Exporting is considered as essentially a developmental process. What are the stages in which this process can be divided?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The stages can be divided as shown in the following points:
1. If the firm is unwilling to export; it will not even fill an unsolicited export order. This may be
due to perceived lack of time or to apathy or ignorance.
2. The firm fills unsolicited export orders but does not pursue unsolicited orders. Such a firm is an export seller.
3. The firm explores the feasibility of exporting.
4. The firm exports to one or more markets on a trial basis.
5. The firm is an experienced exporter to one or more markets.
6. After this success, the firm pursues country- or region-focused marketing based on selected
criteria.
7. The firm evaluates global market potential before screening for the "best" target markets to
include in its marketing strategy and plan.
The probability that a firm will advance from one stage to the next depends on different factors. Moving from stage 2 to stage 3 depends on management's attitude toward the attractiveness of exporting and confidence in the firm's ability to compete internationally. However, commitment is the most important aspect of a company's international orientation. Before a firm can reach stage 4, it must receive and respond to unsolicited export orders. The quality and dynamism of management are important factors that can lead to such orders. Success in stage 4 can lead a firm to stages 5 and 6. A company that reaches stage 7 is a mature, geocentric enterprise that is relating global resources to global opportunity. To reach this stage requires management with vision and commitment.