---
title: "Finding The Right Service Provider Internationally with Kristina Mertens"
slug: "finding-international-service-provider"
type: "archive"
url: "https://globalfromanywhere.com/finding-international-service-provider/"
canonical_url: "https://globalfromanywhere.com/finding-international-service-provider/"
date_published: "2019-10-01T02:00:28+00:00"
description: "GFA273. Today’s show, we have Kristina Mertens from Sermondo who is the Business Development Manager and we have had a very fascinating conversation as she shares a few tips and tricks in finding a good service provider for your business. For full show notes, check out GlobalFromAsia.com/episode273"
---

# Finding The Right Service Provider Internationally with Kristina Mertens

![](https://globalfromanywhere.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/finding-international-service-provider-main.jpg)

* * *

In today’s show, we have Kristina Mertens from Sermondo. She is the Business Development Manager and we have had a very fascinating conversation as she shares a few tips and tricks in finding a good service provider for your business. We talked about some stories and I shared how I used myspace to start my own business. So let’s tune in!

## Topics Covered in this Episode

*   

#### Intro Kristina, Sermondo
    
*   

#### The history of Online Sellers and service providers
    
    Mike’s journey searching Alibaba and Global Sources in 2005/ 2006 for suppliers, on Myspace looking and networking with service providers.
    
*   

#### How People find Service Providers Now
    
    Ways we see and hear how people find services for their seller needs (Word of mouth, facebook groups, wechat groups, Google search, podcasts)
    
*   

#### What to look for, when working totally online
    
*   

#### Examples of Finding a Service Provider
    
*   

#### Setting Expectations and Being Clear
    
    Sometimes it is service providers fault but often the seller doesn’t explain clearly their requirements.
    
*   

#### Knowing what you want
    
    Consultant, agency, budget, location
    
*   

#### How people can find you online
    

## People / Companies / Resources Mentioned in this Episode

√ [Kristina’s VIP Expert Page](https://vip.globalfromasia.com/network/kristina-mertens/)  
√ Kristina’s Linkedin Account- https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinamertens/  
√ [Sermondo](https://sermondo.com/)  
√ [Mike’s interview on Sermondo](https://anchor.fm/sermondo/episodes/18---Mike-Michelini-Behind-the-Scenes-Global-From-Asia-Review--Private-Insights-e5m9li)

## Episode Length 46:08

Thank you so much for sharing Kristina. There is also a video version of this. She’s a video podcaster. So we both hit the video option when we recorded. So in finding good service providers, just proceed with caution. It can be a little bit tricky, whether you use somebody likes Sermondo (which is great – I’ve been watching them grow over the years) or other solutions. I think probably the biggest test is to test on a small order. Small test order as much as you can and always have a couple of options for backups and and just hope I know Logistics especially is dangerous. So try your best.

## Download Options

*   Direct Download: Right-click [here](https://podcast.globalfromasia.com/gfa273.mp3) and click “Save As” for a direct download
*   iTunes: [Listen and subscribe](https://globalfromanywhere.com/itunes) on iTunes for free!
*   Android: Check out [Android Options](https://globalfromanywhere.com/android/) or Listen via [Stitcher Internet Radio](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/global-from-asia-doing-business-via-hong-kong) streaming
*   If you enjoyed this episode, leave a [positive review on iTunes, & more (directions here)](https://globalfromanywhere.com/leave-a-review/)!

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## Comments

## 2 Comments on “Finding The Right Service Provider Internationally with Kristina Mertens”

1.  ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/cdd1bd14ffbb501f648a817ae7554eae?s=120&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalfromasia.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F06%2Fgfa_avatar.png&r=g)
    
    [Kristina](https://sermondo.com)
    
    [10.01.2019 at 8:36 pm](https://globalfromanywhere.com/finding-international-service-provider/#comment-2987)
    
    Loved being on! 🙂
    
    1.  ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4464266ee2e772a6dc6caada17ceec19?s=120&d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalfromasia.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F06%2Fgfa_avatar.png&r=g)
        
        [Michael Michelini](https://globalfromanywhere.com)
        
        [10.02.2019 at 11:00 am](https://globalfromanywhere.com/finding-international-service-provider/#comment-2989)
        
        loved having you on the show too 😉