Question

James Barker is the marketing manager of a firm with small international sales volume. He is looking for a middleman who can take responsibility for promotion of the company's products, credit arrangements, physical handling, and market research. Also, the middleman must be able to provide information on financial, patent, and licensing matters. In addition, the middleman should agree to work under the name of the firm. Which of the following types of middlemen would be the best choice for Mr. Barker if he wants to meet his objectives?

A. A manufacturer's export agent.
B. An export merchant.
C. A trade representative.
D. An export management company.
E. A complementary marketer.

Answer 1

An export management company (EMC) would be the best choice for James Barker's needs as they specialize in handling comprehensive export operations, including promotion, market research, and handling of financial and legal matters for international trade.

Step-by-step explanation:

James Barker, who is the marketing manager of a firm with small international sales volume, requires a middleman who can handle multiple responsibilities such as promotion, credit arrangements, physical handling, market research, as well as provide information on financial, patent, and licensing matters. Furthermore, this middleman must operate under the name of the firm. Given these requirements, the best choice for Mr. Barker would be An export management company (EMC).

EMCs are specialists in handling a wide array of export operations for firms like James Barker’s. They can operate as the export department for their client firms, providing services such as market research, overseas distribution, shipping logistics, and documentation. They also have the expertise to handle financial and legal aspects related to patents, licensing agreements, and credit arrangements for international trade, making them suitable proxies and partners for firms expanding into global markets.