Author: Iwan Gisler
Thanks to the web, buying and selling services and products from all over the world is very easy. On the one hand, a Swiss construction company can reach more potential customers for their products only a mouse click away. On the other hand, customers can easily compare their needs through the internet and decide on the best offer – unfortunately in many cases the cheaper one! That „Swiss made“ services and products are more expensive than maybe the same products in Portugal is obvious, but do these products and services really have the same value?
The question every Swiss company has to answer is how to sell their services more successfully than the competitors abroad, despite the higher price. In my opinion there’s two ways. Either you buy semi-finished products from countries, where the production of those products is cheaper because of lower wages and taxes or because the raw material is not available – and assemble it in Switzerland. But is it than still „Swiss made“? This discussion was already held in Switzerland as you can read on the following link. Or secondly, the entire supplier and production chain is kept in Switzerland. This adds value for the GDP (gross domestic product) and is of course really „Swiss made“, with of course the higher production costs.
I know that this question is dependent on the business. Switzerland is famous for their watches and chocolate for example… Although we haven’t any mineral resources as steel, gold, silver diamonds and so on – but the artcraft is vital which has been delivered since ages. And for sure the Swiss chocolate is not loved worldwide because we have the best cacao plant cultivation but Swiss know how to process all the components and make the best out of it. Therefore Swiss companies can refine their products and services with the right ingredients and adjustments. Read more about the most successful Swiss companies.
Switzerland is, compared to its size and economic power, the country with the most „Hidden Champions“. Ultimately, Swiss companies shouldn’t adjust their services to international price structures. Quality and service excellence is the only valuable asset for Swiss entrepreneurs; this must be defended and always improved for a successful live on in an international competitive environment.