Conquering customers abroad can be challenging, but with the right strategies, your company can increase its competitive advantages and achieve success in international business. Factors such as product demand in the destination country, competition, local regulations, agreements, and trade barriers directly influence this process.

Once the ideal target market is defined, the next step is to win over the customer. An effective strategy for this is to send international samples.

Learn more below about how this practice can be beneficial for your company's success.

---

First Steps

Start by choosing the country you want to export to. Evaluate factors such as supply, culture, economic situation, and possible adaptations that the product may require to meet local standards.

After determining the market, contact importers abroad. The sample is essential to ensure that the product meets the customer's expectations and to reinforce the purchase intention. This step is crucial to gain the buyer's trust and open doors for future negotiations.

Additionally, choosing appropriate packaging is essential to ensure that the product arrives in perfect condition, reducing costs and meeting the destination's restrictions and specifications.

Required Documentation

Another fundamental aspect is the documentation required for each destination. Some documents are common for any country. See the main ones:

• Shipping Knowledge (Posting Form – CP72/AWB): Issued free of charge at the post offices.
• Invoice.
• Commercial Invoice.

Other documents may be required by the importer or customs in the destination country, such as the Certificate of Origin. Export registration is mandatory when the value of the shipment exceeds USD 1,000 or when it is a commercial export, regardless of the value. Additionally, some countries impose specific restrictions on certain products, which can be checked on the Universal Postal Union (UPU) website.

Communication and Follow-up

Maintaining constant communication with the international client throughout the entire sample shipment process is crucial. This helps understand their needs, clarify doubts, resolve potential issues, and obtain feedback on the product. Upon confirming the sample's arrival at the destination, verify if the product met the client's expectations.

Remain open to negotiations regarding payment terms and order quantity. Also, be willing to make product adaptations as requested to ensure customer satisfaction and the closing of future commercial transactions.

---

Avoid mistakes when importing!

Despite all the care, a small mistake in a document can cause big financial problems for you. Having a specialized import consultancy can save you from many future risks. Just see what Genco Import & Export can do for you:

• Sourcing your product to find the best value for your product.
• Simulating all costs before you embark on this journey.
• Negotiating values with suppliers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers.
• Unifying all documents. Less headache for you!
• Closing the exchange rate for your process.
• Conducting inspections and issuing complete reports for your follow-up.

And much more!

Count on Genco for the best advisory for your imports.

Contact us and learn more about our services!