Provo, UT,  Monday, May 1, 2012 – Access Technology Solutions (ATS) is announcing the launch of its latest low-cost consolidated shipping lane into yet another booming Asia-Pacific market, Australia. By cutting out unnecessary middlemen, ATS is now directly delivering product from the U.S. to Australia in 4 to 5 days, generating a typical savings of 80% compared to common carrier’s published rates.  In addition, the ATS consolidation to Australia eliminates remote fees, which can be as high as $24.00 for up to 20% of the population in Australia. 

Another significant benefit to ATS clients using the Australian shipping lane is the consistent customs process.  ATS broker-partners are expert at clearing for personal import, and each ATS client’s shipments are cleared by a broker assigned to their account.  This personal attention eliminates unexpected fees that usually are the result of a common carrier broker not being familiar with the shipper’s products.

 “Considering the size of Australia’s population relative to other Asia-Pacific markets we serve like Japan and China, the recent growth in volume of Australian imports is simply stunning. This growth is even more astonishing when you consider that most U.S. carriers charge prohibitively high shipping rates to Australia,” said Chris Boyle, Access’ co-founder and CEO. “Our global logistics team has cut out the unnecessary middlemen, so we are now delivering our clients huge savings on shipments into Australia.  Our turn-key, cross-border commerce and logistics solution can literally have direct response brands generating substantial profits from Australia in a matter of weeks.”

Australians, who can import up to $1,000AU in goods without paying the 10% goods and services tax (GST), have embraced the global shopping mall as quickly as any other international markets in recent years. Australia’s attractive personal consumption import allowances are one reason direct-to-consumer sales to Australia from leading U.S. online brands are up over 100% year-over-year.  Direct sellers can expect continued strong growth in Australia because digital commerce is currently only 3% of Australia’s retail spending, lagging far behind the U.S. and Britain where 12% to 15% of sales are digital-direct.

For shipments to Australia, ATS’ solution offers flexibility with duty/tax payments, enabling product to be delivered duty unpaid (DDU) or delivered duty paid (DDP).  ATS clients are also able to declare a product’s value in either U.S. or Australian dollars, which delivers them even more flexibility when declaring values of shipments to Australia. 

Australia trails France as the United States’ 14th largest trading partner.  U.S. exports to Australia rose 26% in 2011 to $27.5 billion and U.S. exports rose almost 30% in January 2012. In the past decade, overall trade between the U.S. and Australia has grown almost 100%.  Direct response selling and online commerce are both booming in Australia.  Sales by members of the Direct Selling Association of Australia have reached $1.6 billion annually.

ATS’ dedicated Australian shipping and logistics solution considerably increases the speed of product delivery to warehouses, distribution centers, businesses and residential destinations throughout Australia.  Although open to brands throughout the world, ATS’ Australian lane will provide direct-to-consumer brands in the U.S. and Asia-Pacific markets significant increases in delivery speed and equally dramatic decreases in shipping costs.  ATS has built a strong reputation in the biggest Asia-Pacific markets during the last decade and today handles fast-growing volumes of freight into and out of the region.

Access Technology Solutions (ATS) is the leading international partner for the Direct Selling industry, helping some of the markets biggest names expand overseas faster, and with less risk and investment.  With the ATS Global Access™ logistics portal, our clients tap a world class network of logistics partners for both shipping direct from the US and in-country warehousing.  In addition, ATS provides ecommerce sites with our Distributor Portal™ service, which combines native language websites, customer support, and local payment methods. 

The ATS Goopping division (www.goopping.com) helps consumers throughout the world purchase products from their favorite US online retailer and have them shipped to their door world-wide.

ATS has been included in the top 10 of Utah’s 50 fastest-growing companies since 2007.  ATS has been featured in the prestigious Inc. 500/5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S. since 2009.  For an engaging overview of international commerce opportunities and how ATS is helping top brands expand globally, check out Terry Bradshaw’s Business DayTV special.

For more information about how Access help your international sales growth, please contact Tom McGurran (tmcgurran@accessts.com) at 877-811-8108.

Provo, UT, Tuesday, March 27, 2012 – Access Technology Solutions (ATS), a strategic growth partner for TriVita’s 10/100 International Expansion Program is announcing the smooth launch of phase one of the global nutraceutical industry leader’s program to bring health and wellness products and education to 100 countries during the next 10 years. 

Access TS provided TriVita with the cross-border commerce technologies and international shipping and logistics services that have facilitated its move into ten key international markets. In Europe, Trivita’s phase one markets are the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.  In Asia-Pacific, Trivita’s initial markets include Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Thailand.  Access also built the software and logistical foundation for TriVita’s move into Canada.

“TriVita’s 10/100 international vision is spot-on and ahead of the curve,” explains Chris Boyle, ATS’ President and CEO.  “Over the past decade, we’ve had an on-the-ground view of the stunning growth of the world’s middle class, especially in Asia.  Every day we see hard-working members of the global middle class upgrade their lifestyle, health and wellness.  Globally this is a boom time for products that make people look and feel good.  It’s great to be able to help TriVita take its wellness vision global.”

Globally, the wellness industry is booming and premium wellness products are increasingly in high demand.  However, the explosive demand for nutraceuticals from a wide range of global manufacturers and distributors has also heightened the scrutiny of customs clearance officials around the world. This is where ATS is playing a key role in TriVita’s 10/100 international expansion program. 

