The decision to export, or enter into an export-related contract, is a great opportunity for many businesses to grow and expand sales, but it is not right for every business.
Before entering into export activity, you should address the following considerations to decide whether export is right for you:
Management commitment and resources
Expanding or investing overseas takes a lot of work. Do you have the right senior team in place to drive and support everything that is needed to make it work?
Financial resources*
Setting up export operations in a new market and dealing with overseas buyers will take a toll on finances. Have you considered how you will finance your business growth?
Market entry
Knowing demand exists is only the first step. Have you assessed your market entry options and requirements to set up operations in a new country?
Export experience
The ability to draw on the export learnings of others is invaluable. Do you have staff or a network of contacts with export experience you can tap into for insights?
Market demand
A solid customer base in a new market is critical. Are you confident demand is strong enough for your product or service?
Timeframes
Exporting is a long process: from making the decision to go overseas to having up-and-running export operations can take between one to three years. Have you factored realistic timeframes into your business planning?
*We will provide further information on finance for exporting in the next edition of the series.
