Why do you want to export? This is the key question to ask yourself at the outset. Your general objectives will probably be:

• To increase profitability
• To utilise production capacity to the full

More specifically:

• The small domestic market may not provide you with the opportunity for growth that your company needs
• You may be manufacturing a specialised product and find there are not enough customers in Ireland
• You may be looking for the increased security your company can achieve by spreading its risks over a variety of markets
• You may want to ensure that your product is kept up to date by exposure to competition in international markets

One major benefit of exporting is that it provides scope to develop a company's strengths and abilities. Selling in an international environment will sharpen your innovative edge and open up opportunities that might never come your way if you limit yourself to the home market.

Back to Guide to Exporting