For TriVita’s phase one international markets, ATS has been instrumental in ensuring that TriVita’s product lines are harmonized with each market’s import regulations.  ATS’s cross-border distribution software calculates the duty and tax implications for each of the respective 10 country borders where TriVita will distribute its products.  ATS also guarantees TriVita’s distribution partners that they are quoted accurate and complete landed costs for any products they import. 

ATS’ international sell-and-ship solutions also provide TriVita and its global affiliate partner network with robust order tracking capabilities.  This ability to improve the end-to-end purchase experience for TriVita’s international distribution partners has differentiated ATS from common carrier’ services, most of which do not provide cost-effective order tracking.

“Our global partnership with ATS’ team provided the cross-border logistical lift we needed to reach an exciting milestone in our mission of taking wellness to the world,” said Michael Ellison, TriVita CEO. “Our 10/100 international growth program is committed to spreading the news of health and wellness to 100 countries in 10 years.  Working with ATS to expand into all of the key Asian and European markets is an important step toward reaching that goal.” 

ATS has quietly become one of the direct selling/direct response industry’s top providers of international logistic solutions and technology services.  ATS is able to deliver high-value, low-cost express shipping due to the impressive volume of goods it moves daily into fastest-growing global markets across Europe and throughout Asia, where its proprietary shipping lanes include its new China channel as well as its long-established, high-volume Japanese, South Korean and Indonesian shipping operations.  ATS typically reduces international shipping costs from 40% to 70% compared to large common carriers.

TriVita is a leading international nutraceutical company doing business in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, and Asia. It’s known for its full line of ultra-quality wellness products, many of which have unique formulations and/or absorption methods that are not available from anywhere else. And since the company’s mission is to help people everywhere achieve greater wellness – both in their physical lives as well as their financial ones – TriVita also provides an exceptional business opportunity for independent affiliates to fulfill their life purposes. For more information, visit www.trivita.com.

Access Technology Solutions is a leading international commerce technology and logistics provider for retail and consumer brands, e-commerce and multichannel companies and direct selling/direct response firms.  ATS helps leading U.S. brands export products all over the world. ATS’ low international shipping rates coupled with its currency converter, secure payment system and landed costing engine significantly increases international online conversion and satisfaction.  ATS’ solution automatically converts U.S. dollars into local currencies and calculates the total cost for delivery to international shoppers’ doorstep. This “total landed cost” includes the cost of international shipping plus customs fees and all taxes. 

ATS also helps leading U.S. brands export products all over the world and helps international shoppers buy from U.S. brands via its international marketplace and “buy USA” concierge shopping service, www.Goopping.com.  Goopping offers easy, fast and inexpensive international shipping and package forwarding worldwide from many prominent US e-commerce sites.

ATS’ Global Access^SM international commerce platform and logistics solution offers companies a simple, low risk way to sell and distribute products profitably into international markets at significantly lower costs.  Direct sellers, online retailers and direct-to-consumer brands can quickly integrate ATS’ web services and secure, risk-free local payment options into existing websites, commerce systems and call centers.  ATS provides dock-to-doorstop global logistics, distributor portals, and native language customer service. ATS also operates online marketplace platforms throughout Asia and Europe.  ATS has been included in the top 10 of Utah’s 50 fastest-growing companies since 2007.  ATS has been featured in the prestigious Inc.500/5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S. since 2009.  For an engaging overview of international commerce opportunities and how ATS is helping top brands expand globally, check out Terry Bradshaw’s Business Day TV special.

For more information about how Access can help your international sales growth, please contact Tom McGurran (tmcgurran@accessts.com) at 877-811-8105.

After a Busy 2011, CEO Chris Boyle Looks Ahead to a World with No International Borders or Boundaries

Provo, UT, Tuesday, March 13, 2012 – Business Day, hosted by four-time Super Bowl winner and current co-host of Fox NFL Sunday Terry Bradshaw, has featured Access Technology Solutions (ATS) in a recent Fox Business Network segment detailing how online retailers and direct sellers are providing international online shoppers with best of breed shopping experiences.

Business Day’s profile caps an impressive year for ATS (video below), which saw the international commerce and logistics solutions provider open multiple new proprietary shipping lanes into strategic markets including Australia, Canada and China.  ATS serves fastest-growing global markets across Europe and throughout Asia via its long-established, high-volume consolidated lanes and on the ground shipping operations.

In 2011 ATS also expanded its solution footprint with Global Access^SM and added 36 new clients.  ATS’ international express volume rose over 20%, significant growth considering the global economic recession.  Once again, ATS was included in the top 10 of Utah’s 50 fastest-growing companies and was featured in the prestigious Inc. 500/5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S.

 ”As we look ahead this year to explosive international growth for both online brands and direct sellers, I want to thank our clients and our global team for a tremendous 2011,” said Chris Boyle, ATS’ President and CEO.  “We want to thank Terry’s team at Business Day for the opportunity to reinforce our vision of a world in which there are no borders or boundaries to international commerce; a world where emerging markets have access to all the products that can enrich and enhance their lives. Having this message broadcast to an international audience really capped off a year of many great accomplishments.”

Business Day tackles key topics that impact today’s global economy. The ATS profile speaks to how more and more online retailers and direct sellers must now compete in a fast-paced, ever-changing world of business opportunities and challenges.  As they drive to score big globally, companies are increasingly huddling with solution providers such as ATS that can help them stay ahead in the game.

