Exporting, because of its global nature, is often seen as being quite glamorous. Also, because of the apparent size of the global market, some companies may think that entering export markets must be very easy. For these and other reasons, many companies turn to exports as a means of salvation from small and highly competitive local markets. These are the worst reasons for exporting.

Exporting is a complex, time consuming and very difficult endeavour. It should only be attempted by companies that have the resources to tackle these foreign opportunities - exporting is unfortunately not for everyone.

Exporting is worth considering only if you…

• …have a unique product.
  
• …are an established, successful firm.
  
• …are already selling nationally and need to expand your sales.
  
• …are competing quite successfully against imported products.
  
• …are in a position to finance your export endeavours for a period of 12 to 24 months without necessarily generating any immediate income.
  
• …already have good contacts in your industry abroad who may be prepared to help you.
  
• …have the necessary export skills within your firm.

On the other hand, you should stay away from exporting if you…

• …do not yet have a formal business plan for your local market.
  
• …are not yet selling your products nationally.
  
• …are struggling in the domestic market.
  
• …are producing and selling a very ordinary product.
  
• ...have limited finances and resources.

Deciding whether you are ready to export or not can be quite difficult. For this reason, we have included an export readiness checker for you to fill out. This questionnaire should provide you with some idea as to whether you are ready to export or not.

Alternatively, there many export readiness checklists that have been produced by many different organisations. We have listed a number of these export readiness checklists for your consideration. Choose one that you like and complete the checklist to see whether you are ready to export.

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