What rules to export Italian products abroad?

The trend in exports of Made in Italy food products has increased exponentially over the past decade and, given the current economic situation, more and more Italian companies are looking for new markets outside the European Union.

How to manage shipments with punctuality, safety and advantages in business?

There are excellent opinions of many foreign clients who have decided to work together with the Italian company leader in the export sector, the note egonternational Group, specializing in particular in the international market to export Made in Italy food products, especially dry foods such as pasta, oil, sauces, tomato and vinegar, offering an efficient service without loss of time and money for the customer.

The term “export” refers to the sale of products to third countries that are not part of the European Union, while the activities of trade between EU member states are called “exchanges”.

egointernational opinions are in line with those of the Minister of Economic Development, Federica Guidi, who says “To enter the territories of third countries, Italian companies must meet certain health standards agreed through specific regulations that can vary. Depending on the country of destination and the product exported, in fact these rules are constantly changing because new markets for the different types of products are springing up year by year; at the same time the country’s destination may impose sanitary requirements which exporting countries must adjust from time to time”.

Importing countries have very different characteristics and traditions, thus they involve requirements not always homogeneous. The import of products in the US, for example, concerns the submission, within five days of arrival at the port of landing, of various documents required for the release of the goods to customs and others providing information on duties and statistical purposes. If these formalities are not respected as required, the goods may be subject to detention, until it is proved that the product meets the standards of the US Food & Drug Administration.

The detention of the products in the warehouses of the customs for the importer involves a significant loss of time and money for each hour that the goods are in storage, and this course is a significant source of poor service.

Positive reviews have been written on egointernational service about it, since it is able to offer a complete assistance thanks to an efficient and proactive export manager service who is able to avoid red tape. The opinions and assessments of ICE about this topic recommend constant monitoring of shipments and the trace-ability of goods in order to facilitate the export of Italian food products abroad.

Seeking for a Manufacturer or Supplier for Your Product Idea? Follow our 6 tips!

Whether it be manufacturing your own product or finding suppliers to purchase wholesale from, they aren’t always easy to find. Here, EGO International Group is going to look at the basics of sourcing a supplier for your next project. We will look at some places to search, how you should approach them and what to ask.

1) What Are You Looking For?

There are a ton of helpful resources to be found online just by searching Google. However before you begin, there are a few things you should know and decide. First, you should determine what type of supplier you’re looking for. This will help determine the terminology you need to use in your research. There are two options, with the most common being:

• A manufacturer to produce your own product idea
• A supplier, who may also be a manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor to purchase already existing brands and products

2) Domestic vs. International Suppliers

A classic question when looking for suppliers if you plan to manufacture or wholesale is whether you want to source domestically or from overseas. You likely already know that it’s almost always cheaper to source your products through International suppliers but there’s a lot more to that decision than just the upfront investment and costs. Here, some advantages and disadvantages:

Domestic Sourcing

Advantages

• Higher manufacturing quality and labour standards
• Easier communication with no language barrier
• Easier to verify reputable manufacturers and faster shipping time
• Greater payment security and recourse

Disadvantages

• Higher manufacturing costs
• Less product choice

International Sourcing

Advantages

• Lower manufacturing costs
• High number of manufacturers to choose from
• One-stop services have made it easy to navigate suppliers

Disadvantages

• Lower perceived quality from customers
• Language, culture and communication barrier can be difficult to navigate,
• Difficulty/costly to verify manufacturer and visit on-site
• Longer shipping time

 3) Where To Begin Your Search: Directories

Naturally, the internet is the best place to start, but there are a few places in particular that can help with your search. Below, we have listed out a few of the most popular ones below for both domestic and overseas suppliers:

Online Domestic Directories

• ThomasNet
• Makers Row
• MFG
• Kompass

Online Overseas Directories

• Alibaba
• AliExpress
• IndiaMart

4) Google Ranking

How can you find suppliers on Google? For the first time ever, you’ll need to explore page ten of Google search results, and beyond. You’ll also want to use a variety of search terms. For example, words like wholesale, wholesaler and distributor may be used interchangeably so you should search for all of them. It may help you make yourself familiar with Google’s search shortcuts to improve the quality of your searches, thus the results.

