Starting
Out
Exports
can obviously increase markets for one's goods many times
over, but for the newcomer exporting can also present numerous
complications and learning difficulties. Though the temptation
might exist, the newcomer is usually advised to gradually
enter the export field, perhaps starting with one overseas
market and gradually increasing the range of destinations
in which one's products and services are offered.
The newcomer's
first port of call for information on exporting in both general
and specific terms should be regional offices of the Department
of Trade and Industry, details of which are provided at the
end of this text.The all-important initial market research
to assess the suitability of your product or service to overseas
markets, is one that might well be aided by a visit to a trade
show in the country of intended export.
There
the exporter can speak to foreign and international business
men and women and obtain copies of relevant trade publications.The
exporter might well find the product requires some modification
to suit overseas markets, and that an import licence is required
before certain products will be allowed into some countries.
All can be discussed with export information and advisory
bodies on the entrepreneur's return to Britain. Amongst the
more useful sources of information and advice for newcomers
and established exporters are Chambers of Commerce, most of
the largest of which are able to provide group selling facilities,
fact finding services, organised trips abroad, shared telex
arrangements, documentation advice, and so on.
It is
advisable to join one of the larger Chambers of Commerce,
such as those in London and Birmingham, as opposed to Chambers
of Trade which though generally available in all main towns,
are usually composed of retailers with no experience or interest
in exporting. Many Chambers of Commerce hold regular meetings
at which members can benefit from the experience and advice
of fellow members and longer-established exporters. Additionally,
many Chambers hold regular seminars on matters related to
exporting, some aimed at relative beginners and therefore
offering a more than useful insight into the ins and outs
of this particular marketing method.
All of
the major banks offer free literature and guidance to intending
and established exporters, and many have specialist advisers
available to answer whatever questions you might have in your
beginning days as an exporter, as well as problems you might
encounter as you begin venturing into new and untested markets.
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