Marketing Inputs by Aid To Artisans

I. EXPECTATIONS OF EXPORT MARKETS - ARE YOU READY

Export markets present many opportunities as well as many challenges. Success depends on good preparations to meet the expectations of the global marketplace. The following checklist helps craft enterprises assess their export readiness.

Aid to Artisans’ Export Readiness Checklist:

Your company must have:

• An understanding of customer expectations in the global marketplace

• An export product line and strategy for continual product development

• Adequate production capacity and effective quality control systems

• Competitive and sustainable export pricing

• An understanding of export distribution channels

• An export marketing plan (addressing trade shows & marketing materials)

• A financial strategy for export activities, including access to financing

Expectations of the Global Customer

Commercial buyers in the global marketplace conduct business on the assumption that competition is abundant. If a supplier cannot provide the product, quality, price, delivery and customer service that the buyers expect, then they will find other suppliers who can. Here are the typical expectations of a buyer in the global marketplace.

Products

• Your products are well-designed to suit the tastes and trends in the target export market

• You are able to produce samples on time

• You have product development capabilities to suit your buyer's needs

• You respect the exclusivity of your buyer's designs

Quality

• The quality of your shipment will conform to your original samples

• Products will conform to standard sizes and safety standards

Price

• Prices are competitive

• Prices reflect the quality and design of the product

• Prices are guaranteed for at least 6 months

Delivery

• Delivery will be on time

• You are prepared to work over-time to meet delivery deadlines

• Documentation will be correct

• Goods will arrive adequately packed and undamaged

• You will make every effort to produce re-orders on time

Service

• You have a fundamental understanding of business and keep accurate chronological files of your business transactions

• You intend to give good, professional service

• You want your customer to be satisfied

• You will keep your promises

• Business will be conducted in English

• Communications (including bad news) will be timely and frequent, preferably by e-mail or fax

• The opportunity for success and profit motivates you

• You have a credit policy in place prior to accepting an order

• You will arrange financing for production prior to accepting an order

Also Read
This section has eight parts. Each part can be viewed individually or as a continuum – depending on the organisations requirements.
	Product Development Strategies & Export Product Lines
	Production Capacity & Quality Control
	Costing & Pricing for Export
	Export Distribution Channels
	Export Marketing Plan
	Financial Planning
	US Trade Shows