Company: International Checkout Inc, Santa Monica, CA
Company Description: Since 2002, International Checkout has been at the forefront of global e- commerce, providing an integrated solution which allows US retailers to sell worldwide with no associated risks or difficulties. International Checkout serves over 110 online retailers, guaranteeing them against fraud and providing worldwide fulfillment and customer care services.
Nomination Category: Company/Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Fastest-Growing Company of the Year

Nomination Title: International Checkout Inc.

Describe for the judges the growth of the nominated company during the eligibility period (up to 500 words):

In 2002, Saskia Strick, a single mother with less than $1500 in the bank, launched
International Checkout from her home to help consumers acquire goods from the
USA. With no investors or capital, Strick would find herself running to Staples to
buy copy paper with the $10 she had just made off of an order.

Strick single-handedly created a business model unlike any that has existed
before. IC guarantees US merchants against fraud, provides shipping to over 200
destinations, and offers world class multi-lingual customer service.  Within hours,
retailers can tap into the world market with a minimal investment of resources.

Consumers worldwide shop the 200-plus American websites currently partnered
with International Checkout, including bebe, Dr. Martens, and several Internet
Retailers Top 500’s. With the click of an International Checkout button, the
contents of the shopping cart are seamlessly transferred to an International
Checkout page on the merchant’s website, where customers receive real time
price quotes and settlement in their local currency and the option to prepay duties
and taxes at a guaranteed rate. IC purchases the merchandise on the customer’s
behalf and ships to the customer’s doorstep anywhere in the world.

International Checkout added 100 retailers to its roster during the eligibility
period, supported without any increase in staff. This was achieved by continuously
streamlining the proprietary software and procedures, including a significant
reduction of customer service workload due to comprehensive online customer
support an automated RMA system.

Annual Revenues
2005-     $315,000
2006 -    $1,769,000
2007 -    $3,709,000
2008 -    $7,200,000
2009 -    $11,160,000 Projected Revenues

2009 Inc 500 List of Fastest Growing Companies in America
Ranked No. 61 Overall
Ranked No. 3 in Los Angeles – Long Beach – Santa Ana , CA
Ranked No. 3 in Logistics and Transportation
Ranked No. 6 in Women-Run Companies
2,191.2% Growth as determined by Inc Magazine

Strick has never accepted any investment or venture capital and International
Checkout remains profitable and debt-free. She maintains full ownership of her
business and accomplishments.

List the URLs (web addresses) of any online news stories, press releases, or other documents that you would like the judges to see that support your entry. IMPORTANT: List each URL on a separate line, begin each URL with http://, and enclose each URL in square brackets. For example, [http://www.yourcompany.com/pressrelease.html]:

http://www.InernationalCheckoutSolutions.com

http://www.InternationalCheckout.com

http://www.MyAmericanShipper.com

http://thestevies.com/SmallBizNews/July2009.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS138826+14-Aug-2009+BW20090814

http://www.inc.com/inc5000/2009/company-profile.html?id=200900610

http://www.inc.com/inc5000/2009/lists/top-metro-regions-los-angeles-long-beach-santa-ana--ca.html

http://www.inc.com/inc5000/2009/lists/top-industry-logistics---transportation.html

http://www.inc.com/inc5000/2009/lists/top-women-run-companies.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS129270+05-Mar-2009+BW20090305

http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/1519743/international_checkout_inc_and_ventura_web_design_enable_yahoo_stores/

http://www.internationalcheckoutsolutions.com/newsdetail.html?newsId=28

http://www.stevieawards.com/pubs/women/awards/414_2597_19702.cfm

http://www.stevieawards.com/pubs/awards/403_2617_19873.cfm

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS151893+23-Jul-2009+BW20090723

Provide a brief biography of the person or persons who lead the nominated company (up to 100 words):

Raised in Holland, Saskia Strick initially pursued a career as a fashion model,
appearing in such venerable publications as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire,
and the acclaimed Pirelli calendar, and starred in Milli Vanilli’s music video,
Blame It on the Rain.

Strick moved to Los Angeles in 1997, where she was kept busy during her spare
time with requests from friends overseas anxious to acquire goods from America.
Recognizing the opportunity provided by the demand of international consumers,
Strick launched International Checkout in 2002. Look for Strick featured on the
pages of the next issue of Fortune Small Business.