“How do I know if I’m ready to export?”

First, it’s important to establish that exporting is not a panacea for everyone who wants to grow their sales. But exporting does have tremendous potential rewards for those enterprises prepared to look further than Ontario or the rest of Canada for expansion.

With this in mind, here’s a little test to see if you are export ready.  Positive answers to the following ten questions will provide an indication that you are ready to become a “global entrepreneur”. Here are the questions to ask to find the answer:

1. Is your product or service currently selling in the Canadian market?
2. Is it profitable?
3. Have you worked out target pricing for export sales?
4. Do you know if you can meet delivery schedules for your target market?
5. Does your product or service meet the quality and performance standards applicable in the target export market?
6. Does your product or service meet the diverse requirements of foreign customers?
7. If you are exporting a service, are you very familiar with the business immigration and work permit requirements in your target market?
8. Have sufficient company resources and personnel been allocated to your initial export efforts?
9. Can your product or service be fully supported with after sales service in the language of the export market?
10. Have you prepared a sound business plan with a realistic time frame for export market development?

If you said “yes” to the majority of these questions, it’s a strong signal that you are ready to take the plunge and to build an international presence for your products or services. And you don’t have to feel alone - Ontario Exports Inc. (OEI) can help you successfully navigate these waters.

As the export development agency of the Ontario government, OEI offers a full spectrum of programs and services which include one-on-one consulting, market information, export skills training and in-market support. OEI also organizes participation in trade missions and in internationally recognized trade shows.

However, if you answered “no” to most of the questions you may wish to consider participating in one of OEI’s New Exporter to Border States (NEBS) programs.  NEBS is a practical and cost-effective two-day program to introduce companies to the fundamentals of exporting to the United States.  It provides information on export pricing, customs procedures, selecting agents, distributors and warehousing, banking and legal issues, export financing and insurance and immigration issues. Our International Marketing Consultants can help you to become “export aware” and “export ready” and maximize your chances of becoming a successful Ontario exporter.

Debbie Walker is Director, Community Export Development, Ontario Exports Inc., the export development agency of the Government of Ontario.  She is the author of a series of columns focused on some of the most commonly asked questions about exporting goods and services and other topics aimed at helping Ontario firms to take their first step into foreign markets or to expand their existing export opportunities.

Debbie Walker
Director
Ontario Exports Inc.
56 Wellesley Street West, 7th Floor,
Toronto, ON M7A 2E4
Toll Free Phone:  1-877-468-7233
E-mail:  debbie.walker@edt.gov.on.ca
Web:  www.ontarioexportsinc.com/oei