The first step in determining whether exporting is a viable option for your company is to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your business at home.

Successful exporters are generally those with an established base in Canada. They have reliable production, excellent reputations for quality, and products that are in demand in the domestic market and therefore, potentially in international markets. However, some highly specialized companies that do little or no business in Canada have also found a niche in foreign markets. A number of internal and external factors contribute to the success of a company's export operations, these include:

• A strong domestic business base (usually).
• A long-term commitment to exporting by top management.
• An allocation of sufficient company resources and personnel.
• A sound business plan with a realistic time frame for export market development.
• A well-designed, consistently high-quality product/service that meets the quality and performance standards applicable in the target export market.
• A product/service that meets the often diverse requirements of foreign customers.
• A product/service that sells at a competitive price and is delivered on time.
• A product/service that can be fully supported with after sales service (if applicable).