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Uncle Sam will also help you nail down
details of selling overseas. Trade missions, for instance, will help new exporters establish sales and set up representation abroad at a low cost. The DOC's Export Contact List Service generates a mailing list of potential importers for your product from
agency's automated global network of overseas firms.
Once you have found a distributor, how do you find out if it's reputable. First, secure an in-depth profile on your potential partner through World Trade Data Reports. You can obtain one of these reports through
ITA. Next, use Dun & Bradstreet's Business Identification Service (http://www.dnb.com/), which will provide you with a credit report and other financial information on
distributor. Finally, contact
U.S. Embassy (http://www.travel.state.gov/links.html) in
country in which you hope to do business and run your prospective customer's name by them, just in case they know anything. You'd be surprised at how willing they are to help.
Once you've qualified several prospective distributors, I recommend that you meet with each one and decide who comes closest to sharing your views on market penetration. Then you'll be ready to talk business.
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Laurel Delaney runs a global marketing, consulting and web content providing company aimed at entrepreneurs and small businesses. She is also the creator of the much-talked about "Borderbuster," monthly FREE newsletter. She can be reached at ldelaney@globetrade.com or visit http://www.globetrade.com to sign up for newsletter.