Sailing Beyond Shores

"Boss Leo," Ana said, pointing at a map of Southeast Asia, "look at this. There's a huge market for dried seafood in these countries."

Leo had been contemplating international expansion for some time. He'd seen the success of other Filipino food products in neighboring Asian countries and wondered if his dried fish could find a similar audience.

"It's a big step," he said to Ana, "but I think we're ready. We just need to do our homework."

He started researching export regulations, market demands, and cultural differences in target countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan. He learned about import tariffs, food safety standards, and labeling requirements.

"We need to adapt our packaging," he told his operations team. "It needs to be multilingual, with clear nutritional information and expiration dates."

They redesigned their packaging, incorporating translations and adhering to international standards. They also explored new product offerings, such as smaller, individually packaged portions and flavors tailored to specific cultural preferences.

Export and International Market Expenses:

Export Documentation and Certification Fees: 20,000 PHP (initial) International Shipping and Logistics (initial shipment): 100,000 PHP Market Research (travel, reports): 30,000 PHP Packaging and Product Adaptation (initial): 40,000 PHP Potential Partnership Fees (distributors): 15,000 PHP/week (estimated)

Leo also delved into the complexities of international logistics, customs, and payment systems. He learned about Incoterms, which define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international trade. He also explored different payment options, including letters of credit and wire transfers.

"We need to find reliable partners," he told his sales team. "Distributors and retailers who understand the local market."

He attended international trade shows and networking events, connecting with potential partners. He also conducted due diligence, researching their reputation and track record.

"Negotiating with international partners is different," he told Maria. "There are cultural nuances, language barriers, and different business practices."

He learned about cross-cultural communication, adapting his communication style to suit different cultural contexts. He also studied international trade agreements and currency exchange rates, understanding their impact on his business.

International Sales and Updated Capital:

After months of preparation, Leo made his first international shipment to Singapore. The initial response was positive, with encouraging feedback from distributors and retailers.

Initial International Sales (Singapore, First Week):

Revenue from International Sales: 150,000 PHP

Adjusted Weekly Sales (Including International):

Market/Grocery Sales (Manila): 70,000 PHP Online Sales (Manila): 75,000 PHP Market/Grocery Sales (Quezon City): 60,000 PHP Makati/BGC Sales: 95,000 PHP Franchise Sales (Laguna): 80,000 PHP International Sales (Singapore): 150,000 PHP Total Weekly Sales: 530,000 PHP

Weekly Expenses:

Accommodation (Manila, 7 nights): 2,100 PHP Food (Manila, 7 days): 1,750 PHP Transportation (Manila, 7 days): 1,050 PHP Phone/Internet (7 days): 350 PHP Employee Wages (Ana): 3,000 PHP Packaging Materials: 5,000 PHP Delivery Costs: 7,000 PHP Shopee/Lazada Fees: 6,000 PHP Social Media Marketing: 2,500 PHP Storage Space Rental (Quezon City): 3,500 PHP Transportation (Quezon City):: 800 PHP Online Advertising/SEO: 10,000 PHP Content Creation: 2,500 PHP Partnership Fees: 15,000 PHP New Product Development: 3,000 PHP Loyalty Program/Promotions: 4,000 PHP Market Research Exploration: 2,000 PHP Dating/Gifts: 1,800 PHP Investment Platform Fees: 500 PHP Premium Product Development: 20,000 PHP Rent (BGC): 150,000 PHP Social Media tools: 1,000 PHP Email Marketing: 500 PHP Cost Optimizations (Net Weekly Savings): -7,000 PHP E-commerce Subscription: 5,000 PHP Digital Marketing Tools: 3,000 PHP Automation Software: 2,000 PHP IT Support: 5,000 PHP Transaction Fees(Estimated): 2,000 PHP Total Weekly Expenses: 271,350 PHP

Weekly Profit:

Weekly Profit: 530,000 PHP - 271,350 PHP = 258,650 PHP

Updated Capital:

Previous Capital: 869,450 PHP Export Documentation/Certification: -20,000 PHP International Shipping: -100,000 PHP Market Research: -30,000 PHP Packaging Adaptation: -40,000 PHP Weekly Profit: 258,650 PHP Remaining Capital: 869,450 PHP - 20,000 PHP - 100,000 PHP - 30,000 PHP - 40,000 PHP + 258,650 PHP = 938,100 PHP

Leo was learning to navigate the complexities of international trade, expanding his dried fish business beyond national borders. He was building a global brand, connecting with customers in new markets and cultures. He was proving that even a small business from a small island could achieve international success.