Terry Bradshaw explores the irony that many retailers and brands face as they pursue today’s $700 billion international eCommerce opportunity.   A decade ago many of these companies debated whether or not to chase after eCommerce at all, believing that eCommerce required too much work for what seemed like a small opportunity at the time.  Now that online commerce (non-travel) is a $162 billion industry in the U.S., these companies are having a similar debate. But this time they are analyzing whether or not to go for the global online commerce opportunity.

“The two most successful ways that online retailers can connect with international shoppers is by providing affordable shipping costs and by guaranteeing the total cost of the international transaction, including cross-border duties, taxes, fees and international shipping,” explains Tom McGurran , ATS V.P of Sales.  “Worldwide ATS provides the lowest shipping rates in the industry, we guarantee all the duties and taxes due and we tackle the fraud risks.  By offering both together, we ultimately provide the international customer with the highest level of confidence in their order.”

“The biggest problem that our clients face is that U.S. carriers simply don’t have the global footprint that we can provide,” adds Tak Wakimoto, ATS V.P. of Marketing and Account Services. “The bottom line is that they specialize in domestic delivery.  This means that they don’t have sufficient international shipping volume to deliver product in cost effective manner. So what happens is that international shoppers end up having to pay a lot more than they should to get their orders to their doorstep.  We offer a faster, better, cheaper way to get product delivered.”

Today Boyle’s team is leading U.S. eCommerce brands and direct selling companies into over 50 different international markets using a distinct blend of commerce technologies, distribution solutions and proprietary logistics services.  ATS reduces costs and risks for buyers and sellers by providing everything from the elimination of fraud risk and the processing of local currencies and payments to providing in-country language/online text translations, efficient customer service and timely last mile services. Enhancing the international shopping experience via all this plus low shipping rates encourages international online shoppers to buy more of the U.S products they want.

ATS has quietly become one of the direct selling industry’s top providers of international logistic solutions and technology services.  ATS is able to deliver high-value, low-cost express shipping due to the impressive volume of goods it moves daily into fastest-growing global markets across Europe and throughout Asia; proprietary shipping lanes that include its new China channel as well as its long-established, high-volume shipping operations in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.  ATS typically reduces international shipping costs anywhere from 40% to 70% compared to large common carriers.

In less than a decade, ATS has grown into a hybrid software and global logistics company that now helps direct sellers and eCommerce brands sell and ship to markets all around the world.  By building strong, trusted relationships with global logistics firms, customs brokers and local delivery agents, ATS is able to bypass cross-border bottlenecks and offer significantly lower international shipping costs than well-known domestic U.S. shippers.

Access Technology Solutions is a leading international commerce technology and logistics provider for retail and consumer brands, eCommerce and multichannel companies and direct selling firms.  ATS helps leading U.S. brands export products all over the world. ATS’ low international shipping rates coupled with its currency converter, secure payment system and landed costing engine can significantly increase international online conversion.  ATS’ solution automatically converts U.S. dollars into local currencies and calculates the total cost for delivery to international shoppers’ doorstep. This “total landed cost” includes the cost of international shipping plus customs fees and all taxes.  

ATS’ Global Access^SM international commerce platform and logistics solution offers companies a simple, low risk way to sell and distribute products profitably into international markets at significantly lower costs.  Direct sellers, online retailers and direct-to-consumer brands can quickly integrate ATS’ web services and secure, risk-free local payment options into existing websites, commerce systems and call centers.  ATS provides dock-to-doorstop global logistics, distributor portals, and native language customer service. ATS also operates online marketplace platforms throughout Asia and Europe.  ATS has been included in the top 10 of Utah’s 50 fastest-growing companies since 2007.  ATS has been featured in the prestigious Inc.500/5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S. since 2009.   

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rty6uhWUxZI

For more information about how Access help your international sales growth, please contact Tom McGurran (tmcgurran@accessts.com) at 877-811-8105.

Access TS Leads Top Performance and Wellness Brand into New European and Asian Markets

Provo, UT, Thursday, February 23, 2012 – Access Technology Solutions (ATS) is announcing a global partnership with YOR Health, a provider of products that enrich its customers’ health and wellness.  ATS’ international “sell and ship” solution will help the premium nutrition and healthy living brand spread its message of health and 360° fitness to markets where demand for wellness products is growing quickly.

In January, ATS launched YOR Health’s international operations into both Switzerland and Canada in just two weeks.  Switzerland is the leading market for YOR Health outside of North America, where both Mexico and Canada have proven to be top cross-border destinations for the company’s suite of essential health, fitness, energy and weight management products. 

The build-out of YOR Health’s second phase of international expansion —  into seven top tier global destinations that include Belgium, The Czech Republic, France, Ireland, Singapore, Thailand and Australia — took only two additional weeks.  ATS, which last year added dedicated shipping lanes into China and Canada, has already significantly reduced international shipping costs for YOR Health’s distributors. Before selecting ATS to be its premier international expansion partner, YOR Health projected its international shipping costs to be much higher based on the common carriers’ rates that had built into its international expansion business model.

ATS, which has quietly become one of the direct selling industry’s top providers of international logistic solutions and technology services, is able to deliver low-cost express shipping due to the impressive volume of goods it moves daily into the fastest-growing global markets across Europe throughout Asia, proprietary shipping lanes that include its new China channel as well as its long-established, high-volume Japanese, South Korean and Indonesian shipping operations.  ATS typically reduces international shipping costs anywhere from 40% to 70% compared to large common carriers.

