Strategic Entry into the U.S. Market – Market Analysis and Entry Strategy for a Swiss SME in Professional Painting Tools

This project examines the planned market entry of a Swiss company offering premium professional painting tools into the U.S. market. It analyzes market conditions and derives a feasible and risk-aware market entry strategy to support a structured and sustainable expansion.

Alec Madea & Ahmad Soroush Rosta & Elisabeth Chau & Jiaqi Huang, 2025

Type of Thesis Projektarbeit/Praxisprojekt
Client Swiss SME in Professional Painting Tools
Supervisor Casanova, Marco
Views: 8
The U.S. market for professional painting tools is shaped by strong price sensitivity, established distribution networks, and consumption-oriented purchasing behavior. While mass-market segments are dominated by low-cost products, attractive opportunities exist in professional and decorative niches for higher-quality tools. Key challenges include differing measurement standards, varying levels of formal training among users, and a pronounced price orientation.
The analysis is based on secondary research and the application of established strategic analysis frameworks. Market structure, entry barriers, and strategic options were systematically assessed and complemented by qualitative insights from discussions with industry professionals. This combined approach enabled a differentiated understanding of U.S. market dynamics compared with the Swiss context and informed the evaluation of realistic entry scenarios.
The results indicate that a selective and phased entry into the U.S. professional market offers a robust and adaptable path forward. A focused market entry strategy is recommended, starting with direct exports from Switzerland without establishing a U.S. branch in the initial phase. Market access should be achieved through a limited number of qualified distribution partners and implemented regionally to reduce operational risk. A concentrated core product range, supported by targeted communication and training measures, can facilitate adoption among professional users. For the client, the project provides a clear strategic foundation for entering the U.S. market while preserving flexibility. By reinforcing premium positioning and selective distribution, the proposed strategy supports controlled growth and provides a basis for informed decisions on timing, resource allocation, and future expansion once market acceptance has been established.
Studyprogram: Business Administration International Management (Bachelor)
Keywords Market entry strategy, International expansion, Market Analysis
Confidentiality: vertraulich
Type of Thesis
Projektarbeit/Praxisprojekt
Client
Swiss SME in Professional Painting Tools, Näfels
Authors
Alec Madea & Ahmad Soroush Rosta & Elisabeth Chau & Jiaqi Huang
Supervisor
Casanova, Marco
Publication Year
2025
Thesis Language
English
Confidentiality
Confidential
Studyprogram
Business Administration International Management (Bachelor)
Location
Olten
Keywords
Market entry strategy, International expansion, Market Analysis