5) Libraries

You may also want to consider dusting off your library card and heading to your local library. Many libraries pay monthly subscription fees for online business and manufacturer directories that you normally wouldn’t have access to, or you would have to pay a large amount of money for, like the Scotts Online Business Directory. These directories contain profiles for many manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors in North America, depending on the exact directory. Make sure to give your local library a call ahead of time and ask them if they have access to these types of private directories. For larger libraries, you may need to chat with the business and technology department.

6) Strong Referrals

Some of the best leads can come from referrals by friends and family through the WOM. Social networks have made it much easier to get the word out so make sure to use these channels. As you do start to uncover suppliers, even if they aren’t the right fit for you, be sure to ask them if they can point you in the right direction. Being in the industry means they will likely have great contacts and many would be more than happy to refer you to someone that might be a better fit.

Italians, Made in Italy, e commerce: purchasing behaviour and new business opportunities

During these last years, a new market trend changed our way to purchase: the growing usage of e commerce platforms. This means that buying is easier for people now: a pc – or a tablet or a mobile phone – and an internet connection are the only tools required. Customers are able to purchase everywhere, when they want and at any time.

In addiction to these advantages, there is another point which differentiates e commerce from traditional commerce: studying customers’ behaviour while choosing and/or buying something. Data we have for the whole purchasing process is huge and so in this first part we are going to consider some of the main features about Italians behaviour.

 DO ITALIANS LIKE E COMMERCE?

Italians are supposed to prefer traditional commerce. Really, people are changing their habits: new trend is that e commerce is increasing its influence. Netcomm, the Italian E Commerce Group, realized research together with other partners such as Highway in order to check Italians’ behaviour during the second quarter for year 2014.

This study revels that:

• 21,4 millions Italians purchased online almost one time during their life
• 56 purchases to 100 are products while 44 purchases are digital goods and services
• 20,5% of consumers who bought using app on their mobile phone during last 6 months
• 56,4% of online transactions comes from a website which was already chosen for previous purchases
• online purchasers passed from 9 to 16 millions
• usual e shoppers who purchase monthly became 10 millions on May 2014 and this means an increase of 26% during last year

Security, trust, loyalty: these are the three elements which are convincing Italians and which they take into consideration when buying online. According to research, there are other elements which are helping Italy to go beyond the cultural gap with the other Countries:

• over half of adult people are increasing their online service experience
• broadband is spreading more and more customers with a growth of 54%
• mobile devices diffusion allow connections to internet at any moment
• quality and variety services which are provided by e commerce merchants
• transport and delivery time, which are better organized

Thanks to this study, we can easily claim that Italians like e commerce: they are improving their online purchase experiences and they are increasing their faith and their quality perception.

On the other hand, e commerce merchants know that they have to offer several products and digital services ensuring security during payment process and a faster delivery.

HOW ITALIANS SEARCH INFORMATION BEFORE PURCHASING AND THEIR SATISFACTION AFTER THE PURCHASING PROCESS

Consumer Barometer, a specific device provided by Google, points out that 83% of men and women don’t make online or offline research prior to purchase. This means that Italians usually prefer impulse buying.

However, when they decide to get information 66% of them uses offline resources such as word of mouth or their friends’ advice. If it is possible, they like going to physical shops in order to check products before buying online. Online research reaches 59% and it is probably going to increase. In this case, Italians prefer using brand websites, price comparison websites, retailers websites and advice site/review sites/forum/blog.

One again, price, security, experiences and opinions coming from previous customers are the determining factors.  Finally, only 42% of Italians use both online and offline research.

The following image allows us to understand that Italians are satisfied after their purchasing process. The study take into consideration 4 points:

Italians’ satisfaction after a purchase
Resource: NetComm/Human Highway

• how finding and purchasing product/service
• clear explanation of sales and delivery conditions on the e commerce platform
• payment systems
• delivery for products/services 

 

WHICH ARE THE MOST UTILIZED PAYMENT SYSTEMS?

Concerning payments, Italians are changing their minds and they are more and more using  electronic systems. This means that they are less worried about paying before receiving products/services.

However, there is a wide margin of improvement as the first system which is chosen, PayPal, has only 37%. The other methods are:

Ecommerce: payment systems used by Italians
Resource: NetComm/Human Highway

• prepaid card (on the website)
• credit card (on the website)
• cash/cheque on delivery
• prepaid card on delivery
• bank trasfer
• discount ticket
• other way
• don’t remember

WHAT DO ITALIANS BUY ONLINE?

