FAQ
Answers to the questions you’ll face before you start.
We’ve gathered the questions Lithuanian companies most often ask when considering expansion into French-speaking markets. If you don’t find your question here, ask us during the first free conversation.
01Start
The first step is a conversation. No contracts, no commitments.
The first 30 min conversation is free. You find out how we work; we find out whether we can help.
What exactly happens during the free 30 min conversation?
We get to know your company, ask whether you’ve already worked in French-speaking markets, what products or services you offer, what resources you’re prepared to commit, and how soon you expect results. At the end of the call we tell you whether we see a path forward together.
What happens after the free conversation?
If we see we can work together, the next step is a one-hour strategic consultation for 150 EUR. There we lay out the main guidelines for your specific situation and decide whether we continue together, or whether you already know what to do on your own.
Is the first conversation really with no strings attached?
Yes. During the call, we understand your situation; you understand how we work. Both sides decide. No offer you can’t refuse.
When do we sign a contract and NDA?
Before starting any long-term project, we sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) alongside the contract. All information – about your clients, products, prices, strategy – stays between us and is used only for the purposes set out in the contract.
How long does it take to actually start working?
At least a week from first contact to the start of a concrete project – that’s how long it takes to align calls, contracts, and first steps. Long-term projects then continue for months.
02Activity
French-speaking markets, French language, 12 years of experience.
A more detailed service description lives on the “Services” page. Here we cover the broad outlines.
Which countries do you work in?
Our main markets are France, Belgium, and Switzerland. We also work in Luxembourg and other countries where business decisions are made in French.
What languages do you work in?
Lithuanian, French, English, Russian, Spanish. We speak to your clients in their language – one of the most important things we bring.
Which sectors do you have most experience in?
Professional kitchen equipment, stainless steel product distribution. But the methodology – how to reach a French-speaking B2B client – works in other sectors too. During the first conversation, we’ll tell you whether your field is familiar to us.
Do you work online or travel to meetings?
Both. Online – calls, live interpretation, representation. When needed, we travel to meetings in France together with your representative, or host French guests in Lithuania from start to finish.
Is there anything you don’t do?
We’re not lawyers, we don’t build your product strategy, and we don’t create marketing materials. We focus on what relates to French-speaking markets – market knowledge, contacts, language, culture, representation.
03Pricing
Clear pricing, hourly principle, no hidden fees.
You always see what you’re paying for. After each session, an invoice based on actual time spent.
How much do your services cost?
The first 30 min conversation is free. A strategic consultation is 150 EUR per hour. Long-term projects and visits are agreed separately – the price depends on the nature and scope of the work.
How is your working hour calculated?
All amounts are calculated by actual time spent. After a session or completed work, we issue an invoice based on hours. You see exactly what you’re paying for.
Are there packages or a monthly retainer?
For now we work on an hourly basis – it’s clearer for both sides. If we’re working on a long-term project, we build a predictable structure together, tailored to your needs.
Is the 150 EUR consultation the final price, or are there extras?
150 EUR covers one hour of strategic work – we lay out the main guidelines and concrete steps. No hidden fees. If after the consultation you decide you need more help, we agree on it separately.
04Process
Less of your time, more results. No black boxes.
On a long-term project, a few hours per week from your side is usually enough. The rest is on us.
How much of my time will this take?
It depends on the scope of the project. We usually start with smaller involvement from your side – a few hours per week for initial alignment – and scale up only when needed.
How long does a project usually last?
A one-off consultation – a week from the first call to a result. Long-term projects (market expansion, client acquisition, representation) last months – in French-speaking markets, relationships are built gradually and can’t be artificially rushed.
How does communication work?
Online meetings, email, phone – whatever suits you. We regularly review progress, share client responses, and decide together what the next step should be.
What if the results don’t come?
We say it plainly – no one can guarantee quick results in French-speaking markets. After each stage we assess what worked, what didn’t, and adjust the strategy. If we see the market doesn’t suit your product, it’s better to say so in time than to continue without prospects.
05Alternatives
How we differ from other solutions.
If you’ve already tried and got stuck – that’s usually the signal it’s worth talking. In 30 min we’ll understand where the problem is.
How is this different from hiring a French-speaking employee in-house?
An in-house employee costs at minimum 2000 EUR per month, plus taxes, recruitment costs, and the risk they won’t fit. We start at a 150 EUR consultation. On top of that, we bring an existing 200+ contact network and 12 years of experience – things a new hire won’t have on day one.
We’re already trying ourselves – what can you do that we can’t?
You can probably do a lot. What you probably can’t do is speak to French clients in their language and recognise when their “yes” actually means “no”. In the first conversation we can usually pinpoint quite accurately where your efforts are getting stuck.
Why not just hire a translator?
A translator passes on the words. We pass on the context – why a French counterpart said “yes, we’ll consider it”, what it actually means, and what the next step should be. Without experience in French-speaking markets, translation is often technically correct but commercially useless.
How do I pitch this solution to my manager?
The easiest way – book the free 30 min conversation and invite your manager to join. We’ll go through your situation together and your manager will hear directly what can be done.
06Trust
Confidentiality, experience, the person behind the project.
Solveiga’s story, contacts, and experience are on the “About” page.
How is my company’s information protected?
Before any project, we sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) alongside the contract. All information – about your clients, products, prices, strategy – stays between us and is used only for the purposes set out in the contract.
Who is behind French Bridge?
French Bridge was founded by Solveiga – 12 years working with French-speaking clients, a graduate of KTU’s Export Engineering programme in French, fluent in 5 languages. When projects require it, collaborators join in. More on the “About” page.
Can you show examples of who you’ve worked with?
We share some of our experience openly – we’ve spoken to the Lithuanian business community (event at the Flemish embassy, VMU French Days), and we have a 200+ contact network across France, Belgium, and Switzerland. Specific client stories are only shared with their consent – most project details are protected by NDA.
Final step
Ready to expand into French-speaking markets?
The first 30 min conversation is free and with no commitment. The simplest place to start.
Or call: +370 695 85855