On paper, it seems easy. Your product sells in the UK and you’ve built up a thriving retail business around it. So the next logical step is targeting overseas markets – the potential pool of new customers seems infinite.
However, how will you know if Japanese consumers will take to your brand of artisan beers? Will your baby clothes range be a big success in China? Are expats in Dubai crying out for your traditional baked goods? Thorough market research, an understanding of who buys your product and a dose of common sense are all vital to identify a successful home for your products in a different country.
And that’s just the start – your export to-do list will soon be packed with questions about marketing, logistics, customer service and a lot more. Ahead of our Trade Boost Retail Event on March 17 – a one-day seminar looking at how retail businesses can increase exports – we’d like to hear all about the challenges you face when it comes to forming your export plans. Your views will help form talking points for the day – you can also apply to attend the event for free or follow the debate on #tradeboost.
Tell us about your challenges, success stories and what advice you’d like from the experts in the comment thread below.
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