In Italy, purchasing using smartphones and tablet is not so diffused: 93% of people prefer their computer. They have a propensity for holidays and ticket travels: these are the most important categories for e commerce. Probably, this happens because these services are easier and more immediate to buy. In addition, travels are not defectives and there are no risks about deseases or delivery. Again, fears about frauds are very strong idea to destroy on Italians’ minds.

This is what Netcomm study reveals about categories:

• holidays (22%)
• ticket travels (12%)
• computers and tablets (9%)
• household electrical appliances (8%)
• smartphones (7%)
• insurances (6%)
• furniture, household products and electronics (4%)
• clothing and food (3%)
• coupons (2%)

If we consider data coming from Consumer Barometer, which is not specifically referred to the second quarter of 2014, we have confirmation for travels.

For the other categories, percentages are different and detached from the first two positions:

• 83% flights
• 69% hotels
• 29% apparel
• 27% insurance
• 17% tv sets
• 17% appliances
• 13% cinema
• 3% groceries

Generally speaking, Italians are more and more attracted by simplicity, rapidity, convenience and competitive prices, which make them saving time and money. In effects, products and services are often offered with lower prices online than in physical shops.

DO MEN AND WOMEN PURCHASE THE SAME CATEGORIES?

Men and women substantially buy the same categories save make up, as we can easily understand, and with different percentages. They absolutely prefer mobile phones (respectively 39% and 29%): it’s a product they choose and they check on physical shops and they buy online later with a lower price. The same consideration is for television (21% for men), clothing and footwear (16% and 23%).

Clothing is a developing sector thanks to many famous and reliable multi-brands platforms which are very cheap. In addition, they usually offer free delivery and free change in case of dissatisfaction within few days. This is full data:

             WOMEN                                                                                                                                      

• mobile phones 29%

The most online purchased product by Italians: mobile phone

• clothing and footwear 23%
• make-up 20%
• cinema tickets 8%
• home appliances and television 7%
• flights 5%
• hotels 3%

          MEN

• mobile phones 39%
• television 21%
• clothing and footwear 16%
• cinema tickets 10%
• television 7%
• hotels 6%
• home appliances 4%
• flights and groceries 2%

Thanks to this analysis, we can understand that Italian e commerce market is increasing its influence. Therefore, it is possible to make it more remarkable just like it already happens in the other Countries, where purchasing online is a good habit.

 

PART TWO:

E COMMERCE BUSINESS AND MADE IN ITALY: HOW TO GO GLOBAL

 USEFULL RULES TO MAKE INTERNATIONALIZATION EASIER

In the beginning of this article we briefly talked about advantages of using e commerce. There is another important point to take into consideration: internationalization. In effect, research highlights that 100 millions of online customers are purchasing products abroad and this trend is going to increase up to 21% during next years. This means new business opportunities for Italian exportations.

Nevertheless, opening an online shop for international markets is not so easy and there are some steps to follow. First of all, there are customs outside EU Countries and different payment systems. These two points are essential: loss of knowledge about customs rules may stop products deliveries or it may increase costs.

For example, a specific certification is required when exporting leather products in some extra – EU Countries. On the other hand, purchasing motivation is higher if customers find their usual payment systems. The same thing happens with language: having contents translated into the main languages makes interaction easier.

In addition, culture and consumer buying behaviour have their influence and so attention to web and graphic design is required. For example, Arabic speaking people need to read contents from right to left.

Sometime, it is also necessary to study a bespoke layout if internet connection is slow in order to allow access to e commerce platform. Delivery is another service which makes the difference: it is better to choice international carriers who are experts for a specific market in order to avoid delays or higher costs. Finally, another way to improve user experience is providing a customer care which is able to support clients quickly even if they live across the world.

Summarizing what we have just explained, the main points to take into consideration are:

• customs rules
• payment and delivery systems
• culture, language, purchasing behaviour
• internet connection
• web design
• customer care

WHICH ARE MARKETING TOOLS TO CONSIDER?

A new e shop needs to be found by customers if we want to make conversions. This means  that a prior study about target markets is required, as previously indicated. Above all, it is important to develop an e commerce business plan in order to identify the main purposes, resources, and results.

