Exporting

International Trade (Export)

When you are starting a business as an exporter you must decide on what products you are going to export and what country you are going to sell to and what part of their market you are going to target.

The local market in a lot of countries can be very large so you may to decide on targeting a region of the country. For example you may be deciding to export to the US an outdoor product so a good idea would be to study different areas in the country to find those areas that are populated by people that are interested in the outdoors.

When you have decided on a particular area you need to now use the many online databases to find retailers or distributors of your range of product. Now you have to get to know as much as possible about the businesses that you are going to approach to see if they are interested in selling your product.

What would be the reason for them to sell your product and in most cases its not price it is because they think that your product is unique and it would appeal to their customers.

Assessing your Companies Export Readiness.
Answering these general questions about how exporting will enhance into your company's short, medium and long-term goals will help determine your company's readiness to export:

What does the company want to gain from exporting?
Is exporting consistent with other company goals?
What demands will exporting place on the company's key resources, management and personnel, production capacity, and finance and how will these demands be met?
Are the expected benefits worth the costs, or would company resources be better used for developing new domestic business?

Export Checklist

Research your market-does your prospective foreign customer need what you are selling at the price that will yield you a profit. What is the competition and how will they react.
Implement an export strategy and review your capabilities and ask yourself what would you gain from exporting.
Construct an export plan - define how you will enter the foreign market. Finalize human resources and marketing strategy
Choose your sales presence - establish whether you need a direct sales operation. Or as an agent or distributor more effective. How will you manage your overseas sales experience.
Promote your product - how are you going to market and sell your product. Customize marketing to the target country.
Get the legal side right - contact customs to clarify requirements. Make sure your reporting practices are correct.
Get paid on time - ensure your cashflow will remain at a safe level. Guarantee sufficient credit for your future sales. Take insurance cover if necessary.
Choose your distribution methods - consider the complications of selling over long distances and across national frontiers.
Transport goods effectively - assess and choose the most effective transport method and make sure the goods are insured by you or the importer.
After sales policy - regularly liase with customers, export agents and banks. Manage regular servicing and warranty claims.

Go to our International Research or www.rendletrade.com webpage where you will find website addresses that may be of assistance.

RendleTrade International Trade Web Resource

RendleTrade.com is a web site that we have provided to assist businesses in sourcing
information to help them in the exporting and importing of products and services in the
international market place.

Some of the regions that we list are as follows:

Africa

Asia

Central America & Caribbean