Running an international business comes with challenges that people who run businesses in their home countries don’t face. There are unique considerations that if you don’t plan for can become major issues and stressors. They can even put you into legal hot water if you neglect them in your international business. You’ll need to think like a millionaire even if you aren’t one yet, and you’ll need all the help from experts around the globe to ensure your business is a success. Here are some of the most important things to consider as you spread your business across the continents.
Table of Contents
Taxes in Multiple Countries
Each country has its own tax laws and rules. This not only helps to ensure you pay enough taxes, but it can also qualify you for refunds like getting back the right amount of VAT in Germany. Taxes for each country can get very complicated and if not properly addressed, can mean that you would be in legal trouble in not only one, but in multiple countries.
Customs Issues
Getting goods in and out of countries can lead to a lot of customs challenges. International businesses that are the most successful often hire brokerage companies and other experienced professionals to manage these complicated forms to ensure that your goods can flow through the borders as quickly as possible. Customs delays can mean huge financial losses since products either cannot be made or cannot be sold until those items are in your warehouse.
Exchanging Between Multiple Currencies
Exchange rates change multiple times throughout the day. When you are working in two or more currencies, this can provide major issues with cash flow for your international business. Depending on the time of day you buy or sell something can mean that you may not get as much money as you actually think you are getting for the product. It’s important to be aware of these fluctuations and to focus on trying to stay within the same currency as much as possible when you are doing business in each country.
Supply Chain Challenges
As we’ve seen over the past two years, disruptions to the supply chain can mean major disruptions for commerce at the end location. Whether it’s shortages on toilet paper or it becomes difficult to get hold of parts for a car, running a business internationally means staying on top of the supply chain and making sure that you have as little disruption to your business as possible even when there are hiccups.
Some businesses find it helpful to have multiple suppliers to ensure they can always get hold of what they need when they need it. Others choose to purchase goods made in the country they are operating in to help reduce the chance that they won’t be able to get something they need. No matter what approach you take, just know that if the supply chain breaks, it can and will impact your business in some way.
Leverage the Best Technology
International businesses are best run using technology. You can quickly send emails, contracts, make orders, and so much more using technology. Leveraging the best technology means that you have all the right safety and security protocols in place as well to ensure your client and vendor data is secure. Different countries have higher restrictions than the United States for instance, which means in order to comply with their rules and regulations, you need tighter online security measures than average. Additionally, technology can help you with managing inventory, shipping orders, and so much more.
Consider the Competition
When you work in multiple markets around the world, you need to understand who your competitors are, and how their business impacts yours. Each area will have local competition that you should be aware of as you run your international business. You’ll want to know their strengths and weaknesses so that you can more effectively communicate the things that set you apart as a business to your potential customers.
Complications With Real Estate in Multiple Countries
Renting buildings, buying buildings, using warehouses, and other types of real estate each present you with unique complications. These complications aren’t bad, just difficult to manage. When your business does work in more than one country you often need a physical location in each. This means rent, utilities, and upkeep for multiple properties. Without adequate support, it can be challenging to handle all the issues that might arise with all this property. Be sure to consider this as you expand into different places.