“We’re elated to announce our partnership with YOR Health. Our international team really welcomes the opportunity to work on such a well-thought out and well-executed global sales program,” said Chris Boyle, ATS’ President and CEO. “YOR Health is a great example of how ATS’ past decade of investment in developing shipping and logistics relationships around the world is really paying off for leading brands in the direct selling industry.  When a firm like YOR Health succeeds through its hard work and commitment, we all win. It really makes one feel good to be part of their global growth story.”

YOR Health provides a balanced, holistic means for health and wellness-minded people all around the world to dramatically improve their overall happiness and well-being.  ATS delivers a well-rounded solution that lets leading consumer goods and direct-to-consumer brands manage both the front-end and back-end of the product distribution lifecycle.  ATS’ platform has introduced new efficiencies that not only speed up delivery of YOR Health’s product to international destinations, but have also improved business efficiencies. For instance, ATS’ invoicing methodology allows YOR Health and its international distributors to download invoices and other documentation in .csv files for easier integration with internal accounting processes.

 ”Although our low cost of international shipping was how the YOR Health team found out about us via the industry grapevine, its executives quickly realized that our global team’s ability to serve as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for international sales, distribution and shipping services was an even bigger long-term value,” continued ATS CEO Boyle. “It’s going to exciting to watch how fast YOR Health improves its international sales by using our web services commerce platform, expedited shipping and order tracking. Their growth reminds me of our own growth over the past decade.”

“In uncertain times such as these, YOR Health believes that innovation, integrity and leadership will lead us all to the next era of prosperity.  And our partnership with ATS really reflects our way of thinking,” said Co-Founder, Dennis Wong.  “ATS is an innovator and a trusted leader in the international commerce arena.  We see this partnership as two purpose-driven companies enthusiastically working side-by-side to open doors of opportunity for health and wellness-minded communities around the globe.”

In less than a decade, ATS has grown into a hybrid software and global logistics company that now helps direct sellers and ecommerce brands sell and ship to markets all around the world.  By building strong, trusted relationships with global logistics firms, customs brokers and local delivery agents, ATS is able to bypass cross-border bottlenecks and offer significantly lower international shipping costs than well-known domestic U.S. shippers.

YOR Health is more than just a company that sells health products – it is a movement; a new era in nutrition and healthier living characterized by passionate individuals discovering that there is more to exceptional health than being in shape. It’s about the abundant joy, peak awareness, ultimate performance, and celebration that comes with feeling satisfied with your life. From being able to spend quality time with loved ones and enjoying fulfilling workdays, to feeling good about who you are, what you do, and how you look. Spreading that message of exceptional health & wealth is what YOR Health is all about.

The YOR Health difference in quality begins with the philosophy that you are what you absorb. We believe in order for our products to be of the highest caliber, they must be based on science, and proven effective by results you can see and feel. We formulate our products with proprietary Enzyme Delivery Systems to guarantee maximum absorption and effectiveness.

Access Technology Solutions is a leading international commerce technology and logistics provider for retail and consumer brands, e-commerce and multichannel companies and direct selling firms.  ATS helps leading U.S. brands export products all over the world. ATS’ low international shipping rates coupled with its currency converter, secure payment system and landed costing engine can significantly increase international online conversion.  ATS’ solution automatically converts U.S. dollars into local currencies and calculates the total cost for delivery to international shoppers’ doorstep. This “total landed cost” includes the cost of international shipping plus customs fees and all taxes.   

ATS’ Global Access^SM international commerce platform and logistics solution offers companies a simple, low risk way to sell and distribute products profitably into international markets at significantly lower costs.  Direct sellers, online retailers and direct-to-consumer brands can quickly integrate ATS’ web services and secure, risk-free local payment options into existing websites, commerce systems and call centers.  ATS provides dock-to-doorstop global logistics, distributor portals, and native language customer service. ATS also operates online marketplace platforms throughout Asia and Europe.  ATS has been included in the top 10 of Utah’s 50 fastest-growing companies since 2007.  ATS has been featured in the prestigious Inc.500/5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S. since 2009.   

Provo, UT, Monday, January 17, 2012 – Access Technology Solutions (ATS) is announcing the launch of yet another dedicated low-cost consolidated shipping lane — this one serving Canada’s fast-growing direct-to-consumer market.  ATS’ new Canadian express and freight logistics service joins the company’s recently announced Chinese consolidated shipping lane and its long-established, high-volume Japan, Hong Kong and Australia shipping operations.

As changing Canadian purchase behaviors spur the growth of the direct-to-consumer market in Canada, many industry observers predict a growing influx of consumer product brands from all around the globe in the coming years.   Many well-known U.S. and international brands have recently targeted Canada as a promising growth market.  Brands including Target, J. Crew, Japan-based UNIQLO and some fast-growing U.S. direct selling companies, such as ItWorks, Uppercase Living, and Shelf Reliance have increased their Canadian presence by announcing plans to launch direct selling operations into Canada.　 

“After spending nearly two months working with one of the two biggest U.S. carriers to prep our shipments into Canada, our team was continuing to struggle with all of their rigid integration and set up requirements. We contacted ATS and within just 5 business days, their team had fully implemented our Canadian logistic support system and helped us begin shipping our unique, high-demand products into the Canada,” said Jason Norton, Executive Vice President of Shelf Reliance (www.shelfreliance.com). “I can’t begin to tell you how happy ATS has made our sales consultants throughout Canada.”

