Many SMBs who started to export in 2019 failed to export in 2020. In 2018, less than 30% of companies who started to export 2 years earlier remained active internationally (source : French Customs – DGDDI). Let’s take this opportunity to remind a set of mistakes NOT to do when exporting.
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1. Go by chance
International sales is not a matter of chance or a hobby, it’s a matter of professionalism and should be planned within a global strategy. It takes time and dedicated, experienced human resources.
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2. Move without priorities
Shall you want to sell abroad, do not consider all markets at once. Even Airbnb, Uber and countless successful companies started step by step before becoming global.
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3. Consider the world as unique
Many countries = many cultures = beauty of our world. Perception of colors, names, attitudes, prices, UX or CX can be very different according to cultures, hence markets. Localize and adapt.

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4. Mismatch timing
Many companies fall in the trap of expecting short time results in conservative markets. Many also « forget» to follow up closely.

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5. Under-estimate the legal and competitive levels
Local competition and legal barriers, including norms, can turn an export plan into a time-consuming «adventure». A market survey is a must.