Selling internationally is both an opportunity and a challenge for a craftsman. The main issues to consider are:

 Regulatory and customs compliance

Standards and certifications: Each country has its own quality and safety standards. Craft products sometimes have to meet specific requirements (labelling, certifications, etc.).

Taxes and customs duties: Importing and exporting involves understanding the taxes and customs duties, which may vary depending on trade agreements between countries.

 Logistics and delivery management

Shipping cost: Shipping products internationally can be expensive, especially for large or fragile parts.

Delivery time: Artisans must ensure that delivery times are realistic and well communicated to customers.

Returns management: International returns management can be more complex and costly.

 Language and cultural barrier

Language: Communicating with clients in different countries may require speaking multiple languages or using translation services.

Culture: Understanding the expectations and tastes of foreign consumers is essential, as they can vary from country to country.

 Pricing and currency fluctuations

Cost and competitive pricing: Additional costs (shipping, taxes) must be taken into account while remaining competitive.

Currency fluctuations: Artisans selling abroad must manage exchange rate fluctuations, which can impact their margins.

 Marketing and Visibility

Digital marketing: Selling internationally often requires a strong online presence (multilingual website, social networks, etc.).

Reputation and trust: It can be more difficult to build a reputation of trust with international customers who are unfamiliar with the brand or craftsman.

Product Adaptation

Local preferences: Tastes and preferences vary by country. An artisan sometimes has to adapt his products to meet the specific cultural expectations of certain markets.

Opportunities:

Expand your customer base: Selling internationally allows you to reach a wider audience, increasing sales.

Diversification of risks: Having clients in multiple countries allows for diversified sources of income and better resilience to local market fluctuations.

 For a craftsman, being well prepared for these challenges is essential to succeed in international markets.