4 ways of breaking into the international marketplace

Once you've selected your target market, analyze how you can break into it and identify your best options before you make your move. Here are some basics:
• Learn about business practices in your export market and the value chain favoured by your potential foreign customers.
• Get advice on the major legal and tax aspects of the export market.
• Identify any cultural barriers and local perceptions of your product or service.
• Estimate your resources, especially the financial resources you can use to develop and supply your target market.
• Evaluate the overall strengths and weaknesses of your business and its product or service compared with the export market.
• Anticipate customer needs every step of the sales cycle.
 

4 WAYS TO BREAK INTO THE MARKET

Whether you decide to maintain control of your sales or delegate it to another business, there are many ways you can break into a foreign market.
 

DIRECT APPROACH

With the direct approach, the business sells directly to foreign customers, getting hands-on assistance only from a forwarding agent or an employee dedicated to on-the-ground development. The exporter is responsible for the entire export process.
• Pros:
o Direct customer contact
o Stringent cost control
o Higher profit margin
• Cons:
o The exporter is the sole business development investor
o Longer development phase since the network has to be built
o Steep learning curve and higher risk of error
 

INTERESTED IN KNOWING THE THREE OTHER WAYS ?

Read the full article on Desjardins’ website