Trinidad and Tobago - Selling Factors & Techiques

Selling Factors & Techiques

Identifies common practices used in selling in this market, including sales material that needs to be in the local language.

Last published date: 2022-08-18

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

or enquiries@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