Get Your Product Market Ready.

Welcome to Selling to International Customers!

Your business may be based in Africa, but your customers can be anywhere in the world!

International selling creates opportunities for African entrepreneurs, artisans, farmers, manufacturers and small businesses to reach new markets and grow their businesses.

This lesson introduces the essential steps involved in preparing your products and business for international customers.

What You’ll Learn

• How to identify potential international customers

• How to prepare your products for overseas markets

• How to write clear product descriptions and take attractive photographs

• How to communicate professionally with international buyers

• How to price products for international sales

• Understanding currencies and secure payment methods

• The basics of international packaging, shipping and delivery

• Understanding customs, taxes and export requirements

• How to build trust with customers in different countries

• How online marketplaces, including Made in Africa, can help connect businesses with global buyers

Getting Started

Step 1: Choose Your Product

Identify a product you would like to sell internationally. Consider its quality, packaging, shelf life and suitability for shipping.

Step 2: Research Your Market

Think about which countries might have customers interested in your product. Research demand, competition and selling prices.

Step 3: Calculate Your Costs

Consider production costs, packaging, shipping, payment fees and any applicable taxes or duties when setting your selling price.

Step 4: Prepare Your Product Information

Create clear photographs, accurate descriptions, product measurements, prices and delivery information.

Step 5: Check International Trade Requirements

Before accepting overseas orders, verify the import and export rules, product standards, customs documentation and restrictions that apply to your product and destination country.

Your First Activity

Imagine you want to sell one of your products to a customer in another country.

Answer these five questions:

1. What product would you sell?

2. Which country would you like to sell it to?

3. Who would be your ideal customer?

4. How would you package and deliver the product safely?

5. What information would you need to check before making your first international sale?

Write down your answers. They will help you begin developing a simple international selling plan.

Your Learning Materials

Open the attached course presentation and follow the illustrated instructions at your own pace.

Remember, you do not need to start by selling to the whole world. Begin with one product, research one international market and build your experience gradually.

Your products are made in Africa. Your opportunities can reach the world!

Made-in-Africa Business Academy — Learn. Build. Grow.