Export guidelines and documents
Exporting could be an uphill task; it requires a thorough preparation, hard work and determination however Exporting can be very profitable, challenging and exciting.
Factors and guidelines that could influence and individual enterprise's readiness to start export trade are as follows:
Production / sourcing capacity
Ability to source the required products in large quantity and acceptable quality either through direct production/manufacturing or indirect through the producers/merchant, etc. is important.
There must be adequate and regular supply to meet the export market demand. The acquisition of sufficient technical knowledge on the product/service for exports is an added advantage.
Financial resources
To supply sufficient quantity of a given product, services to export markets, one requires adequate financial resources. Funds can be sourced through he financial institutions especially for exports with very low interest rates.
One can contact his local bank for export financing. The Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) was set-up by the Federal Government to Nigeria to provided export financing through the commercial banks. A number of serious exporters have enjoyed such services throughout the country.
Management and marketing ability
An enterprise will certainly require and efficient and effective team with marketing background to be able to manage export trade successfully. An individual can avail himself of his services of export clearing agents to take care of the logistics management of his exports. The operators should keep abreast of development in the sector.
Export unit (organizational structure and manpower)
You need a structure to carry out the export activity. A simple structure comprising the Export Manager, Sales clerk and a shipping officer will be appropriate. The Manager takes decisions on products to sell, the markets to go into, channels to use and the selection of agents. The sales clerk prepares promotional materials, acknowledges orders, prepares quotations and ensures that packing and labelling are correctly done. The shipping clerk has responsibility for packing, documentation and transportation. For a sole trader wishing to do export business, the schedules and functions of the key personnel as enumerated above will be of immense assistance to him/her.
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