Marketing Strategies for export

An exporter should determine which foreign market to target first. Malaysian firm, for example, automatically looks North of the border such as Thailand. Therefore, exporters should always consider exporting Next Door.

In targeting likely foreign market, the exporter should use a "Checklist" of factors. In practice, market research through the participation in a trade fair, government sponsored export mission or personal visit to foreign countries.

Smaller exporter may wish to reduce the costs of any market survey by using government services available.

Trade Commissioners stationed at embassies abroad are only too willing to help the exporter assess the foreign market and suggest likely distributors. So long as the export firm provides adequate product literature, samples and other necessary information.

If the market research required, is beyond the scope of the Trade Commissioner, he will suggest the names of some suitable local market research firms. Some manufacturer may decide not to export themselves, but employ a trading house or export agent to act on its behalf in seeking market opportunities, promoting and securing orders.