization.
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
Dedicated space for 12 months on CS France's web site for U.S.
businesses providing export related services(e.g. freight
forwarders, export financing sources, etc). Options include: -
Company Name - Logo - Brief description of your company - Brief
decription of the services offered - Contact Person - Link to an
E-mail address and web-site -. Cost $ 300. For additional fee of
$ 150 you can be listed under a specific industry on our sector
pages if you have a specialization.
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
Miscellaneous
Customized Logistical Services (CLS)
Customized preparation and execution of logistics and related support (except those that fall under Single Company Promotions/hospitality functions), such as support to U.S. Pavilion organizers at trade shows, to include lounge management and sponsorship management. The CLS also includes specialized programs provided upon request to the Pavilion organizer, such as official delegation visit management, recruitment and hiring of non-Commercial Service personnel to work with the U.S. industry participants, and provision of technical support to exhibitors on behalf of the U.S. Pavilion organizer. Other requests for customized logistical support will also be considered by Post, upon request by the client.
Delivery: 2 weeks
COST: http://www.export.gov/static/user_fees_new.pdf Complete
estimate provided in a scope of work. Delivery to be determined
by Post and U.S. client.
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
Credit Information Service for French Company (CISFC)
Search made through local credit information database
provider.
$ 200 per company credit information and USD40 per company credit
information when attached to other CS France services such as
Gold Key, International Partner search, matchmaker, etc.
DELIVERY: 2-3 days
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
Export Control Counseling
Expert advice and information available on export license
regulations, requirements and procedures as well as assistance in
expediting issuance of licenses in bona-fide emergencies.
DELIVERY: 2-3 days
COST: None
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
Commercial News USA
Commercial News USA (CNUSA) is an official publication of the
United States Department of Commerce. CNUSA is an American Export
catalog-magazine that promotes U.S. products and services to more
than 150 countries:
DELIVERY: Monthly
For more information, send email to Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
http://www.export.gov/cnusa/
Documents to Order
The U. S. Department of Commerce disclaims any and all liability that may result from any temporary disruption of service or inability to access a U.S. Commercial Service web site. The U.S. Commercial Service will endeavor to restore service and correct such problems as soon as practicable. Anyone contemplating entering into a business relationship or making decisions based on the content of this web site should perform independent due diligence before making a final decision.