Here are some articles on key topics for many new exporters. Most also have corresponding webinars on this site.

1.  Are You Ready to Export? 

   It’s important to consider if your business is ready to export, and that you understand what that entails. Exporting consumes time and money, and requires strong management commitment.

2.  Market Intelligence: 

   Market intelligence gathering should not be just an academic exercise of assembling data. Good intelligence finds out what actually drives a market – and how you should approach it.

3.  Costing and Pricing: 

   The right pricing and the way you provide quotes for your products or services are both crucial to developing a successful and ongoing export business.

4.  Approaching the Market:
   

   To succeed in foreign markets you need a sound export strategy which becomes a key component of your overall business plan. The U.S. Commercial Service can help.

5.  Tradeshows:

   Each year, over 5000 trade shows take place all over the planet offering tremendous business opportunities. The question is ….How do you find the right show and then plan for success?

6.  Shipping and Incoterms: 

   Transporting your product to an overseas market efficiently and competitively is absolutely critical. Using a good freight forwarder is essential, but you also need to understand the basics of shipping terms, pricing, and documentation.

7.  Payment Terms:

   The terms of payment are a critical part of any export transaction. They can determine if you are successful in making the sale, if you make a profit, and the associated financial risk.

8.  SBA Export Financing: 
   

   The Small Business Administration (SBA) has established three loan programs to help companies enter the export market. Most banks do not advance cash against foreign receivables, so SBA export loan guarantees help to fill this funding gap.

9.  Visiting the Market: 

   Before you get on an airplane and start spending serious money, do a thorough job of market intelligence gathering, and contact the U.S. Commercial Service for their expert guidance.

10.  Risk Management: 

    All business entails some degree of risk, and international trade is no exception. The best way to manage risk is by doing your homework in advance, and then taking prudent counter-measures.

11.  Agents and Distributors:

    Most companies rely on agents or distributors to represent them overseas. So, you need to understand the differences in how the two operate in each country before having any serious discussions with them.

12.  Export Documents: 

    Let’s face it, there is a lot of paperwork associated with exporting. Whenever you sell, ship, or deliver products overseas, paperwork is needed to document the process. If you are new to the exporting game, this paperwork may seem overwhelming, perhaps even intimidating.

13.  Website Globalization:

    If you have a website, you already have global exposure, whether you want it or not. You are out there for all to see. So the question is, do you take advantage of the enormous international opportunities the web affords?

14.  GDPR Compliance: 

    The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) gives EU citizens better control over their personal data and sets rules for the collection and handling of personal data. Even in the US, we are subject GDPR when data is collected on Europeans.

15.  Chosing a Freight Forwarder:

If you are planning to ship products overseas, it’s important to choose the right company to arrange for moving your goods abroad.