Shelf Reliance is an excellent case study that highlights how a growing number of Canadians are discovering new and unique international brands.  The embrace of direct-to-consumer brands from all around the world is starting to show up in the country’s global trade statistics.  For instance, Canada’s total trade with China totaled C$57 billion in 2010 and was up 16% through June of 2011.  Imports from China, Canada’s second-largest merchandise import supplier, rose by $4.8 billion to reach almost $44.5 billion last year.  Imports from Japan, Canada’s fourth largest importer, increased 8.8% to $13.4 billion in 2010.  Imports from seventh-ranked Korea were up 3.7% to $6.1 billion. 

ATS’ dedicated Canadian shipping and logistics solution will considerably increase the speed of product delivery to destinations throughout Canada.  Although open to brands throughout the world, ATS’ Canadian lane will provide brands in the U.S. and Asia-Pacific markets significant increases in delivery speed — and equally dramatic decreases in shipping costs.  ATS has built a strong reputation in the biggest Asia-Pacific markets during the last decade and today handles fast-growing volumes of freight into and out of the region.

 “For years our clients in Europe, the U.S. and throughout Asia have told us how frustrated they’ve been with the high cross-border barriers to Canadian trade. We’re pleased to be able to offer a real alternative to other shippers that continue taking advantage of these barriers to drive up the costs of serving Canadian customers,” said Chris Boyle, ATS’ co-founder and CEO. “Canada is a very sophisticated and fast-growing direct market where consumer choice has been limited by unnecessarily high international shipping costs and cross-border complexities. We’re proud to be able to provide direct-to-consumer brands and their customers with smarter choices when it comes to the international shipping and logistics.”

Canadian merchandise exports to the world rose to $399.4 billion in 2010, while imports tallied $403.3 billion. Canada and the United States are each other’s top global trading partners, accounting for over $525 billion in total trade in 2010.  Through October of 2011, overall trade between the U.S. and Canada has grown almost 14% after growing an impressive 22% in 2010. Exports from the U.S. to Canada through October of 2011 have grown 13%.

In years past, Canadians tended to shop and purchase domestically.  But in recent years, more and more Canadians have embraced the Internet and online shopping, a key proxy for broader direct-to-consumer marketing and direct selling efforts.  In 2010, 51% of Canadian Internet users ordered goods or services for personal or household use. In total, Canadians placed nearly 114 million orders, valued at approximately $15.3 billion. Among those who placed an order online, individuals averaged about 10 orders over a 12-month period, with an average total value of $1,362 per person.

Top European importers to Canada include Germany (#5 with a 5.9% increase to $11.4 billion), the U.K. (#6 with a 13.9% increase to $10.7 billion) and France, the only one of the top ten importer whose imports to Canada fell (3.65 to $5.4 billion) in 2010.

Access Technology Solutions is a leading international commerce technology and logistics provider for retail and consumer brands, e-commerce and multichannel companies and direct selling firms. 

ATS helps leading U.S. brands sell and ship products all over the world.  ATS’ international commerce platform and logistics solution offers companies a simple, low risk way to sell profitably into international markets at significantly lower costs.  ATS has established itself as the leading facilitator of international expansion into Asia and the South Pacific for these direct-to-consumer brands. 

ATS’ Global Access shipping platform converts U.S. prices into local currencies around the world, localizes the shopping experience, offers secure local payment systems and guarantees precise landed costs (e.g. all customs fees, taxes and shipping charges).  ATS’ dock-to-doorstep logistical service handles all outbound U.S. logistics (including pre-ship screening for restricted items and order item accuracy), bypasses customs-clearing bottlenecks and coordinates final-mile delivery for its clients.Brands can quickly integrate ATS’ web services and secure, risk-free local payment options into existing websites, distributor portals, global commerce systems and call centers. 

ATS has been included in the top 10 of the Utah Fast 50 program since 2007 and was named to the 2011 MountainWest Capital Network’s Utah 100.  ATS was also featured in the prestigious 2010 Inc. 500 list of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S. 

To learn more about extending the reach of your online brand into China and throughout Asia/Pacific Rim and across Europe, contact Tom McGurran (tmcgurran@accessts.com) at 1-877-811-8188.

Provo, UT, Monday, January 09, 2012 – Access Technology Solution’s (ATS) high-touch, low-cost shipping and logistics services are now available to U.S. direct-to-consumer brands interested in boosting trade with China.  ATS’ China lane now joins its Japan, Indonesia, Australia and Taiwan lanes as fast-growing Asia/Pacific Rim shipping channels for express and freight shipments for ATS’ U.S. clients.

The dedicated Chinese lane will significantly speed the delivery of products to warehouses and/or residential destinations throughout China.  Equally important, the costs to ship products from the U.S. to China will fall significantly compared to other domestic U.S. shippers, in some cases by 50% and more.

“Given the leading role that China increasingly plays in global trade, investing to make China a faster, more affordable shipping destination for our clients is a no brainer,” explained Chris Boyle, ATS’ CEO.  “Too many U.S. brands continue to drastically overpay to have product shipped to and from China. We’re excited that we can now bring about meaningful change and help grow international sales.”

