Able to expand production capacity to cater for export demand (e.g, new machines)
Adequate supply of raw materials
Healthy financial standing
Access to funding (commercial and government)
Understanding of payment instruments
Sufficient trainable and knowledgeable staff (e.g. customs and logistics,INCOTERMS)
Multi-skills and multi-lingual work force
Sufficient marketing collaterals
Access to various distribution channels
Knowledge in export market strategy (refer to export market plan)
Conform to mandatory international standards, accreditation and certification
Comply with export and import requirements (permit, licensing and quota)
Comply with international legal requirements
Understanding of Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
Awareness on Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)
International Sales Contract
Knowledge in arbitration and dispute settlement
The risk of non payment can be mitigated by using internationally accepted terms of payment e.g. Letter of Credit
If the opportunity exists and is viable, companies should start with exporting before selling to the local market.
There are different types of terms of payment to suit the different modes of transportation
The key to selecting any market is proper marketing research and sufficient preparation
There is an array of market entry strategies to suit various types of exporters and target markets. Whilst large companies typically account for far more total exports but the real fact is that vast majority of exporting firms in most countries are small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)
There are various [financial and non financial] efforts and schemes by the government to assist e.g. trade financingschemes to assist and exporters’ development programmes
Other competitive factors play a large role including intellectual property (IP), quality, service, and consumer taste - these may override the size of thecompany
The steps in exporting are systematic and its process and practice is consistent worldwide. There is an abundance of resources available online that helps the first time exporter about all ins and outs of exporting.
With proper training and advice export risks can be adequately mitigated. Selling anywhere has risks even in the domestic market, but it can be reduced by using Letters of Credit (L/Cs) payment terms