Thinking About Exporting

Why Export

The first question most small businesses ask is why should we export? This is particularly true for those whose domestic sales are strong. It is a valid question given the costs, time and commitment required to be successful internationally. But the benefits of exporting can be substantial.

Export Ready?

Determining whether you are ready to enter the international business arena requires both an examination of your commitment in terms of resources as well as your ability to compete with international competition. There are a few relatively simple exercises you can take to determine if your firm is export ready. These do not require a large commitment of time or resources but are worthwhile exercises.

Rules & Regulations

Much of the world's trade and business relationships are determined by agreements that have been negotiated between two, three or more countries. These agreements range from simple agreements to reduce the level of tariffs on certain products, to detailed foreign investment rules that are negotiated between many countries, to full-fledged international trade treaties.

Success Factors

There are many factors you need to consider before entering the international buisness market. These include: the quality of your market research used for determining and defining your market; the local partnerships you make in the country, how much your product needs to adapt to the market and your attitude towards the customers in that market.

Domestic Vs International

Doing business internationally is not the same as doing business at home. There are new skills to learn and new knowledge to acquire about the country you will be going into. You will need to learn about the different laws and regulations, the different customer buying habits, and change your marketing strategies and materials to appeal to the new country you are entering.

Reviewing Your Capabilities

After completing a competitor analysis and determining a correct market to enter, the next step is to understand who to talk to, especially in terms of human and financial resources.

Thinking About Exporting: Summary

Summary of the key points that you have learned in the 'Thinking About Exporting' section.

Upcoming Events

CIFTIS Mission 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013 (All day) to Saturday, June 1, 2013 (All day)
U.S. Customs Compliance Seminar
Thursday, July 18, 2013 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
Canadian Customs Compliance Seminar
Thursday, July 18, 2013 - 12:30pm to 4:00pm
U.S. Customs Compliance Seminar
Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
Canadian Customs Compliance Seminar
Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 12:30pm to 4:00pm
ACI eManifest Info Session
Tuesday, September 17, 2013 - 10:00am to 11:30am
FDA Seminar
Thursday, September 19, 2013 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
CFIA Seminar
Thursday, September 19, 2013 - 12:30pm to 3:30pm
Global Export Seminar
Thursday, September 26, 2013 - 9:00am to 11:30am
Canada Customs Audit Seminar
Thursday, October 3, 2013 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
U.S. Customs Audit Seminar
Thursday, October 3, 2013 - 12:30pm to 3:30pm
U.S. Customs Compliance Seminar
Thursday, October 10, 2013 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
U.S. Customs Compliance Seminar
Thursday, October 10, 2013 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
Canadian Customs Compliance Seminar
Thursday, October 10, 2013 - 12:30pm to 4:00pm
ACI eManifest Info Session
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 - 10:00am to 11:30am
Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Seminar (C-TPAT) & Partners in Protection (PIP)
Thursday, October 24, 2013 - 9:00am to 2:00pm
H.S. Tariff & Classification Seminar
Thursday, November 14, 2013 - 9:00am to 3:15pm