The boom in Chinese consumerism offers lucrative new global trade opportunities for both Chinese and U.S. firms.  The United States is China’s top trading partner with over $385 billion in trade in 2010, up almost 30%. Trade with the U.S. represents 20% of China’s entire external trading volume. Total trade between China and the U.S. rose 25% year-to-year in 2010.  US exports to China increased 32% to $92 billion in 2010 while imports from China rose 23% to $365 billion. Among the fastest-growing exports were apparel ($121 billion/up 21%), furniture ($50 billion/up 30%) and footwear ($35 billion/up 27%).

Japan, currently ATS’ top shipping lane by volume, is China’s second leading partner, at $298 billion, up just over 30%.  Japan accounts for 19% of China’s external trading volume. ATS moves significant intra-Asia order volume and the new China lane will increase that trade significantly in the coming years.

In a recent interview about ATS’ latest proprietary shipping lane to and from Asia, ATS CEO Chris Boyle explained why ATS has focused strategically on creating new, faster and lower-cost shipping alternatives to fast-growing international markets. ATS’ new China-direct logistics services are attracting significant business from U.S. brands that are expanding internationally, many for the first time. Companies that are new to international sales often initially turn to their domestic shipping partner when they first start fulfilling orders across borders. Boyle explained that this can often be a poor business decision that drives up costs and lowers service levels.

“Although the domestic shippers increasingly present themselves as global shippers, they typically just hand off packages to numerous other shipping firms and take a healthy margin for themselves.  By doing so, they drive up costs and increase delivery times.  On the other hand, ATS’ network owns package transport and delivery from dock to doorstep, so we can bypass all the unnecessary middlemen and mark-ups. On top of that, our dedicated clearing process ensures a quick and easy passage through customs.”

Boyle also explained that as trade between the U.S. and China booms in the years ahead, brands will need more than just reasonably priced and fast shipping. 

“Gaining real traction in international markets means showing new international distributors and customers that they can trust your brand to deliver what it promises.  Gaining this trust means not only offering timely and affordable shipping, but also providing accurate sales forecasting tools and inventory visibility 24/7 and having easy-to-use, sophisticated warehouse management systems in place,” Boyle continued.  “Our job is to help our clients earn this trust by ensuring that their international distributors will never run out of product.”

Boyle also spoke to the importance of moving quickly today to build a global brand that international markets can depend on tomorrow. “We’re focused on making sure that our clients get in early and start building trust today,” added Boyle. “I spend a lot time in markets all around the world, especially around the Pacific Rim.  The phenomenal growth we’re seeing today is nothing compared to what we’ll see soon,” said Boyle. “In many ways, the world is just now waking up to a new era of global trade.”

The prospects of future growth are indeed enticing.  China’s consumption today is about 1/3 of its overall GDP.  On the other hand, the U.S. spends over 2/3rds of its GDP on consumption.  By 2013, iResearch reports some 48 million small-and medium-sized companies in China will be exporting goods, up from around 33 million firms just three years ago.

Access Technology Solutions is a leading international commerce technology and logistics provider for retail and consumer brands, e-commerce and multichannel companies and direct selling firms. 

ATS helps leading U.S. brands sell and ship products all over the world.  ATS’ international commerce platform and logistics solution offers companies a simple, low risk way to sell profitably into international markets at significantly lower costs.  ATS has established itself as the leading facilitator of international expansion into Asia and the South Pacific for these direct-to-consumer brands. 

ATS’ international e-commerce platform converts U.S. prices into local currencies around the world, localizes the shopping experience, offers secure local payment systems and guarantees precise landed costs (e.g. all customs fees, taxes and shipping charges).  ATS’ dock-to-doorstep logistical service handles all outbound U.S. logistics (including pre-ship screening for restricted items and order item accuracy), bypasses customs-clearing bottlenecks and coordinates final-mile delivery for its clients.Brands can quickly integrate ATS’ web services and secure, risk-free local payment options into existing websites, distributor portals, global commerce systems and call centers. 

ATS has been included in the top 10 of the Utah Fast 50 program since 2007 and was named to the 2011 MountainWest Capital Network’s Utah 100.  ATS was also featured in the prestigious 2010 Inc. 500 list of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S. 

“It’s always an honor to be recognized as a leading member within this unique collection of innovators, entrepreneurs and visionary businesses,” said Chris Boyle, President and CEO. “And like our esteemed colleagues, we remain very grounded in a simple reality. None of these accolades are possible without the effort and contributions of two special groups of people; the team here at Access and our clients, who together make all our international innovation and on-the-ground execution possible.”

Access Technology Solutions – www.accessts.com – is a leading technology and logistics solution provider helping eTailers and Direct Selling firms expand operations into international markets. Access delivers innovative web based technologies including localized portals to manage in-country distribution, an international shopping cart and supporting cross-border technologies. Access’ solution streamlines international order management and fulfillment and provides complete visibility throughout the supply chain. By working with long-established, in-country logistics specialists, Access is able to deliver products at a fraction of the time and cost of traditional methods.

After Governor Herbert’s keynote, Boyle discussed several key factors that have contributed to Access’ ability to consistently place high on the Utah 100. “Our business is fortunate to lie at the intersection of several mega-trends —the push by the exploding global middle class to significantly improve its standard of living, the drive by global brands to embrace direct-to-consumer distribution models and the opportunity for innovative firms to cost-effectively access powerful technology solutions,” commented Boyle.

“Our management team has stayed extremely focused on delivering a value proposition that taps into all these trends while our operating team has stayed committed to managing the day-to-day realities that transform this vision into operational success. The final piece of the puzzle is our extensive and fast-growing network of logistics partners in markets around the world. These folks quite literally deliver the goods day-in and day-out and around the clock. They’re what really make us go.”

