对话小熊电器海外事业部市场负责人钟宛芸：小家电品牌出海，如何用差异化对抗同质化和价格战？

Core Viewpoint - The "going abroad" strategy has become a new growth avenue for many Chinese home appliance brands, particularly in the small appliance sector, which is characterized by shorter R&D cycles and closer alignment with daily life scenarios [28][29]. Group 1: Opportunities and Challenges in Overseas Markets - Small appliance brands face significant challenges when entering overseas markets, including competition from local brands with supply chain advantages and established international giants [33][34]. - The shift in family structures in markets like Vietnam presents opportunities for small appliances, such as the demand for smaller rice cookers due to the transition from multi-generational households to smaller family units [34][36]. - The use of social media platforms like TikTok, which has 60 million daily active users in Vietnam, is crucial for marketing small appliances effectively [36][38]. Group 2: Differentiation Strategies - Companies must focus on product differentiation by understanding local consumer habits and preferences, leading to tailored product offerings [34][38]. - Small Bear Electric has successfully introduced a small-capacity rice cooker in Vietnam, addressing the needs of younger families [34][36]. - The company has also innovated in product materials and features based on local lifestyle needs, which has helped it gain market share in a competitive environment [38][40]. Group 3: Marketing and Sales Channels - The company employs a flexible distribution model, often using a dealer tray approach to adapt to local market conditions [40]. - Initially focusing on offline sales, the company shifted to online marketing strategies after recognizing the challenges of the local offline market [40][41]. - The company tracks market share as a key performance indicator, aiming for significant results rather than immediate profits [41][42]. Group 4: Product Development and Market Research - Before launching new products, the company conducts thorough market data analysis, utilizing third-party research and sales data to inform product development [41][42]. - Local teams, including country managers and local employees, are engaged in the product development process to ensure alignment with market needs [42][44]. - A successful example of product differentiation is the slow cooker, which caters to local dietary preferences and has achieved significant sales in Vietnam [44][45]. Group 5: Future Market Potential - Emerging markets such as Southeast Asia present high potential for categories like baby products, driven by population growth [50]. - Companies are encouraged to define their strategic goals clearly before entering new markets, which will influence resource allocation and organizational structure [50][51]. - The competitive landscape in developing countries necessitates a focus on brand differentiation and quality rather than competing solely on price [51].