Wideberg Invest AB – Strategic Market Entry into China with iQubator
1. Client Background
Company: Wideberg Invest AB (Sweden)
Innovation: Proprietary ginger biscuit printing machines for personalized gifts (birthdays, weddings, promotions).
Goal: Enter China’s $6T consumer market via franchise model with minimized risk and localized operations.
2. The Challenge
Regulatory Complexity: 187+ compliance requirements under Chinese data/trade laws.
Cost Barriers: Non-competitive pricing if packaged in Sweden (+47% logistics costs).
Market Validation: Needed proof of demand beyond CIIE 2021 exhibition interest.
IP Protection: Urgent trademark registration (9–12 month lead time).
3. iQubator’s Phased Solution
Phase 1: Foundation & Validation
✅ Trademark Registration: Secured 4 critical classes:
✅ Market Testing: Leveraged CIIE 2021 to confirm demand (27+ qualified leads).
Phase 2: Localized Market Presence
Test Import: Air-shipped machines for customs registration + hygiene certification.
Omnichannel Launch:
Offline: Product display in Nordic Hub’s Shanghai showroom (550m² B2B/B2C space).
Online: Stores on WeChat/Taobao + Wildberg video channels (Youku/Tencent).
Pricing Strategy: Switched to China-sourced packaging (↓33% costs).
Phase 3: Sales Activation
HR Solution: iQubator recruited/trained local sales staff via:
Flexible Virtual Office (Shanghai address + meeting rooms).
Payroll Management: Handling social insurance + labor contracts.
Corporate Campaigns: Targeted B2B gift programs via Swedish Consulate events.
Phase 4: Subsidiary & Franchise Rollout
Legal Entity Setup: 6-month WFOE establishment with iQubator’s Business Support Office (BSO).
Franchise Pilot: Opened test shop in Shanghai to demonstrate:
Machine rental + per-print fee model.
Local assembly with Chinese subcontractors.
4. Results & Impact
| Metric | Outcome | Business Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Time-to-Market | faster vs. DIY entry | Revenue generation in Year 1 |
| Cost Savings | low operational expenses | ROI achieved in 18 months |
| IP Security | serveral trademarks secured in 11 months | Franchise model legally protected |
| Channel Growth | serveral franchisees onboarded in Phase 4 | Scalable revenue stream |
Why iQubator?
Regulatory Mastery: Navigated 40+ compliance steps for test import/WFOE.
Asset-Light Expansion: Virtual Office + BSO reduced setup costs by 62%.
End-to-End Ecosystem: From trademark classes (e.g., Class 7: Biscuit Printers) to franchisee recruitment.
→ Explore Your China Entry Strategy:
Contact iQubator