Post by Trade facilitator on Jun 27, 2015 16:36:27 GMT 1
In North America and Europe, charcoal is a very fast moving consumer product (FMCG) in the retail market, especially during summer. Therefore, it is a lucrative market to enter, but for this reason, the strategy for exporting charcoal needs to be managed efficiently.
We are exporters and offer wholesale distributors and new sellers entering this market, a high quality product, tailored to meet the specifications of your unique target market. You must know the skills and expertise to deliver a high quality product on time. Just follow the 10 easy steps below and with a little help from us, you too can establish your charcoal export business successfully.
1. Determine your target market.
Market research is crucial at this stage and it is imperative that you have an intimate understanding of the needs of your segment. It is also critical that you match your product according to your target market. For example, we manufacture products for a variety of markets; including: briquettes for BBQs, wood pellets for heating homes and the new emerging market of hookah charcoal that is used to smoke shisha.
2. Decide which product.
There are 2 options, lump charcoal or briquettes, it’s highly dependant on your target market and product. We are happy to discuss and advise you on the best option, according to your specific needs. Most modern retailers in Europe now require Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for lump wood charcoal products, but as coconut shell charcoal is a non-timber environmentally friendly product, it doesn’t require the same certification.
3. Develop your brand.
Branding is key to your success because it is what differentiates your product from your competitors. Spend time developing a brand that is unique, will appeal to your target market, is easy to remember and represents the core values and mission of your company. Ensure that your brand is not violating any trademark laws and be sure to register it at your local authorities to protect yourself.
4. Design your packaging.
Packaging is designed to capture a customer’s attention and drive them to buy the product. It can directly effect the buyer’s decision to purchase the product and must therefore be in-line with your target market. If you don’t know how to design the packaging, our graphic designers will be more than happy to assist you. Just tell us your brand and slogan, and let them do the work for you.
5. Follow Required Regulations.
You may need to apply for necessary certificates/licenses to enable you carry out your export business effectively well and comply with local regulations.
6. Set your price.
The best way to set your price is to monitor your competitors’ price and set yours according to your brand positioning strategy. For example, are you a premium product with a premium price or a low cost economical alternative to your competitor? It is also important to consider things such as: production costs, overheads, economic conditions and seasonal demand.
7. Establish your distribution networks.
The distribution channel is very important in the charcoal business because it is a very fast moving consumable product (FMCG). The key to selling FMCG is their availability to the consumer. For example, market research shows that a famous briquettes brand in the USA, despite its many negative reviews, is still the best-selling briquettes in the country. This particular brand has managed to distribute its product into almost all retail outlets in the country. Put simply – if it is available, it will probably sell.
Selling online through eBay, Yahoo Stores, Amazon or exportfromnigeria.info is also a very good start in establishing distribution channels. The next step would be to win business with major retail chains like: K-Mart, Wal-Mart, ACE Hardware, etc., to distribute your products. Direct selling to big consumers like restaurants is also a good option.
8. Review and monitor your brand performance regularly.
Some brands may not be performing as well as expected, so you need to monitor them carefully and regularly. Underperforming brands should be terminated and a new brand should replace it.
9. Diversify your branding.
Do not depend on one brand only. Try to diversify your products and brands. For example, if you have a successful brand “AAA”, make a variation of this brand like “AAA-Premium” or “AAA-Gold”, with additional features, of course.
10. Be our long term partner.
As a long term partner of The Thy Global Investment Ltd, you can be assured of receiving a high quality product with the availability of meeting the demands of your target market.
We are exporters and offer wholesale distributors and new sellers entering this market, a high quality product, tailored to meet the specifications of your unique target market. You must know the skills and expertise to deliver a high quality product on time. Just follow the 10 easy steps below and with a little help from us, you too can establish your charcoal export business successfully.
1. Determine your target market.
Market research is crucial at this stage and it is imperative that you have an intimate understanding of the needs of your segment. It is also critical that you match your product according to your target market. For example, we manufacture products for a variety of markets; including: briquettes for BBQs, wood pellets for heating homes and the new emerging market of hookah charcoal that is used to smoke shisha.
2. Decide which product.
There are 2 options, lump charcoal or briquettes, it’s highly dependant on your target market and product. We are happy to discuss and advise you on the best option, according to your specific needs. Most modern retailers in Europe now require Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for lump wood charcoal products, but as coconut shell charcoal is a non-timber environmentally friendly product, it doesn’t require the same certification.
3. Develop your brand.
Branding is key to your success because it is what differentiates your product from your competitors. Spend time developing a brand that is unique, will appeal to your target market, is easy to remember and represents the core values and mission of your company. Ensure that your brand is not violating any trademark laws and be sure to register it at your local authorities to protect yourself.
4. Design your packaging.
Packaging is designed to capture a customer’s attention and drive them to buy the product. It can directly effect the buyer’s decision to purchase the product and must therefore be in-line with your target market. If you don’t know how to design the packaging, our graphic designers will be more than happy to assist you. Just tell us your brand and slogan, and let them do the work for you.
5. Follow Required Regulations.
You may need to apply for necessary certificates/licenses to enable you carry out your export business effectively well and comply with local regulations.
6. Set your price.
The best way to set your price is to monitor your competitors’ price and set yours according to your brand positioning strategy. For example, are you a premium product with a premium price or a low cost economical alternative to your competitor? It is also important to consider things such as: production costs, overheads, economic conditions and seasonal demand.
7. Establish your distribution networks.
The distribution channel is very important in the charcoal business because it is a very fast moving consumable product (FMCG). The key to selling FMCG is their availability to the consumer. For example, market research shows that a famous briquettes brand in the USA, despite its many negative reviews, is still the best-selling briquettes in the country. This particular brand has managed to distribute its product into almost all retail outlets in the country. Put simply – if it is available, it will probably sell.
Selling online through eBay, Yahoo Stores, Amazon or exportfromnigeria.info is also a very good start in establishing distribution channels. The next step would be to win business with major retail chains like: K-Mart, Wal-Mart, ACE Hardware, etc., to distribute your products. Direct selling to big consumers like restaurants is also a good option.
8. Review and monitor your brand performance regularly.
Some brands may not be performing as well as expected, so you need to monitor them carefully and regularly. Underperforming brands should be terminated and a new brand should replace it.
9. Diversify your branding.
Do not depend on one brand only. Try to diversify your products and brands. For example, if you have a successful brand “AAA”, make a variation of this brand like “AAA-Premium” or “AAA-Gold”, with additional features, of course.
10. Be our long term partner.
As a long term partner of The Thy Global Investment Ltd, you can be assured of receiving a high quality product with the availability of meeting the demands of your target market.
