Fact Sheet

Finding a contract, buyer or supplier on the Internet is often like finding a needle in a haystack. Is it possible to unearth one that will contribute to the synergy of your team, processes, technology and, naturally, your profits? Yes, it is very possible. In an economy that is using e-commerce networks on a global scale, this know-how is actually essential.

An export diagnosis helps you identify your competitive edge, evaluate your internal resources (human, financial and production), and establish your objectives and priorities.

This fact sheet presents a four-step approach you should consider when you decide to use a manufacturers’ agent to develop a foreign market. It explains how to build the ideal agent’s profile, how to find the best available one and how to get the most from your agent.

Any export firm must consider a number of factors when determining the sales price of a product destined for foreign markets. Many companies simply add the costs associated with exporting to their domestic prices, but numerous other calculation methods also exist.

When undertaking an export project, you must make sure to have the financial tools required to achieve your goals in the short-, medium- and long-term.  This fact sheet was developed to familiarize firms with the financial levers available by grouping them into four areas: strategic planning, marketing, production and sales.

When a Canadian company plans to do business abroad, it must consider a number of elements when developing a business strategy. Taxation, which can be defined as the rules governing mandatory contributions collected by a country to finance its public services, is one such fundamental aspect.

Various options exist in order to transport merchandises of a company to its clients abroad. But it is necessary to choose the right transportation mode, carrier or forwarder and the adequate incoterm. This fact sheet enables the exporter to demystify distribution logistics in order for the company to deliver the right product, at the right time and the right place.

There are three ways to enter a foreign market — direct exporting, indirect exporting and strategic alliances. Each mode of entry comes with its own distribution channels and has its pros and cons. This fact sheet discusses the various types of channels with a view to helping exporting companies make informed choices.