Hey there, fellow business owners. Let’s talk about something we all care about: growth. If you’re running a small business in Canada, you’ve probably mastered the basics—creating great products, serving your local community, and maybe even selling online. But what if I told you there’s a whole world of customers out there waiting for what you offer? And no, you don’t need a massive budget or a corporate team to reach them.
The truth is, the internet has flattened the playing field. Platforms and tools exist today that let even the smallest businesses compete globally. But here’s the catch: many of these opportunities fly under the radar in Canada. Let’s change that.
Why Go Global? It’s Closer Than You Think
You might be thinking, “I’m already on Amazon.ca or Shopify—isn’t that enough?” Sure, those platforms are a great start. But sticking only to Canadian-focused platforms means leaving money—and loyal customers—on the table.
Here’s the thing:
- Diversification = Stability: Relying solely on local sales puts you at risk if demand shifts (hello, economic uncertainty).
- Untapped Markets: Countries like Japan, Germany, or Brazil have massive consumer bases hungry for unique products.
- Brand Authority: Selling internationally builds credibility. Imagine a customer in Paris raving about your maple syrup skincare line!
But how do you start? Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Explore Platforms Beyond the Usual Suspects
You know Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. But here are lesser-known platforms that could be game-changers:
- Rakuten (Japan): Think of it as Japan’s Amazon. With 100+ million users, it’s perfect for luxury goods, beauty, or niche products. Pro tip: Partner with a local translator to adapt listings to Japanese preferences.
- Coupang (South Korea): Known for lightning-fast delivery, this platform dominates Korea’s e-commerce scene. Ideal for tech gadgets, fashion, or wellness products.
- Mercado Libre (Latin America): The “eBay of Latin America” serves 18 countries. If you sell affordable, trendy items, this is your gateway to 140 million active users.
- Joom (Europe/Global): A fast-growing marketplace for affordable, unique products. Great for small businesses testing international waters.
What you should do:
- Research 1-2 platforms that align with your product category.
- Start small—list a few items to gauge interest.
- Use platform analytics to track what sells and adjust your strategy.
Step 2: Find Partners Who’ll Do the Heavy Lifting
Let’s be real: managing global logistics, customs, and marketing alone is overwhelming. This is where distribution partners come in. These are companies or individuals who already have a foothold in your target market. They’ll handle storage, shipping, promotions, and even customer service—for a cut of the profits.
Where to find them:
- Trade Associations: Organizations like Export Development Canada (EDC) connect businesses with international partners.
- LinkedIn: Search for terms like “distributor for [your product] in Germany” and message directly.
- Trade Shows (Virtual or In-Person): Events like CES (tech) or Ambiente (lifestyle) attract global buyers.
Red flags to avoid:
- Partners who ask for upfront fees (reputable ones take a commission).
- Lack of references or a vague track record.
Pro tip: Start with a trial period. For example, ship a limited batch to a partner in Australia and see how they perform before scaling up.
Step 3: Keep It Simple—Focus on What Works
You don’t need to be everywhere at once. Pick one international platform or partner to test for 3–6 months. For example:
- A Toronto-based candle maker partners with a UK distributor to sell through Notonthehighstreet.com (a curated marketplace for handmade goods).
- A Vancouver outdoor gear brand lists on Zalando (Europe’s fashion giant) to tap into Germany’s hiking culture.
Track your results. If sales are steady, expand. If not, pivot.
Final Thought: The World Is Your Customer
I know—expanding globally sounds daunting. But remember, every big brand started small. The tools are here. The platforms are waiting. And customers are ready to discover you.
So here’s my challenge to you:
- This week: Research one international platform or distributor.
- Next month: List 3 products or send samples to a partner.
- This year: Celebrate your first international sale (and the many after).
You’ve built something amazing. Now let the world see it.
P.S. Need help finding partners? Contact us here. I’ll share my go-to resources.