MountainWest Capital Network, Utah’s first business networking organization devoted to supporting entrepreneurial successes, annually ranks the top 100 businesses in Utah based on percentage increases in company revenues over the preceding five years. Leaders from Utah firms foster entrepreneurial success by enabling more dynamic information flow about capital formation and distribution, via education and mentoring and by recognizing and rewarding business performance.

More information about the Utah 100 can be found at http://www.mwcn.org/utah-100-in-utah-ceo

Inc. Magazines’ fifth annual Inc. 500|5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies, includes online retailer, ideeli, who tops the 2011 list. Access Technology Solutions joins Spirit Airlines, television maker Vizio, Honest Tea, Dunkin Donuts and Metrokane, makers of the Rabbit corkscrew, among other prominent brands featured on this year’s list.

In a stagnant economic environment, median growth rate of 2011 Inc. 500|5000 companies remains an impressive 94 percent. “Now, more than ever, we depend on Inc. 500|5000 companies to spur innovation, provide jobs, and drive the economy forward.  Growth companies, not large corporations, are where the action is,” says Inc. magazine Editor Jane Berentson.  The companies on this year’s list report having created 350,000 jobs in the past three years, and aggregate revenue among the honorees reached $366 billion, up 14 percent from last year.

“Once again, we’re honored to be included among the fastest-growing innovators in America,” said Chris Boyle, ATS President and CEO. “We’re ideally positioned to help brands of all sizes execute the next phase of their growth strategy, which is international expansion.  It’s very satisfying to see Inc. 500|5000 highlight how Access’ talented global team is creating jobs here at home by helping our clients deliver highly sought-after products to their fans in markets all around the world.”

Complete results of the Inc. 500|5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com|5000.

Methodology

The 2011 Inc. 500|5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2007 to 2010. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2007. Additionally, they had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2010. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2007 is $100,000; the minimum for 2010 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons.

About Access Technology Solutions

Access Technology Solutions empowers companies to successfully sell and distribute products into hundreds of international markets at significantly lower costs and with higher customer satisfaction. The company’s web services-centric technology can be quickly integrated directly into existing websites and call center operations. The unique sell-and-ship solution includes a localized distributors’ portal, localized international e-commerce shopping cart, a sophisticated total landed costing engine, multi-currency payment methods, consolidated international shipping and customer management/service modules.  More information is available at www.accessts.com.

About Inc. Magazine

Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. (www.inc.com) is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies that delivers real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. With a total paid circulation of 710,106, Inc. provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. Visit us online at www.inc.com.

About the Inc. 500|5000 Conference

Each year, Inc. and Inc.com celebrate the remarkable achievements of today’s entrepreneurial superstars—the privately held small businesses that drive our economy. The Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony brings together members of the Inc. community, both a new class of Inc. 500|5000 honorees and the list’s alumni, for three days of powerful networking, inspired learning, and momentous celebration. Please join us September 22–24, 2011, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, located minutes from downtown Washington, D.C. For more information about the 2011 Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony and to register, visit www.inc500conference.com or call 866-901-3205.

Company and product names mentioned are used only for identification and may be trademarked or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

The Utah Fast 50 program was designed to recognize companies for their entrepreneurial spirit, innovative business tactics and skyrocketing revenue growth. Access Technology Solutions was honored at an event in Salt Lake City on August 25th. Access’ international software and logistics solutions will be featured in Utah Business magazine’s September issue.

Access’ strong client growth has continued to gain momentum as U.S. brands have increasingly prioritized international sales expansion as a key growth strategy. The attractiveness of U.S. products has increased globally as the weakness of the dollar makes U.S. products a bargain for international consumers. The race among U.S. companies to enter new international markets and claim market share has placed Access in a prime position to serve as a trusted partner for U.S. brands of all sizes.

“This honor is really a tribute to our clients, who recognize that succeeding in today’s business environment requires an international focus. On behalf of our clients and the international team here at Access, I’d like to thank the Utah Business Magazine for once again highlighting Access as one of the fastest growing companies in Utah,” said Chris Boyle, President and CEO. “I’d also like to thank our team for their hard work and focus. I’m especially proud of our team and partners in Japan, who have faced tremendous challenges due to the earthquake and have made gallant efforts on behalf our clients.”

Access Technology Solutions – www.accessts.com – is a leading technology and logistics solution provider helping eTailers and Direct Selling firms expand operations into international markets. Access delivers innovative web based technologies including localized portals to manage in-country distribution, an international shopping cart and supporting cross-border technologies. Access’ solution streamlines international order management and fulfillment and provides complete visibility throughout the supply chain. By working with long-established, in-country logistics specialists, Access is able to deliver products at a fraction of the time and cost of traditional methods.
Complete information on this year’s Utah Fast 50 can be found at www.utahbusiness.com. For more information on Access Technology Solutions, visit www.AccessTS.com.

About Utah Business:

Utah Business magazine is Utah’s only monthly statewide business publication. Utah Business Publishers LLC produces the monthly Utah Business, the Magazine for Decision Makers; annually the state’s only annual Book of Lists, comprehensive information and rankings about the state’s industries, from accounting firms to web designers; the annual Business Utah, the official publication of Utah’s Governor’s Office of Economic Development; and the quarterly Wasatch Digital iQ, Utah’s Technology Magazine; UB Daily e-mail news briefing, and weekly industry-specific newsletters.

