Abhishek Singh, a dynamic entrepreneur, began his journey with a modest capital of just one lakh rupees at the age of 24. Today, he stands at the helm of two thriving businesses: DS28 Global and Market Maples, both of which have redefined the way Indian businesses approach international trade, import-export, and e-commerce. His entrepreneurial journey is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to identify gaps in the market, offering practical, customer-centric solutions to global trade challenges.
A Passionate Entrepreneur Who Found His Calling Early
Abhishek’s career began in the field of HR consulting, where he helped companies and startups recruit top-tier talent. This experience gave him valuable exposure to a variety of industries and business dynamics. As he worked closely with diverse businesses, Abhishek quickly recognized opportunities beyond recruitment—particularly in the import-export sector and e-commerce.
Fuelled by a strong interest in international trade and a deep understanding of market trends, Abhishek ventured into the business of helping Indian companies import goods from China and other parts of the world. In addition, he sought to address a critical gap in the global market: the need for Indian-made products to find international buyers.
Abhishek’s deep-rooted desire to assist manufacturers in India expand their reach globally, combined with the increasing demand for quality imports, formed the foundation of DS28 Global and Market Maples.
The Birth of DS28 Global and Market Maples
Inception of both DS28 Global and Market Maples can be traced back to a singular vision—creating a seamless solution for businesses that want to source products from China and export goods globally.
- DS28 Global serves as a one-stop solution for Indian businesses seeking to import goods from China, providing essential services like product research, sourcing, supplier verification, and doorstep delivery. Additionally, DS28 Global offers consultancy services for businesses entering the e-commerce and export-import space.
- Market Maples, on the other hand, focuses on the export side of the business. The company aids local manufacturers in India by connecting them with international markets, enabling them to reach a wider customer base. This initiative has played a crucial role in promoting ‘Made in India’ products to global audiences.
Together, these two companies are now shaping the future of Indian exports and imports, while offering a hassle-free process for businesses of all sizes.
Impacting the Market and Society
Abhishek’s work addresses a fundamental problem faced by Indian businesses: a lack of knowledge and reliable solutions for international trade. Many entrepreneurs and small businesses face fear and confusion when attempting to import goods from China due to concerns about fraud, product quality, and logistical challenges.
By providing transparency, detailed research, supplier verification, and end-to-end logistics solutions, DS28 Global effectively mitigates these risks and helps businesses import quality products seamlessly. This has greatly empowered entrepreneurs to pursue global opportunities without fear of being defrauded or facing delays.
On the export side, Market Maples has helped Indian manufacturers tap into global markets, showcasing the potential of ‘Made in India’ products. In doing so, Abhishek is contributing to India’s growth as a global trade player.
Solving Real Problems
The two core problems Abhishek sought to solve with his businesses were:
- Importing from China – Many small and medium-sized enterprises in India wanted to import quality products but lacked the know-how, which led to the widespread issue of fraud, poor quality, and complicated logistics.
- Exporting Indian Products – Local manufacturers in India faced challenges when trying to find buyers overseas, often due to lack of market visibility and the absence of a streamlined process.
Abhishek’s businesses directly address these challenges. Through DS28 Global, he offers a comprehensive service that takes care of everything from sourcing and supplier verification to product delivery. Through Market Maples, he opens doors for Indian manufacturers to export their products, ultimately boosting India’s international trade presence.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Abhishek’s companies stand out due to their hassle-free process. The concept of providing end-to-end solutions, handling everything from sourcing to delivery, is what differentiates his businesses in the crowded field of import-export services. Additionally, his commitment to transparency and customer education has helped build trust and establish long-term client relationships.
The trust factor is particularly important when dealing with international trade, and DS28 Global has built a reputation for reliability, offering services that minimize risk while maximizing efficiency.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
Like any entrepreneur, Abhishek faced a multitude of challenges as he scaled his businesses. From supply chain disruptions to financial management difficulties, the path to success was far from smooth.
Some of the key struggles Abhishek encountered included:
- Supply Chain Issues: In the early years, dealing with unreliable suppliers in China posed a challenge. However, Abhishek tackled this issue by diversifying his supplier base and implementing strict quality checks to ensure the best products were sourced for his clients.
- Financial Management: Managing cash flow and maintaining profitability while scaling the business was another challenge. Abhishek applied the financial discipline learned from his previous consulting roles to ensure his businesses remained stable and financially sound.
- Customer Expectations: Ensuring client satisfaction while managing their expectations required Abhishek to establish strong communication channels and offer proactive solutions, allowing him to meet the diverse needs of his clients.
Abhishek’s background in HR consulting was a key asset during this phase, helping him build strong relationships with suppliers and clients. This interpersonal skillset also contributed to his ability to resolve conflicts and manage customer relationships effectively.
Identifying Opportunities
The opportunity in the market was clear to Abhishek. While working in HR consulting, he had gained deep insights into the challenges faced by businesses. By conducting extensive market research and staying attuned to emerging trends, Abhishek identified significant gaps in the import-export sector, particularly concerning the lack of a comprehensive, reliable solution for Indian businesses looking to import goods from China.
Furthermore, the growing interest in e-commerce and the global demand for Indian products inspired Abhishek to start Market Maples, which offers Indian manufacturers a platform to connect with international buyers.
What Makes Abhishek Unique as an Entrepreneur?
Abhishek’s unique combination of traits has been instrumental in his success:
- Adaptability: Abhishek has the ability to quickly adjust to changes in the market and adapt his strategies accordingly.
- Problem-Solving Mindset: Rather than focusing solely on selling products, Abhishek has always emphasized offering complete solutions that address the real needs of his clients.
- Persistence and Resilience: Abhishek’s ability to bounce back from setbacks and continue pushing forward has been a key driver of his business success.
- Customer-Centric Approach: Above all, Abhishek places a high premium on customer satisfaction, ensuring that his clients receive value and reliable service at every stage of their business journey.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
To anyone considering starting their own business, Abhishek offers the following advice:
- Do Your Research: Understand the market before you take the plunge.
- Solve Real Problems: Your business must address an existing need or problem.
- Build a Strong Network: Relationships are key to business growth.
- Prioritize Customer Experience: Always put your customers’ needs first.
- Stay Persistent and Keep Learning: Success comes with consistency and a willingness to adapt.
Awards and Recognition
While Abhishek has not yet won formal awards, the growth of DS28 Global and Market Maples, along with the consistent success of his clients, serves as a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Abhishek Singh’s entrepreneurial journey is an inspiring tale of resilience, vision, and determination. From humble beginnings to running two successful businesses, he has successfully built a bridge between India and the global market, helping businesses grow through his expertise in international trade, import-export, and e-commerce.
