Identifies common practices used in selling in this market, including sales material that needs to be in the local language.
Due to strong commercial ties between the United States and TT, business strategies used in North America usually have success in TT. Comprehensive marketing campaigns, involving brand launches, advertising through traditional media and social media, and seasonal brand promotions linked to local festivities are well received.
Trade Promotion and Advertising
A prevalence of U.S. brands and media results in the widespread use of American advertising techniques, but companies are advised to work closely with local partners to factor in local differences. The Advertisements Regulation Act governs advertising in TT. The industry is also regulated by the Advertising Agencies Association of TT and the Advertising Standards Authority. Advertising of professional services, such as those of doctors and lawyers, is generally not allowed. The Tobacco Control Act prohibits tobacco advertising and sponsorship.
The Single Company Promotion (SCP), a U.S. Commercial Service program, is designed to help promote a U.S. company or local partner’s existing presence in an overseas market. The SCP provides an opportunity to promote products or services and facilitate networking opportunities. It can be customized and can take the form of events, such as business roundtables, seminars, or receptions. For single company promotion services, please contact your nearest U.S. Export Assistance Center.
The premiere trade show is the TT Manufacturers’ Association’s Trade and Investment Convention at https://ttma.com/tic/. There are other, annual sector-specific events. Radio, print (mostly newspapers), television outlets, and outdoor signage are widely used for advertising. Widespread viewing of U.S.-origin entertainment via cable television raises demand for U.S. products. Given TT’s size, word of mouth also serves as an important advertising medium. Social media, especially Facebook, has quickly become the network of choice for advertisers. LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter are also increasingly popular.
Newspapers
TT Guardian (Guardian Media Limited)
22 - 24 St. Vincent St., Port of Spain; P.O. Box 122
Tel: (868) 623-8870/9; Fax: (868) 625-7211 (news), 623-2050 (advertising)
Trinidad Express (Caribbean Communications Network)
35 & 37 Independence Square, Port of Spain
Tel: (868) 623-1711/8; Fax: (868) 627-1451
Daily News Limited
17-19 Pembroke Street, Port of Spain
Tel: (868) 623-4929-31; Fax: (868) 625-8362
Email: newsday@newsday.co.tt
Television Stations
CCN-TV6
35 Independence Square, Port of Spain
Tel: (868) 627-8806; Fax: (868) 623-0785
Email: sales@tv6tnt.com
TTT
11a Maraval Road, Port of Spain
Tel: (868) 622-4141
Email: info@ttt.co.tt
Cable News Channel 3 (CNC3)
Level 4, Guardian Building
22-24 St. Vincent Street, Port of Spain
Tel: (868) 627-5996 Ext. 5920; Fax: 8(68) 627-1109
Cable
DirecTV Trinidad Limited
31 Mulchan Seuchan Road, Chaguanas
Tel: (868) 223-4688
Website: http://www.directvcaribbean.com/tt
Amplia Communications
81A El Socorro Extension Road, San Juan
Tel: (868) 609-2667
Website: www.amplia.co.tt
Columbus Communications (Flow)
Duke Street, Port of Spain
Tel: (868) 223-3569
Website: http://discoverflow.co/trinidad/
Pricing
Businesses are generally free to price their products as they wish. Importer mark-ups range 20-40 percent, while retailers tend to mark-up products 20-50 percent and higher for specialty items. A 12.5 percent VAT is added to most products.
Sales Service/Customer Support
There are no regulations governing sales, service, or customer support, but many companies offer support to differentiate themselves in the market. Legislation governing consumer rights and protection can be found at the following: https://tradeind.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Consumer-Protection-and-Safety-Act-82.34.pdf
Local Professional Services
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of TT (ICATT)
Board of Architecture
Board of Engineering
Law Association of TT
Medical Board of TT
Dental Board of TT
TT Veterinary Board
TT Registered Nurses Association
Principal Business Associations
American Chamber of Commerce TT (https://www.amchamtt.com/)
TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce (https://chamber.org.tt/)
Energy Chamber of TT (https://energynow.tt/)
The American Chamber of Commerce TT is the leading international business association and accepts U.S. company members.
The Chamber of Industry and Commerce has a broad membership but is more focused on TT. Membership is open to international businesses that have operations in TT.
The Energy Chamber brings together upstream, downstream, and government interests and drives the discussion on energy sector issues. Membership is open to international businesses that have operations in TT.
The Manufacturers’ Association focuses on the domestic manufacturing sector.
The Trinidad Hotel, Restaurants, and Tourism Association brings together businesses operating in the hospitality industry. Membership is open to international businesses that have operations in TT.
Each organization represents its members at the highest levels of government and advocates on policy issues concerning them.
American Chamber of Commerce TT
62 Maraval Road
Newtown, Port of Spain
Tel: 622-4466
Email: phyllisjohnson@amchamtt.com
Energy Chamber of TT
Suite B2.03 Atlantic Plaza
Atlantic Avenue, Point Lisas
Tel: 868 636-3749
Email: member-relations@energy.tt
TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce
Columbus Circle, Westmoorings
Tel: 868 637-6966
Email: chamber@chamber.org.tt; tobagochamber@chamber.org.tt
TT Manufacturers Association
42 Tenth Street, Barataria
Tel: 868 675-8862
Email: research@ttma.com