LOGISTICS
How to export around the clock
Global interconnectivity, new supply chains and technology
have transformed today’s economic landscape.
Karen Reddington, president, FedEx Express Asia-Pacific,
shares some key steps to map the exporting journey to expand
your business globally.
D
espite global economic
uncertainty, the spirit of
creativity and innovation are
still driving the growth of
companies in the Asia-Pacific region
— exports accounted for 68% of
the region’s small and medium-sized
enterprises’ (SMEs) total annual revenue
of US$1.43 million. Small businesses
should take advantage of technological
innovations to connect with new
customers and look to grow on a global
scale. There are so many opportunities
out there waiting to be seized.
However, the exporting journey
may seem daunting at first. So, to help,
we have compiled a list of 12 tips for
successful international expansion.
1 Pick your markets
Different markets and consumers
have different needs and preferences,
online and off. Use the Internet to
conduct some research into the markets
you are considering, and to evaluate
the business opportunities out there.
Develop a localised strategy and business
plan that will drive local success while
still keeping a strong brand image in
your home market.
the Internet to your
2 Use
advantage
Once you have shortlisted your top
target markets, use free online tools to
check specific export requirements and
adjust your strategy accordingly.
3 Research is key
Check the commodity code for your
goods to see what documents you will
need. Depending on the country you’ve
chosen to export to, there may also be
customs duties to bear in mind. Do your
research ahead of branching out into
new markets — it will pay dividends in
the long run.
out how you will
4 Work
ship your products
From shipping a customer’s first
purchase to securing repeat business,
prompt and reliable delivery around
the clock is crucial in gaining your
customers’ trust. Using a globally
established logistics provider will not
only make sure products are delivered
quickly and efficiently, but it will also
ensure any specific requirements in your
destination countries are met.
your shipping
5 Weigh
correctly
Whether you are using domestic or
international services, it is important
to calculate the correct billable weight.
If you’re having difficultly working out
the dimensional or actual weight of
your package, the FedEx Service Guide
provides a step-by-step run through.
your shipments
8 Pack
correctly
Your transportation provider may be
able to advise you how to package your
goods correctly, or even provide you
with their own range of ready-to-use,
self-sealing packaging in a choice of
shapes and sizes.
9 Enable tracking
Now that your shipment is on its
way, it is only natural to want to know
where it is at all times. Using a tracking
tool will help you keep tabs on it
during every step of its journey.
10 Ask questions
Knowing where to get quick
answers to your questions can save time
and ensure peace of mind. Use free
online resources to learn more and do
not be afraid to ask your transportation
provider any questions you may have.
the right service
6 Choose
for your business
11 Go above and beyond
There is no “one size fits all” when it
comes to your shipping strategy, but
there are features you can introduce that
will make everyone happy, for example,
fast shipping options. There are options
that provide rapid next-day delivery, and
if you need a delivery shipped overnight,
make sure to consider overnight options.
In some circumstances, your
customer’s shipment may require
extraordinary care, for example,
additional security, temperature
control or compliance documentation.
Consider industry-specific solutions
if thi s is the case to ensure shipments
arrive in the best possible condition.
your
your international
12 Grow
international presence
7 Prepare
orders with care
Ensure you have all the relevant
documents you need before shipping
your international orders. For example,
commercial invoices, packing lists,
shipping notes, a Certificate of
Shipment, any certificates of origin
or commercial licences all need to be
current and present. Consider services
that can help you process all documents
electronically, saving you both time and
money.
If you think international shipping to
countries even farther afield could be
the next big step for you in growing
your business, make sure you are
fully prepared to go global by taking
advantage of free online resources, in-
depth information, instructions
and checklists available online. In
today’s connected world, achieving
success may be much easier than you
think! ra
Retail Asia August 2018
19