Not all products that consumers want and need are being produced worldwide. Direct exporting is a type of exporting where the company directly sells products to overseas customers. All the deals are done directly between the companies without any intermediaries. This way, the companies have more control over the processes. Direct exporting also increases profits as the intermediary is eliminated, reducing costs. Direct exporting also creates a stronger bond between the supplier and the buyer, and maintaining business relationships is crucial for business success.

International companies reap a wide range of benefits by expanding globally, such as accessing new revenue streams and a broader talent pool. In a world where borders fade away and technology leaps over limitations, the idea of a global marketplace is more crucial than ever for businesses dreaming of international success. Building an international strategy must be calculated and methodical, and here are five considerations at the core of going global:

1. Distribution by Country/Region

First, it should be no surprise that the methods and strategies companies use to transport products from the distribution centers to customers can vary by country or region. Handling order fulfillments may look different from shipping and packaging options, to delivery and transportation. 

2. Consumer Demand

Before expanding to a specific country, marketplace, or entire region (across multiple marketplaces), it’s important you thoroughly research and understand the consumer demand for your product. Do you have data to show that your expansion market(s) has a need for your product? Beyond product-market fit, additional parts of consumer demand analysis include: consumer behavior, awareness of differences in cultural norms, and the beliefs and values of international buyers.

3. Product Registration and Regulatory

Countries around the world set up regulations and processes to protect their consumers from any hazardous imports. Because of that, it only makes sense that these countries may have different product registration requirements and standards. Before expanding to new regions, a brand should make sure their products are registered with the appropriate government institutions and follow all production best practices to prevent any roadblocks.

4. Localized Pricing

When it comes to localized pricing, international ecommerce retailers should keep in mind two things–currency conversion and customer perception of price. As brands look to expand internationally, thorough research should be done to understand the currency conversions at each stage of the product life cycle in order to figure out the optimal localized pricing, while still retaining a net profit. Remember, because of cultural differences, final pricing may be perceived differently by customers on international marketplaces. 

5. Localized Labeling

Different countries and regions may have unique requirements for product labeling. Awareness and understanding of these requirements is key to a successful international strategy. For example, labeling may need to be in a certain language, and some countries may require brands to include certain product information.