How Alejandro Betancourt helped Hawkers expand Sales
Alejandro Betancourt is an established Venezuelan entrepreneur and private investor known by many for his role as the executive president of Hawkers. Betancourt has a degree in Business Administration and Economics from Suffolk University. His leadership prowess is evident from the various managerial positions he holds for different manufacturing firms in Africa and Latin America.
Hawkers is a fast-growing Spanish firm that specializes in the production of stylish and affordable sunglasses. The firm uses poly-carbon frames to manufacture lightweight and high-quality sunglasses. Hawkers has maintained a unique selling mode, whereby it concentrates on selling the sunglasses directly to users using e-commerce platforms such as the company’s website, Twitter, and Facebook Ads. The direct to consumer approach has enabled the firm to sell its high-quality products at an affordable price.
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The company started with only $300, which was enough to get a basic website online and produce prototype sunglasses. The marketing approach was successful through Facebook, and Facebook invited the management to expound to other entrepreneurs on how their sales model worked. Hawkers’ sunglasses cost between $20-40 while a similar item from other firms with the same quality goes at $200.
As the company grew, there emerged the need for the company to be backed financially by investors. The financial constraints forced Alejandro Betancourt to look for financial assistance. Betancourt was able to secure a partnership with Tuenti, a Spaniard social media platform. Under his leadership, the firm was able to secure more investors, including the Saldum Ventures. Betancourt was thus able to make Hawkers profitable within a year.
Marketing through online platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, Youtube, and Pinterest has increased sales. Their sales have not been affected by the COVID 19 since 90% of the sales are through online marketing platforms.
According to Alejandro Betancourt, Hawkers intends to continue with marketing based on the direct buyers’ approach. The company’s primary focus is to sell its affordable and stylish glasses through its website and social media adverts. With sales exceeding 4.5 million items from 2017, Betancourt still anticipates expanding sales through increased funding. Hawkers plan to make the glasses using different but advanced materials. Currently, Hawkers has factories situated in other parts of the world.