Solo Products, Inc now distributing Buckhorn reusable plastic containers out of Ireland and across Europe.
Over the years, Solo has done modest business internationally due to the often-impending loom of foreign shipping obstacles within a small business, and the time investment necessary for a seamless transaction. However, they have selectively been increasing their international presence over the past 5 years or so. This seems to be a common caveat of small businesses with exponential growth opportunities: Where and when is the ROI of time and expenses? When is the right time to expand your market? Questions like these seemed to yield a new plan within the organization: Solo Products Founder, Steve Kunkemoeller reeled in new team players with corporate experience, establishing newly defined roles, and enabling new revenue streams to include expanding sales beyond the States.
When the request for Buckhorn reusable plastic containers was voiced out of Ireland, Solo’s new Project Manager, Amy Devine, assessed slating this potential relationship to her plate. After evaluating the business need of Irish Box Company, she learned that they are a similar outfit as Solo Products – specializing in reusable plastic containers servicing similar industries – but lacking any Buckhorn representation. Next was discussing terms, sales projections, and objectives with company founder and president, Dave Hampson, and the foundation was built. Solo now has a fully equipped resale distributor to handle their Buckhorn reusable plastic container sales across Europe.
No one was actively managing any sustainable distribution outlets overseas within Solo, so I saw this as a potential opportunity for both parties. What is their (Irish Box Co’s) purchasing objective here? I viewed it as a new project. Invest some time getting to know Dave and his business, review potential cost and time analysis, set expectations and targets, and get the ball rolling. It’s been wonderful working with him, and I’m looking forward to what’s in store next for all of us.”
– Amy Devine, Solo Products Project Manager
The time and interest invested paid off – Mr. Hampson was indeed interested in securing a sustainable position as a distributor for Solo’s Buckhorn line of reusable plastic totes, FDA-approved food and agricultural trays, collapsible bulk box containers, plastic pallets and intermediate bulk containers for liquid storage and transport – all in Europe with an open-ended growth possibility in terms of their customer base as well as regional reach. Multiple impressive orders later for Irish Box customers, and this 1-year old partnership is deemed to see a long and prosperous future.
Offering a second to none customer experience in the RTP market and having over 30 years’ experience in supplying the best product at the best price for the best solution to a problem, we at Irish Box Co were looking for an American supplier that could offer us American made products specific to European customers who have factories that rely on American standard RTP. We started discussions with Solo Products a year ago and placed our first order in April 2019. From start to finish Solo Products offered a very professional experience from information flow on our order and from a product knowledge point of view. Every question was answered very quickly, and it seemed that there was no time difference at all between our respective markets. The service they offer is the same standard we offer to our clients, and we cannot wait to build our business and brand with theirs as we move forward.
– Dave Hampson, Owner of Irish Box Company
Offering a second to none customer experience in the RTP market and having over 30 years’ experience in supplying the best product at the best price for the best solution to a problem, we at Irish Box Co were looking for an American supplier that could offer us American made products specific to European customers who have factories that rely on American standard RTP. We started discussions with Solo Products a year ago and placed our first order in April 2019. From start to finish Solo Products offered a very professional experience from information flow on our order and from a product knowledge point of view. Every question was answered very quickly, and it seemed that there was no time difference at all between our respective markets. The service they offer is the same standard we offer to our clients, and we cannot wait to build our business and brand with theirs as we move forward.