The idea of establishing a platform to offer the right contacts for interested international in particular was nothing new. But being able to do this without charging commission from and potential customers was as was the idea of offering a permanent contact partner. "To start with, people looked at us in disbelief when we said that no commission was payable – or necessary – for the GHI", reports Ina Glässer, Managing Director of GHI. "Now most of our partners understand the system and to like it. The members from those early days know how much patience and persistence we needed before a concept of this type could become established. Especially in an industry where it's normal to be asked for a commission for even the tiniest things."
The fundamental concept of "together, we're strong" creates synergies not only for suppliers but also, in particular, for consumers. "Abroad, we often find that potential customers ask about a particular product but actually need three or four things or solutions. Mostly, they don't know who they should ask, or they rummage laboriously around online to find what they need. But then they don't know anything about the quality of the products or the reliability of the supplier. It's also difficult to coordinate transport or negotiate discounts", Glässer continues. "This is where GHI proposes solutions from under one roof; not just stall equipment, but also horse scales and an Aqua-Walker, the silo to go with the feed, or a rider's ventilation vest to go with the endurance saddle, and a timer for competitions." It is the widespread network that forms the basis for long-term success, along with the networkers' ability to look beyond their own horizons.