A comprehensive 25-point evaluation framework used by successful European companies to determine if outsourcing their U.S. operations is the right strategic move
Entering the U.S. market is one of the most significant growth opportunities for European companies. However, the decision to outsource your U.S. operations versus building an in-house team requires careful strategic evaluation.
Over our 39 years of experience helping European companies establish successful U.S. operations, we've identified 25 critical factors that determine whether outsourcing is the right choice for your business.
This checklist will help you objectively assess your company's readiness and make an informed decision that aligns with your growth objectives, budget constraints, and long-term vision.
Save 30-50% compared to building an in-house team. Avoid overhead costs of office space, benefits, and equipment.
Launch operations in 3-6 months instead of 12-18 months. Leverage existing infrastructure and expertise.
Reduce compliance risks with expert guidance. Avoid costly mistakes in legal, tax, and regulatory matters.
Tap into established relationships with distributors, retailers, and logistics partners from day one.
Benefit from decades of U.S. market knowledge without the learning curve and trial-and-error costs.
Scale operations up or down based on market performance without long-term commitments or fixed costs.
You lack established U.S. operations and need guidance navigating unfamiliar territory
You want to validate demand before committing to building an in-house team
You need to maintain focus on product development and European operations
You have limited capital and need cost-effective entry with proven ROI
Competitors are entering the U.S. and you need to establish presence quickly
U.S. legal, tax, and regulatory requirements feel complex and risky
Rate your company on each criterion (1-5 scale). A total score of 85+ indicates strong outsourcing readiness.
5 Questions · Foundation Assessment
Well-defined objectives, target market segments, revenue targets, and timeline
Long-term commitment, not just exploratory interest
Regular meetings, strategic decisions, quarterly reviews
Previous market entries, understanding of challenges
Willingness to collaborate, trust external expertise
5 Questions · Market Fit Assessment
Established sales history, customer testimonials, market validation
FDA, FCC, UL, CPSC certifications as applicable
English language, UPC codes, legal disclosures
Unique value proposition, competitive advantages identified
Manufacturing capacity, supply chain readiness
5 Questions · Budget & Investment
Budget approved, funds available, financial commitment secured
Realistic timeline expectations, patience for growth
Legal setup, logistics, marketing, overhead costs mapped out
Competitive analysis, margin requirements, market positioning
Conservative scenarios, break-even analysis, growth curves
We've shown you 15 of 25 questions. Download the complete PDF checklist to assess all categories including Operational Setup, Partnership Fit, and Growth Strategy.
Get Complete 25-Point ChecklistAdd up your scores from all 25 questions (maximum 125 points) to determine your outsourcing readiness level
You're primed for success. Your company has strong fundamentals across all key areas. Outsourcing can accelerate your U.S. market entry while minimizing risks and costs.
You're on the right track. A few areas need attention, but you have solid fundamentals. Address gaps in your lower-scoring categories before launching.
Proceed with caution. Significant preparation needed before launching. Focus on strengthening weaker areas, especially financial and operational readiness.
Delay your launch. Fundamental gaps exist that could jeopardize success. Strengthen your foundation before attempting U.S. market entry to avoid costly mistakes.
Get the complete 25-question PDF with detailed scoring instructions and category breakdowns
Review your results with our experts and get personalized recommendations for your situation
Develop a customized roadmap addressing your specific gaps and accelerating market entry
See how this checklist helped a mid-sized German manufacturer make the right decision to outsource their U.S. operations
Stuttgart-based company, €25M annual revenue, 80 employees
A well-established German manufacturer of industrial automation equipment wanted to expand into the U.S. market. They had strong products and healthy financials but zero U.S. presence or expertise.
After completing the checklist, their high score indicated strong fundamentals but confirmed outsourcing was the smart choice given their lack of U.S. market knowledge and desire for speed to market.
Competitors were entering - needed quick market presence
Wanted to minimize exposure while testing market viability
No existing relationships, networks, or market knowledge
Leadership needed to stay focused on European operations
"The checklist helped us objectively assess our readiness. We realized outsourcing wasn't a weakness—it was the strategically smart move that allowed us to enter the U.S. market faster, cheaper, and with far less risk than going it alone."
Download the complete checklist and see how your company scores
Read Full Case StudySchedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation. We'll review your checklist results and provide personalized recommendations for your U.S. market entry strategy—no obligation.