One of the challenging things in the exportation of foodstuff, raw materials, processed and unprocessed products hinges on getting genuine customers who are really ready for business. In this article, you will discover some of the practical ways to connect with genuine customers abroad.
An international client or customer is someone, a company, a store, organization or government who has needs for tangible products (commodity) or intangible products (services) and has shown interest in buying from a vendor or seller or suppliers who offer the exact products of his interest.
There are thousands of international clients (companies or individuals) who are also faced with the problems of getting genuine and reliable vendors, most of them spend a lot of money in search of vendors or suppliers from around the world Nigeria inclusive.
How To Export Foodstuffs From Nigeria To Abroad
One of the media available to people or companies to search for genuine buyers and suppliers is through online platforms such as Alibaba.com, Tradeindia.com etc. however, one must be very careful about people you meet online always verify their genuineness.
How do you verify the genuineness of buyers or supplier online?
Step 1
Ask for the person’s full name and what he does (profession) where he lives, that is, get detailed personal profile about him and then search him on Google to verify if the information about his data is in tandem with what you have. If he is a genuine customer his data and profession will not be hidden online although some fraudsters can disguise as genuine businessman online. If he is a farmer or businessman you will see it. After this first step, try to establish and maintain cordial relationship for a while, if possible meet one on one to establish a strong business relationship. In most cases, one may not be very fortunate to get connected with a genuine customer, please note that you should not release your goods or money to someone you have not known for a very long time.
Step 2
Ask for the name of the company and website URl and search it on scamadviser.com to ascertain the number of years he has been in business and the trust ratio. Check comments about them, or check the reviews from customers about the company online, enter their URL eg www.foreigncustomer.com review to see the response from other customers they have a transaction with, nothing is hidden anymore these days.
Step 3
Find out the terms of payment-this is very important. For example, a website in China that connects buyers and sellers online like aliexpress; you can buy from different sellers in China from this website but the money will not be remitted to the seller until the buyer (you) receives the product and confirms that it was what was ordered, otherwise the money paid would be fully refunded to the buyer. You must agree on the terms of payment and shipment. You and your foreign customer can agree on the payment gateway to use that will favor your transactions such as Paypal or any other payment gateway of your choice.
5 ways to start foodstuff exportation
Step4
You can also use Google search engine using the right keywords to search for foreign buyers and as a seller, you must have a website well optimized that shows what you do and how you intend to sell your products and services to people round the world.
Step5
Join B2B forums site where you can also meet foreign buyers of your products.
Step6
Email marketing is also useful; the result of your search engine can give you hundreds and thousands of buyers online, it is your duty now to regularly send them mails about the products you offer. if you’re serious about exporting your products world wide you must consider having a good website and optimize it to rank high on google search engine, also consider to register your business name and join Nigeria chamber of commerce and others that will help you build network easily.
I hope you find this publication useful.
By Ozoemena O. Charles
CMO at Zuma Marketing Limited
and Publisher at SMEsmedia.com
Zuma Marketing is a contemporary company that deals in audio-visual products and integration, modern teaching aids and educational resources. Since 2012, ZML has provided thousands of clients with reliable and cost-efficient technology solutions for their collaboration, presentation, and Educational needs.
Disclaimer
The Publisher has strived to be as accurate and complete as possible in the creation of this publication, notwithstanding the fact that he does not warrant or represent at any time that the contents within are accurate due to the rapidly changing nature of the economy or work conditions.
Also, the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein. Any perceived slights of specific persons, peoples, or organizations are unintentional.
In practical advice, Publication like anything else in life, there are no guarantees of income made. Readers are cautioned to rely on their own judgment about their individual circumstances to act accordingly.
You are encouraged to print this publication, read and share with friends and business minded people for easy reading.