Knowledge of web marketing tools and social networks is the second step to obtain:

• search engine optimization (SEO)
• a useful data base for direct e-mail marketing campaigns (DEM)
• a wider diffusion for brand increasing its value and customers’ confidence

 The following image explains which channels are powerful for e commerce customers acquisitions:

E commerce Customer Acquisition Channel SOURCE: E Commerce Customer Acquisition Snapshot.

We have to take into consideration content marketing, link building and all the other methods supporting organic research, which is the leading channel. Keywords choice is decisive both for Serps and CPC and PPC campaigns: it’s essential to know how customers are finding e shop, which words they prefer and which are the most visited sites where using banner ads.

As we can understand, internationalization requires different kinds of marketing and technical competences and so it is better to contact professional experts in order to avoid mistakes or loss of profits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Made in Italy” and China: new business export opportunities

During its six months of EU premiership, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is successfully increasing importance of partnerships with key foreign markets. The last example concerns Mr Li Keqiang, who has been officially received as Chinese Prime Minister for the first time.

Mr Keqiang chose to visit Italy during his European tour and this is a clear and positive signal for future import/export operations. In addition, China and Italy celebrate the 10th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership this year. Italy is one of China’s main partner in Europe and both Countries are interested in cooperation, economic growth and investments.

 WHICH ARE THE MAIN TOPICS DISCUSSED DURING THIS VISIT?

Chinese and Italian Prime Minister’s meeting at Innovation Forum

In effect, this visit aims to develop new business opportunities enhancing the traditional friendship relations between China and Italy, which are symbols of excellence for Eastern and Western cultures and they respect and appreciate each other. During the last six months, exchanges reached 23 billions of dollars and this is an encouraging data. In effects, China’s will is to increase import for “Made in Italy”products with particular attention to high technologies, energy, agriculture, machines and yacht sectors.

First of all, the two leaders met during China-Italy Innovation Forum and they signed 20 bilateral cooperation agreements. The total amount is over 8 billions of Euros and this is a great leap both for Italian exportations and economy. These are the most important exemples:

• Enel SpA and Bank of China signed an agreement which Italian Managing Director and CEO Mr Francesco Starace defined as strategic:  Enel SpA needs financial competences and Bank of China has at its disposal a company which is an international leader in utility sector. Both parties are satisfied and confident about results and reciprocal benefits
• Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland has an agreement with Chinese Beijing Automotive Industrial Corporation (BAIC): Italian company is now supplier for 50 helicopters, which will be used for public missions. The contract value is about 400 billions of Euros and it is only the first step towards future partnerships such as supporting activities, customized helicopters and in loco flight training
• Italian National Standardization Body -UNI signed a prior agreement with SAC–Standards Administration of China in order to cooperate and to share information and activities which simplify commercial exchanges.

The last point is particularly positive for Made in Italy food exportations as it aims to make controls, methods, timing and required documents easier and faster. In addition, Mr Renzi and Mr Keqiang discussed about solving two negative market trends which are oppressing this sector and many others ones: forgery and infringement of intellectual property. Joining innovation and creativity to scientific knowledge in order to improve and to make grow mutual industries: this is one of the key points expressed by Mr Keqiang during China-Italy business forum.

 WHICH ARE BENEFITS COMING FROM ASEM AND CHINESE PRIME MINISTER VISIT?

Chinese Prime Minister’s arrival at Asem, Milan, Italy

Mr Keqiang also attended to the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) with leaders coming from over 50 Asian and European Countries and international organizations. For the first time in Italy, Asem’s theme was: “Responsible Partnership for Growth and Security“. In particular, the 53 member states discussed about the following topics:

1. Responsible
2. Partnership
3. Sustainable Growth
4. Security

As we can understand, this summit was established in order to help Europe and Asia solving a number of issues of global importance such as economic growth, energy safety, financial and economical cooperation, human rights and climate changes. All these themes concern improvement and simplification of future business relations and they are obviously related to import and export to Italy.

Milan was chosen as the right place to host the summit and this is a great pride for the whole Italy. As declared by Mr Pisapia, Milan’s mayor, the city lived two wonderful days thanks to journalists coming from the most important newspapers and to all international news channels. They had special consideration for Milan describing its beauty and pointing out attention to Italy. Therefore, events we all were witnesses lead a great value for internationalization.

