Establishing an export business can be a daunting task and expanding into international markets can seem even tougher, especially if you fall into the category of small and midsized manufacturers. The fact here is that most companies fail to take advantage of the available opportunities to increase export sales.

Here are a few tips for reducing the risk and increasing the opportunities.

• Select the market you pursue

In simple words, don’t be solely reactive to the leads from the online websites. Also, it is important to keep in mind that you should not try to embrace the entire world. Consider the markets with which the Australia has free-trade agreements and take an incremental approach that allows you to learn. They may give you a better framework for tariffs and the handling of disputes.

• Research, then research more

There are a couple of approaches that an import and export business can take to international sales that require the varying degree of research. There are multiple ways you can improve your business and one of the best ways of doing it is hiring a professional export management company who will handle all the export details for you. These companies take the commission on the final sales that are generally paid by the buyers. A wiser way of doing it is interviewing multiple companies and finding the best match for you.

• Create a plan & execute carefully

Before you start growing your import/export business to the international market, you need to have a well-laid plan. Knowing your sales goals beforehand will keep you on track and help eliminate mistakes. There may be many sales goals that you may want to achieve with a new international market. Either it can be to supplement domestic sales or to become the newest worldwide sensation. Whatever goal you carry, having a plan is a great choice. Don’t over think this step. Your best bet is to start small, learn the nuances and grow from there.

• Explore routes to market entry

This might seem somewhat similar to the first point, but has something different to offer. Firstly, develop your intercultural awareness and locate your proposition appropriately to your target audience. Get yourself involved with the international business network to find helpful business connections at home to improve your export sales without the loss. Developing an international market may take time, but once the relationships are made, you will enjoy the long-term benefits. It is important to make the effort to develop such relationships and continue to nurse them.

• Manage finances, payment & risks

Set up the letter of credit to ensure that you get paid for your exports safely. Get help about learning the foreign financial transactions and research trade taxations. This can help you adjust your product pricing for the market. A balanced evaluation is important, so underpin your performance objectives and assess your partner’s capability.

Growing your export sales or any types of business is not a walk in the park. It needs a lot of preparation, consideration, research, expertise and planning. There’s also a lot of factors to consider before you decide to grow your business into the international market