Do you know what the barriers to entry for businesses in international markets are? If you want your business to grow and prosper, it would be very useful for you to familiarize yourself with these barriers to entry. Nowadays, the internet is a window to the rest of the world, and it can help to expand your business on an international scale. However, if you don’t really know how to deal with the problems that you’re faced with, it won’t be as beneficial as what you think. In this post, we will talk about the challenges that you may face during this process.
Main barriers to entry for businesses in international markets
Getting to know about the main barriers to entry at a deeper level will allow you to avoid obstacles and earn a place in new markets.
1. Language
Generally, language is the most complicated challenge to overcome. It is also the most immediate. Realistically, if you are going to build a business in new markets, you will need to be fluent in said language. Whether you are presenting your products, preparing communication, or simply legally registering your business, it is important that you master the language perfectly.
For example, if you are going to open an e-commerce business in France, you will have to comply with the invoicing requirements of that country, and will therefore have to fill out all the necessary documents and forms. Similarly, if you have to translate the products on your website into French, you must also establish means of contact and communication with the public.
In all of these cases, they all have the same thing in common: the need to count on expert native French translators who can help with the following aspects: legal, marketing, products and services, etc. Therefore, it is important to have professional translators who can take care of these tasks in the best way possible.
2. Possible legal obstacles
Taxes differ from country to country, as do the requirements when opening a business overseas. Firstly, and most importantly, you should familiarize yourself with your administrative requirements. Once you have done this, you should carry out a strategic calculation. This way, you will know if it will be profitable for your to sell in said country or not.
A marketing plan will provide you with a more solid concept, which will help you to determine the viability of setting up your business in another country. These procedures and requirements are usually complex, so we recommend that you use the time and necessary resources to prevent you from encountering problems in the future.
3. Design a distribution network
For businesses in the 21st century, logistics has become an unavoidable element that unfortunately, we cannot do anything about. In this case, this management system will take care of calculating the times and shipping costs of your products to other countries. Evidently, it is a service that you can externalize, which can be very useful in this context.
You need to consider various important aspects; for example, product delivery times and the creation of a returns policy. Again, language becomes a fundamental element.
Do not forget that if, for example, you operate through an e-commerce business, the detailed descriptions of your products will help to prevent any misunderstandings on behalf of your potential clients. This way, with a good translation team, you will save a large amount of resources on returns.
4. Thoroughly research your competition
This is an aspect that can be quite time-consuming. As you know, operating a business in your own country is very different from operating a business in a foreign country. In this second case, it is important for you, firstly, to rely on a good network of contacts that will be able to advise you on your main competitors and your financial situation. The market research has to be quite exhaustive, given that you will also have to understand the consumer culture that exists in said country.
Additionally, you should make sense of the business operation and analyze your competition map to get an understanding of their products and to see how you can offer something more interesting than them. Undoubtedly, it will be hard work, but it is crucial for the success of your business.
5. Investment problems
Lastly, the lack of necessary start up capital can become a huge barrier. In this case, remember that there are always cheaper ways when starting up your business. One thing is selling your products on a network of shops. Another very different thing is attending to the demands of your e-commerce business. Make the most of new technologies and distinct business models so that you can provide a system that guarantees benefits you can allow.
To conclude, the barriers to entry for businesses can seem imposing, but don’t be discouraged. You just need to correctly analyze the situation and work with the most skilled professionals. If you need experienced professional translators, you can find them at blarlo.
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish) Français (French) Nederlands (Dutch) Deutsch (German)
