Commercial due diligence for the United States

If you are going to invest in a company with international expansion plans, you want to make sure that their product or service has good chances of being successful in the countries where you have ambitions.

This of course is also important for the United States. Only with the right knowledge about demand, competition and regulations it is wise to invest in market entry.
Business people with handshake

Business opportunities in the United States

The United States, as the world’s largest economy, is a highly dynamic and competitive market. With diverse consumer preferences, a business-friendly environment, and significant purchasing power, the U.S. is a key market for international businesses. However, its size and complexity require careful planning.

Key Market Numbers

The U.S. market is vast, affluent, and offers significant opportunities across various industries. Key statistics include:

  • Population: Approximately 332 million (2023).
  • GDP per capita: Around $75,000 USD (2023), reflecting strong purchasing power.
  • Urbanization: About 83% of the population lives in urban areas, with major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago driving economic activity.
  • Economic Structure: Services dominate the economy, contributing about 77% of GDP, followed by manufacturing and agriculture.
  • Ageing Population: The U.S. population is gradually ageing, with around 17% aged 65 or older. This creates opportunities in healthcare, financial services, and senior-focused products.

Language and Documentation

The U.S. offers a relatively straightforward environment for English-speaking businesses but still requires attention to certain localization aspects.

  • Official Language: English is the primary language for business and communication. Spanish is also widely spoken, especially in states like California, Texas, and Florida.
  • Language Considerations: English is sufficient for most documentation and marketing materials. However, bilingual English-Spanish packaging can be advantageous in regions with large Hispanic populations.
  • Packaging and Documentation: U.S. regulations require clear and accurate labeling, particularly in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. Compliance with standards set by agencies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and FTC (Federal Trade Commission) is critical.

Consumer and B2B Buying Behavior

The U.S. market is characterized by consumer diversity, brand loyalty, and a strong emphasis on value.

  • Consumer Behavior: U.S. consumers prioritize convenience, quality, and price. Online retail accounts for approximately 22% of total retail sales (2023), with platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Shopify being dominant. Personalization and sustainability are growing trends.
  • B2B Buying Behavior: U.S. businesses focus on efficiency, transparency, and ROI (return on investment). Decision-making is often decentralized, requiring tailored approaches to different regions and industries.
  • Online Presence: A robust online presence is critical, with digital advertising and SEO being essential for both B2C and B2B success. Social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter play a major role in brand-building and lead generation.

Market Challenges and Opportunities

While the U.S. offers unparalleled opportunities, it also presents challenges for businesses unfamiliar with its scale and regulatory framework.

  • Products/Services that May Struggle: Products that lack a clear value proposition, fail to meet U.S. safety standards, or are not competitively priced may struggle. Localization is key for success in this highly competitive market.
  • Test Market Potential: The U.S. is an excellent test market due to its diverse population and regional variations. Success in key cities like New York or Los Angeles can be indicative of broader market potential.
  • Regulatory Environment: U.S. regulations vary by industry and state. Businesses must comply with federal, state, and local laws, particularly in sectors like food, healthcare, and finance. Hiring local legal and regulatory experts is often necessary.

Comparing performance in existing markets

If the company the we are assessing already has sales in different countries, you can determine distributor performance or sales staff performance. 

One do this by correcting the actual turnover with data about:

  • the buying power in the market;
  • the geographical reach of the distributor or sales team;
  • the competition intensity;
  • the number of years active in the market.

Combining the data of the various countries over time leads to a growth curve where overperformers and underperformers can be easily identified.

You can then do selective interviews what causes any underperformance, and you can take corrective measures.

A curve like this also helps to estimate the potential in a new market. 

Turnover growth curve
Share of wallet data comparison

Before you focus only on the United States

Please note that there are many countries in the world and the biggest ones or the ones nearby are not automatically the best choice. It all depends of the market growth, the competition and the barriers for entry. 

Therefore we would advise you to make a short-list of at least three, but preferably five potential new markets and compare them against the same criteria.