Mr. Wei's journey in the lubricant sales industry began over two decades ago. Starting as a humble salesman, he swiftly climbed the ranks to become a prominent figure in the industry, eventually founding his own company.
"I've always had a passion for automobiles and the intricacies of engine maintenance," Mr. Wei reminisced. "That's what initially drew me to the lubricant business."
However, it wasn't until a pivotal moment that Mr. Wei decided to focus on European brands. His previous company had been representing an American brand of engine oil, but the escalating tensions between the US and China during the trade war prompted him to seek alternatives.
"It was a combination of factors," Mr. Wei explained. "The trade war made it increasingly difficult to continue with the American brand, and I saw an opportunity to explore European brands that were yet to make their mark in China."
Through a stroke of luck and the recommendation of a friend, Mr. Wei connected with the responsible person of a European brand and successfully secured a exclusively agreement.
"We hit it off right away," Mr. Wei said with a smile. "Their commitment to quality and innovation resonated with me, and I knew it was the right fit for my company."
Currently, Mr. Wei's company specializes in selling a variety of lubricant products, including full synthetic motor oils and automatic transmission oils. Their annual sales volume exceeds 250,000 liters, with distribution primarily through city-level agents and retailers.
Despite their success, Mr. Wei faced a recurring challenge with the packaging of the 1-liter lubricant bottles. Leakage during transportation in mainland China was a persistent issue, attributed to rough handling during shipping and inadequate sealing of bottle caps.
"We tried to address the problem with the manufacturer multiple times, but to no avail," Mr. Wei recounted. "It reached a point where we had to assign personnel to manually tighten bottle caps with each import shipment, which was both time-consuming and labor-intensive."
In light of these challenges, Mr. Wei is actively seeking new brand partnerships. His criteria are clear: a European brand yet to enter the Chinese market, offering the opportunity for exclusive distribution.
"We're determined to provide our customers with the highest quality products and services," Mr. Wei affirmed. "Finding a new brand partner that shares our values is essential for our continued success."
As Mr. Wei's journey in the lubricant industry continues, his unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs across the globe.