Level 11 · Part 1
Is export right for you?
Check your readiness first. Many businesses do better by strengthening local and regional sales before exporting.
Exporting is not a step up for everyone. It is a different business, with more cost, more risk and longer waits for payment. Start by asking whether you are ready.
Reliable local sales ──▶ Consistent quality and records ──▶ Find a target market
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Repeat orders ◀── Ship and get paid ◀── Meet the requirements ◀── Find a buyer- Can you supply the same quality, in the same way, every time, with records for each batch (Levels 4 and 5)?
- Can you deliver on time and in good condition over a long journey (Levels 6 and 7)?
- Can you wait for payment and still pay your costs (Level 10)?
- Do you have enough product, or a group to share the volume?
- Would a nearby city, a neighbouring country or a regional market be an easier next step?
Regional markets can be a good step
Selling in a neighbouring country or region often has shorter distances and simpler rules than far markets, but rules on crossing borders still apply. Check them in the same way.
Exercise 11.1 · My export readiness check
- Answer the five questions above for your product with a yes, partly or no, and a reason.
- Mark the two weakest answers and write what you would need to change.
- Write whether your next step should be export or stronger local and regional sales, and why.
Background reading for this part:
- Developing Sustainable Food Value Chains: Guiding Principles — Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2014
- Market Access Map — International Trade Centre (ITC)