China is a powerful economic, commercial and financial Country and it chose Italy as a strategic partner. This means that Beijing likes Made in Italy main features: tecnology, quality, design, innovation and creativity. Italian companies are ready to win this challenge and to take opportunities coming from exportation.

 

 

 

HOW TO FIND PARTNERS FOR MADE IN ITALY IMPORT/EXPORT

Made in Italy products have features which are appreciated all over the world: quality, enduring, design, innovation, attention to details, customization and elegance.
If we think about clothing and food, which are the traditional sectors for Italian exportation, we know that Italy is usually considered as the best manufacturer.

Italian market is composed by many small and medium sized companies whose products have all these characteristics but some of them are not able to sell abroad because they don’t have an internal foreign department.
This is the reason why EGO International was established in 2002.

WHO IS EGO INTERNATIONAL?

EGO International Srl is a company based on Northern Italy which has a clear mission: connecting global buyers to Italian suppliers.
This purpose is also indicated by the name: in effect, EGO means Export Global Opportunities.
The company has 70 employees and a growing number of area and export managers and marketing & research experts.
The technical department consists of engineers and technicians, as well as technical and commercial managers for all sectors.
EGO International aims to make easy import/export transactions for Made in Italy products by:              

Made in Italy means quality, design and innovation.

1.selecting qualified and certified Italian suppliers which are interested in exporting their products

2.contacting buyers who wants to import Made in Italy products

3.helping buyers to find Italian suppliers who respect their requirements

4.supporting Italian suppliers and buyers during negotiations and quotes processing

Therefore, the company provides internationalization services for Italian companies while global buyers have new business opportunities to import from Italy.

HOW DOES EGO INTERNATIONAL WORK?

All Italian member entreprises are examined by a technical department, which verify their suitability for the export of their products. EGO currently counts over 1,800 qualified and certified Italian companies operating in various commercial and technological sectors.
These are suppliers business areas:

• Food & Beverage
• Frameworks
• Fashion
• Medical Sector
• Furniture
• Ceramics
• Packaging
• Marketing system
• Printing and Lythography
• Wooden houses
• Promotion material for trade fairs
• Contracting
• Automatic vending machines
• Building sector

According to buyers’ requests EGO is able to give quotes for the following parts, components and complete machines:

• precision mechanics
• metal sheet working
• moulding of items in plastic and rubber
• additional services such as surface treatments and foundry

The company operates as an external foreign office for Italian suppliers supporting them during the internationalization and selling process.

EGO International helps you finding new business opportunities.

On the other hand, EGO connects buyers to the best suppliers for them from a quality, quantity, delivery and price point of view.
This is a bespoke and a free of charge service for buyers: annual fees are paid by Italian clients.

This is how it works:

Step 1.
buyer send his RFQ to EGO International

Step 2.
he receives quotes that meet his needs

Step 3.
he chooses the best supplier and quote

Step 4.
he receives samples to ensure quality

Step 5.
buyer places his order and archive quotes he didn’t use this time

EGO supports buyers throughtout the process without any hassle or communication complications.

WHICH ARE MARKETS WHERE EGO INTERNATIONAL WORK?

All export managers are native speakers and they allow company to operate in different global markets:

• North, Central and Eastern Europe
• Middle East and Asia
• North Africa and Arabic Countries

WHICH ARE BENEFITS FOR ITALIAN SUPPLIERS AND BUYERS?

EGO International is the ideal partner both for importing and exporting Made in Italy products.

1. No costs and no commissions for buyers
2. Connection to suppliers who assure excellent Made in Italy products, best prices and customer care
3. Ensuring incredible returns on investments while building loyal and lasting relationships that remove any buying or selling risk
4. Increasing profits
5. Saving time and money: buyers and suppliers don’t need to search business partners by themselves
6. Whole linguistic, commercial, technical and cultural support during all phases
7. A bespoke service: buyers are connected to Italian suppliers who exactly match requirements

The company is the ideal partner for entreprises which are interested in both internationalization and in grabing opportunities from exporting their products.
On the other hand, importing from Italy is more profitable for buyers.
Therefore, EGO International plays a key role in spreading Made in Italy brand all over the world and it helps to avoid barriers which damage international transactions.