What is exporting?

Exporting occurs when goods leave Canada enroute to another country or when you provide a service in another country. If you plan to sell wild rice to Japan, Aboriginal art to Germany, or provide computer consulting services to a company in New York, then you've got the idea. If, however, you're one step beyond the idea stage and feel your company is ready to enter the world of international trade, keep reading and we'll show you how it's done.

Are You Ready to Export?

The following questions should be answered before you begin exporting to assess your company's export readiness.

Evaluate Your Product or Service

• Is your product a patented one-of-a-kind item? Is it unique in other ways?
• Who is currently buying your product or service? Will you be targetting the same group in another country? If so, does this group have the same buying power as they do domestically?
• Would your product or service be unacceptable in certain countries?
• How does your product or service differ from that of your competitors?
• Do you have strong domestic sales? If not, why do you believe there will be a market somewhere else?
• If you have to translate the name of your product or service, will it translate the way you intend it to?

Assess Your Organization

• Will you sell your product directly or are you willing to license others to sell it on your behalf?
• Do you currently have or can you get the financial resources necessary to cover the additional costs associated with exporting?
• Do you have enough staff with the time to devote to the export venture or will you have to hire more people?
• What if there is an overwhelming demand for your product or service? Will you be able to meet your obligations in-house or will you have to contract the work out?
• Do any of your staff currently have a knowledge of exporting, any overseas experience or contacts, or knowledge of another culture and/or language? Will you have to hire staff with these skills or will you contract the work out to someone?