For companies making initial plans to export, or export to new areas, considerable advice and assistance are available at little or no cost. It is easy, through lack of experience, to overestimate the problems involved in exporting or to get embroiled in difficulties that can be avoided. For these and other good reasons, it is important to get the right information and assistance from the beginning. Many companies begin export activities haphazardly, without carefully screening markets or options for market entry. While these companies may or may not have a measure of success, they may overlook better export opportunities. In the event that early export efforts are unsuccessful because of poor planning, the company may even be misled into abandoning exporting altogether. Formulating an export strategy based on good information and proper assessment increases the chances that the best options will be chosen, that resources will be used effectively, and that efforts will be carried through to completion. Building an export business can take time before a company begins to see a return on its investment of time and money. Our Export Guide can help you with the planning and resources that you need to expand your business in the global marketplace.