Southeast Asian Markets

What Competitor Analysis Really Looks Like

What Competitor Analysis Really Looks Like 150 150 Khayan Research

When clients ask us to conduct competitor analysis in Southeast Asia, they’re not after a bullet-point list or a polished brand pitch—they want to know what’s really happening. What makes one business thrive while another just looks good online? At Khayan, we don’t settle for surface details. We head out to see for ourselves, quietly visiting locations without appointments or guided tours. We pay attention to how teams actually operate, how staff interact with customers, and whether the environment matches what’s advertised. A bilingual offering is one thing on a brochure—whether it’s used in practice is another. These details matter, and they often reveal the gap between marketing and reality.

Of course, we don’t stop listening. We fact-check. If a company claims to follow international standards, we verify it. If they promote personalized service or expert staff, we look for evidence. Thai-language forums, Facebook groups, and YouTube testimonials often reveal truths that official channels omit. When public promises don’t match lived experience, we ask why—and what that gap might mean for our clients.

Southeast Asia’s markets aren’t just shaped by features and pricing. They’re driven by cultural nuance, personal priorities, and word-of-mouth. In some districts, prestige leads the conversation. In others, convenience or community connection might matter more. By understanding these local dynamics, our clients can make better moves—not just mimic what looks successful.

Real competitor analysis doesn’t chase trends—it uncovers truths. At Khayan, we use field visits, local voices, and on-the-ground context to show you what’s working, what isn’t, and where your opportunity really is.

We also look at how messages are delivered. A brand might push sustainability, but are their staff trained to talk about it? Do in-store displays match the website’s tone? Does pricing quietly contradict the inclusivity they promote? These details matter. Customers notice—and so do we.

Our team doesn’t just gather data; we test assumptions. We’ve walked into showrooms posing as customers, sat through consultations, and visited flagship stores and franchise branches to compare experiences. We notice how long staff spend with walk-ins, how problems are handled, and whether service changes based on appearance, language, or perceived income.

In a region as diverse as Southeast Asia, truth sits between the lines. At Khayan, we read those lines closely—then help our clients respond with clarity, confidence, and relevance. Because the most valuable strategy starts with knowing exactly what you’re up against.