Free BEXA Guides

Successful exports don't just happen.  Many exporters learn the ropes by trial and error, or being an apprentice on a team.  In this guide, we have tapped into the experiences of seasoned exporters to give you some ideas about how to avoid the main pitfalls and build a successful book of export business.

This is an ideal guide for anyone starting out in exporting and includes sections on: export strategy, the export process, choosing a local representative, the contract, managing the export and special supply chain logistic issues such as direct/ drop shipping. 

First published October 2008

TAKING PRE-ORDERS NOW

As with previous guides, this Guide to Export Compliance is written by exporters for exporters together with their service providers and financiers, and concentrates mainly on management of the risks and processes that together contribute to making sure the export is delivered successfully.

Includes sections on the new UK Bribery Act, Financial and Customs compliance, Supply Chain Security (eg AEO) and Export Licensing Controls.  Compliance is a legal obligation and affects us all but it is not just an administrative chore. It is a vital link in the exporting chain and needs to be given due time and attention. Get it wrong and your goods won’t arrive, your customer will be let down and your competitors will step in.

Published May 2011

Few exporters are in the position of selling something that customers will routinely pay in advance to receive, thus creating a gap in cash-flow.  Furthermore, the very process of exporting takes time, and so your overseas customers may want longer payment terms than are customary for UK trade.  This guide was written in the spring and summer of 2009 when there was the added impact of a severe downturn in trade and company finances, leading to customers asking for longer credit terms.  Finance is not a solution for other problems, but it can be a powerful tool in winning new business.

This guide has sections on financing without using banks, financing working capital and invoices, transactional trade finance, back-to-back and transferable letters of credit, bonds, leasing and ECGD support.

First published October 2009

The subject of this guide is how to retain title to goods that you have supplied until you have been paid for them.  Title is often, incorrectly, thought to be part of the job of the Incoterms Rules but ownership/ title has nothing to do with Incoterms it must be covered separately in the contract.  Not only does a good retention of title clause improve your chances of being able to avoid a bad debt wrtie-off in the event that you are not paid, but also credit insurers are now much more inclined to require the use of such clauses if they are to insure your domestics and export trade.

Sections in the guide cover what is a retention of title clause, practicalities and the view of title seen from lawyers, exporters, purchasers, insurers and financiers points.

First published October 2005

This guide tackles the tricky subject of bonds issued in connection with export contracts, specifically on-demand bonds.  It is a tricky subject because the exporter procuring the issue of such a bond is, in a sense, saying to the customer: "Here you are, help yourself to my money whenevery you like."  There may be very good reasons for requiring such an arrangement but the fact but it does pose difficulties for exporters and banks alike.

This guide includes sections explaining what an on-demand contract bond is and how it is viewed by customers, banks, exporters and courts and the URDG.  It also gives advise on what to watch out for, extending and paying and what to do if a bond is "called" fairly or unfairly.

First published October 2004