About Access Technology Solutions:

Access Technology Solutions empowers companies to successfully sell and distribute products into hundreds of international markets at significantly lower costs and with higher customer satisfaction. The web services-centric technology can be quickly integrated directly into existing websites and call center operations. The unique sell-and-ship solution includes a localized distributors’ portal, localized international e-commerce shopping cart, a sophisticated total landed costing engine, multi-currency payment methods, consolidated international shipping and customer management/service modules.

International marketers can also use Goopping, Access’ flexible online shopping mall and e-marketplace platform, to customize market entry and international demand generation initiatives in Asian markets. More information is available at www.accessts.com.

Company and product names mentioned are used only for identification and may be trademarked or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Equally important, Etsy sellers can calculate and pay international shipping charges, duties & taxes in one simple transaction from home. They avoid dreaded lines at local post offices and UPS centers. Etsy buyers around the world get guaranteed landed costs and can easily track and receive their purchases.

Etsy’s phenomenal growth has been fueled by individuals’ embrace of simpler times and their growing preference for custom, handmade goods. Etsy helps a global community connect with independent artisans and designers who use Etsy’s technology and innovative services to start and grow their own businesses.

“We really identify with the Etsy community because ATS started as a small, hands-on business. Our initial focus was solely on building something unique that our friends and family really wanted, but simply couldn’t find anywhere else,” explained Chris Boyle, CEO of Access Technology Solutions. “And now, we’re excited to be asked to help Etsy deliver the world. We’ve learned that when it comes to purchases that international online shoppers value highly, they want affordable, express shipping options with built-in order tracking and world-class service.”

Boyle and his team started ATS as a concierge service for U.S. expatriates in Japan that couldn’t find the comforts of home in local markets and shops. In less than a decade, ATS has grown into a hybrid software and global logistics company that now helps direct sellers and eCommerce brands sell and ship to markets all around the world. By building strong, trusted relationships with global logistics firms, customs brokers and local delivery agents, ATS is able to bypass cross-border bottlenecks and offer significantly lower international shipping costs than well-known domestic U.S. shippers.

Etsy has also grown via innovation and by building and nurturing trusted relationships. Today Etsy’s 8 million-plus members hail from over 150 countries and access over 800,000 shops. Now generating over 1 billion page views per month and with sellers listing almost 9 million products, Etsy has built a fast-growing business that in 2010 saw its merchants’ revenue rise to $314 million – a huge increase from $180 million in 2009.

The craft industry itself is benefiting from consumers’ craving for a personalized aesthetic and their desire for ways to reconnect with a simpler life; a time when they bought bread from their neighborhood baker and food from local farms. The Craft & Hobby Association’s 2010 A&U Study found that 56% of U.S. households crafted at least once last year. Sales of handmade goods and crafts have contributed to the $29.2 billion U.S. craft and hobby industry.

Etsy, which has 175+ employees, has been investing in its operations so that it can continue to be the leading handmade marketplace. The company recently began to offer customer support via live chat,and strives to answer e-mails within 48 hours. To support the fast growth of international e-commerce — which some analysts expect to represent a $1.5 trillion opportunity by 2015 — Etsy eventually aims to offer customer service in a handful of languages.

In addition to ramping up its customer service, Etsy is also improving the services it offers sellers and their clients.

ATS joins Facebook as a recent innovation-partner whose solution set is helping Etsy sellers in the U.S. reach a fast-growing global online marketplace that now numbers in the hundreds of millions. ATS makes it easy and affordable for Etsy’s U.S. sellers to ship items to international customers. By allowing Etsy sellers to guarantee and pay shipping charges, duties & taxes in one simple transaction, ATS system not only saves sellers from dealing with lines at the post office, it boosts conversion. ATS’ data shows that guaranteeing a total amount of the landed cost that international buyers must pay increases lift from 37% to 52%. Conversion can rise between 15% and 20% when duties and taxes are paid up front.

The ATS system also adds a much-needed degree of simplicity to the selling process. Etsy sellers can easily complete all customs documentation and print shipping labels at home. The ATS system automatically pulls customer information from a seller’s Etsy account. Best of all, sellers can drop their package at the Post Office or a UPS collection center without waiting in line to figure out shipping charges. Delivery is seamless and packages can be tracked 24/7.

Access Technology Solutions is a leading international commerce technology and logistics provider for retail and consumer brands, e-commerce and multichannel companies and direct selling firms.

ATS helps leading U.S. brands export products all over the world. ATS’ low international shipping rates coupled with its currency converter, secure payment system and landed costing engine can significantly increase international online conversion. ATS’ solution automatically converts U.S. dollars into local currencies and calculates the total cost for delivery to international shoppers’ doorstep. This “total landed cost” includes the cost of international shipping plus customs fees and all taxes.

ATS’ international commerce platform and logistics solution offers companies a simple, low risk way to sell profitably into international markets at significantly lower costs. Online retailers and e-commerce brands can quickly integrate ATS’ web services and secure, risk-free local payment options into existing websites, commerce systems and call centers. ATS provides dock-to-doorstop global logistics, native language customer service and operates online marketplace platforms throughout Asia and Europe.

ATS has been included in the top 10 of Utah’s 50 fastest-growing companies since 2007. ATS was also featured in the prestigious 2009 Inc .500 list of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S.

For more information about extending business operations internationally, please contact Tom McGurran (tmcgurran@accessts.com)

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