Price, Bill

RUSSIA - Marketing representative for real estate and consumer products

Two years stationed in Moscow ('93 & '94) developing high-level contacts,
researching viable and profitabe business opportunities and learning
the Russian language

14 years experience in real-estate development as founder and president of
 Creative Developments, Inc.  ('93 - '79)

Russia offers huge and highly profitable opportunities for companies wanting
to extend operations in foreign markets.  Personally, I have been astounded
by the contrast in consumer product demand in Moscow as compared to
demand in the United States.

Mundane household appliances, clothing and a wide variety of consumer products
are in limited supply in Moscow relative to demand.  Two and three hour queues
of anxious customers waiting to enter shops to purchase long desired
luxuries are commonplace.
 
During the Christmas season, I returned to my home in California.  The holiday
season was wellcomed as always, but I was sad to see how the small family
owned shops were having a difficult time making ends meet.  These were
beautifully appointed stores with quality merchandise located in a paradise
setting along the Soutnern California coast.

A mediocre shop in Moscow would be generating twenty or thirty times the
sales with high profit margins and similar overhead expenses.  It is not
uncommon for a small entreprenuer to sell several 40' container loads of
products per month directly from the back of a truck!

Understanding the cultural and obvious enormous difference in business
operations in Russia, as compared to domestically, is vital.  There are some
serious obstacles and impediments to overcome to insure success in Russia.
I have witnessed many companies, large and small, fail in Russian and leave
in disgust.

Each Wednesday, for three hours, the U.S. Dept. of Commerce sponsors a
business briefing for U.S. companies to offer assistance to setting up
operations in Russia.  These meetings are well represented by
representatives of large Fortune 500 firms and small private companies.
Sadly, I must say that many only spend a few weeks in Moscow and their
stay usually amounts to little more than an expensive vacation.

The moderator is a well educated government representative and offers
sincere assistance and connections to many U.S. government agencies, yet
unfortunately this is normally of little value.  To be successful in Russia,
one MUST have WELL connected Russian partners and influential contacts!
Most U.S. agencies and their representatives in Moscow are living a
"Fish Bowl" life and, with all due respect, are not well informed about
reality.

Just as the college professor may be an excellent teacher, not all have the
ability nor desire to actually compete an succeed in the real world.  It takes
a serious commitment and hands-on experience.  For the dedicated and
persistent, the rewards are considerable.

My point of this information is that I have established a successful foundatio>nd network of contacts to minimize risks for companies wanting to enter the
Russian market.  Many sacrifices and hard work I paid to develop this
groundwork.  May I offer my services to companies needing a dedicated and
highly motivated representative in Moscow.

Personally, I feel the potential in real estate development is enormous.
Franchising is also a fantastic oportunity.  There is a huge demand for
American style retaurants.  One little mediocre Texas style Mexican food
restaurant is doing fabulously in Moscow.  Complete recovery of all
investment capital can easily be recouped in one to two years.  There is
an unbelievable shortage of family style restaurants in Moscow.

Please contact me for more information about how I may be of benefit to you.

Bill Price
Creative Developments, Inc.
3419 Via Lido
Newport Beach, CA  92663
(714) 496-1967

billcdi@deltanet.com