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You are here: Home > Exporter information and services > First steps to exporting

First steps to exporting

Thinking about exporting? Follow the first steps to exporting guide for tips on starting out, training, country selection, channel to market, using the internet, and marketing hints.

Starting out

Are you ready to export? 
This export assessment guide provides a quick checklist to see if your business is ready to export.

Guide to exporting  (PDF, 749KB) **Updated October 2007
The guide to exporting helps new exporters navigate through the processes, procedures and pitfalls of trading overseas.

Market Selection Checklist (PDF, 59KB)
Selecting which markets to enter can be one of the most challenging parts of exporting.  This guide takes you through the market selection process, and provides advice on how to choose the best market for your product/service.

SWOT (strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats) Analysis Checklist (PDF, 40KB)
An analysis of strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) should be part of the export planning process.  This checklist will help you identify the next steps for your company to take to maximise potential export opportunities.

SWOT (strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats) Analysis Worksheet (PDF, 324KB)
A useful worksheet to help you develop a SWOT analysis for your own export business.

Preparing an Export Plan (PDF, 89KB)
Important steps which companies must consider before exporting. Steps include readiness to export, financial issues, trade concepts and terms, market research and export planning.

Marketing plan checklist  (PDF, 90KB)
A sound marketing plan is the blueprint for a company's marketing activities. It  summarises the strategies and tactics that you will use to achieve specified objectives in a given time-period.

Pricing Checklist 
Pricing is critical to export success.  This checklist provides advice on how to price for export.

Grow your business
Training, co-funding and advice to develop your business – services provided by NZTE. 

Business advice and support
business web site

Finances and cash flow
business web site

Getting your tariff code
New Zealand Customs Service web site

Restricted exports
New Zealand Customs Service web site

Other services for exporters
Information and advice on overseas markets, including consulting services and the Beachheads programme – services provided by NZTE.   

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Exporter education

Enterprise training
The New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) Enterprise Training Programme provides upskilling for the owners and operators of small and medium-sized enterprises so they can develop and grow their businesses.

Exporter education programme 
The New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s (NZTE’s) Exporter Education Training Programme has been designed to provide existing and new exporters with the skills and advice to help them grow exports. The programme is nationwide; for more information please email support@exported.co.nz or phone 0800 232 800.

Developing business skills
business web site

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Country selection

Market selection services
The market selection process assists you to collect information about, and make comparisons between, potential export markets.

Legal checklists
International lawyer Robert Auerbach prepared this set of legal checklists for exporters.  These are not intended as legal advice, but as an outline of issues to consider.

Australia as your first export destination
Australia is a popular first market for exporters.  Find in one place all the MarketNewZealand.com information about exporting to Australia.

Country and economy profiles
Information snapshots and guides on New Zealand's top export markets.

City guides
Advice on accommodation, transport, banking, food and entertainment, and cultural tips.

Offshore sector profiles
Information on market trends, regulatory issues and opportunities in key sectors in selected export markets.

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Channels to market

Partnerships, joint ventures and agreements
Agents and distributors are used by 90 percent  of new exporters.  Selecting the right representative for your product is crucial. Companies may also consider joint ventures and strategic alliances in addition to exporting. Find out if these options suit your needs.

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The internet

E-business guide service information 
Find out about a personalised road map to guide you towards e-business success.

Selecting and using e-markets
Are e-markets right for you? How do you go about selecting an e-market?

MarketNewZealand.com - profiling opportunity
An exporter profile showcases your products and services to international buyers around the world. Complete an online application form to enable us to assess your export capability and decide if your company meets the relevant criteria.

Technology and e-business
Find more information about how e-business can help your business. 
business web site

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Marketing

Ensuring success at trade shows  (PDF, 358KB)
How to make the most of international trade events.

Making an effective presentation checklist  (PDF, 62KB)
A well-planned and delivered presentation is essential for getting your message across to an international audience.

Where to get a carnet - information prepared by the Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce A carnet is a Customs document that enables the temporary export of goods overseas. It is valid for up to one year.

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Useful web sites

New Zealand Customs Service
www.customs.govt.nz

Intellectual Property Office
www.iponz.govt.nz 

Technology New Zealand
www.technz.co.nz

Standards New Zealand
www.standards.govt.nz

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
www.mfat.govt.nz

Export New Zealand
www.exportnz.org.nz

New Zealand Trade Centre
www.nztc.co.nz

>> More useful sites


Exporting to Australia

Australia is a common first market for exporters. Find:

  • Guide to exporting to Australia
  • City guides
  • Country brief
  • How to guides
  • Further resources
  • Offshore sector profiles

On the Exporting to Australia page.

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