We kept it practical. We looked for markets that mirrored South Africa — similar weather, similar vehicles, and similar industries. If people are farming, 4x4ing, or working in rough terrain, chances are they need what we make. A lot of our leads came through our website and social media. We also paid attention to our web traffic — seeing which countries were landing on our pages and asking questions. That gave us direction.
4. What was your biggest initial fear or concern about exporting, and how did you address it?
Our biggest fear was disappointing a customer far away. We care about every product that leaves our factory, and the idea of not meeting someone’s expectations overseas was daunting. So we started small, tested the waters, and built our confidence step by step. We made sure our packaging, processes, and communication were solid before taking on bigger international orders.
5. Did you encounter any unexpected obstacles, and how did you adapt?
Absolutely — things like customs delays and payment hiccups came up quickly. We had to learn fast. We asked a lot of questions and built good relationships with people who knew the export ropes better than we did.
6. Did you attend trade shows or participate in international business development programs? If so, can you mention any that were helpful?
We haven’t leaned heavily into international trade shows yet, but it’s something we’re exploring. We do however attend local South African shows and will be at the Nampo Show in May.
7. What advice do you have for aspiring exporters in South Africa?
Start with what you know and build from there. Don’t rush it — get your foundation right first: your product, your team, your systems. Then listen to your customers and let the market guide your next move. There are opportunities out there for South African businesses with quality products, and remember: be patient, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.