Export Essentials Online is now available for U.S. food companies to understand the complex steps of exporting and how to integrate all the elements of the export transaction. This online education center consists of ten modules that can guide companies to determine their export readiness, research and target their top markets and even create an export marketing strategy, all at their own pace and time.

Users of Export Essentials Online can create their own username and password and book mark pages to learn at their own pace. Identify a specific module you need or take the entire course! A test after each module will exemplify the material covered. Whether you're just beginning to export, or are already exporting, Export Essentials Online offers what you need to succeed!

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Modules can be purchased individually for $20 or all 10 modules for $90!

DESCRIPTIONS FOR EXPORT ESSENTIALS INDIVIDUAL MODULES

Module 1: Exploring Export Options
Learn the driving forces behind the growth in the global food export market, how exporting can impact your company and the major differences between domestic and international business. Also learn about export service providers and how they can assist you in the international marketplace.

Module 2: Market Research
A step-by-step approach that your company can pursue to conduct export marketing research. Various types of research materials, and offers options, tips and techniques for collection of quality research are included.

Module 3: The Export Marketing Mix
Examine the "Four P's" of marketing: Product, Price, Placement and Promotion as they relate to the export of food and agricultural products. Learn how the marketing mix must be adapted for international markets and what the key success factors are in each area. There is also useful information on market segmentation targeting and positioning products.

Module 4: Strategic Planning
Examine how your company can measure its export readiness. You will then study the guidelines needed for preparing an export business and marketing and will explore suggested marketing tools to increase your effectiveness overseas.

Module 5: International Marketing Activities
This module reviews the variety of export related opportunities a company has when using the services of the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service, State Regional Trade Groups (such as Food Export Association of the Midwest USA (formerly MIATCO) and Food Export USA) and State Department of Agriculture's International Marketing Departments. Gain an understanding of how all of the groups function together, what each one can offer you, and learn best practices when participating in various activities.

Module 6: Pricing, Quoting & Terms of Sale
Examine export pricing and quoting, both from within the firm in developing an export pricing strategy, and externally as represented by the "landed cost" to the buyer. Learn various standardized trade terms, including the American Foreign Trade Definitions, and Incoterms 2000.

Module 7: Logistics & Physical Distribution
Review the various distribution systems available for exporters. It includes an overview of the parties involved in the international shipping transaction, such as freight forwarders, airlines, steamship lines, and other carriers and consolidators. It also includes areas on packaging goods for exports and information on marine cargo insurance.

Module 8: Documentation & Procedures
Learn the importance of using the correct trade terminology, clearly defining the transfer of interest and liability, selecting the right method of payment, and sending the best quotation are keys to effective exporting. You will also see that after the sale has been made, proper and timely selection, preparation and distribution of export documents is vital to the success of the international trade transaction.

Module 9: Payment Methods & Strategies
Examine the ways in which companies are paid for their exports. It focuses on developing payment policies and procedures that suit the company's best interests. Comparison of various payment options is considered, with step-by-step analysis of the documentary collection and Letter of Credit transactions. Other topics include: document preparation, how to handle nonpayment of the Letter of Credit, the draft transaction, and the preparation and presentation of collection letters.

Module 10: Exporting- A Business of Details
In the final module, a step-by-step analysis will take the user through every step of an export transaction in detail, integrating the trade promotion services along with those of other export service providers. Beginning with the initial interest and concluding with the payment, this module will include an export transaction flow-chart and guidelines of exactly how to execute a successful transaction, from conception, through connection and until collection.