Milestone 4 – How to Actually Get Export Orders from India (Real Strategy)
By CA Devesh Thakur – Export & Taxation Educator | Founder – Export Roadmap Initiative
Getting an export license or completing documentation does not guarantee export success. The real success of any export business depends on one critical factor — the ability to continuously generate genuine international buyers.
This milestone focuses on the most practical stage of the export journey:
✅ Identifying profitable global markets
✅ Finding real buyers
✅ Building trust
✅ Initiating professional communication
This guide is specially designed for:
- First-time exporters
- MSME manufacturers
- Merchant exporters
- E-commerce exporters
- Startups entering global trade
✅ Step 1: Export Market Research – Choosing the Right Country Before Selling
Many export failures happen not because the product is weak, but because the market selection is wrong. Exporting without research is a high-risk activity.
🔍 What is Export Market Research?
Export market research is the process of identifying:
- Which countries need your product
- Who your competitors are
- What prices are acceptable
- Which regulations apply
- How buyers usually make payments
It ensures that your export efforts are targeted and profitable instead of random.
✅ Key Parameters for Selecting an Export Market
| Parameter | Purpose |
| Product Demand | Confirms long-term sales potential |
| Competition Level | Shows pricing and entry pressure |
| Import Policy | Avoids customs rejections |
| Logistics Cost | Impacts your profit margin |
| Payment Risk | Protects against defaults |
| Quality Standards | Determines product eligibility |
✅ Reliable Sources for Export Market Intelligence
- DGCIS trade statistics
- Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)
- Indian Embassies & Trade Missions
- International trade portals
- Free Trade Agreements (FTA) data
📌 Example:
If you deal in spices → Middle East & Europe
If you deal in garments → USA & EU markets
If you deal in handicrafts → USA, Germany, UAE
✅ Step 2: How to Find International Buyers (Verified Practical Methods)
Buyer sourcing is a continuous activity, not a one-time exercise. Successful exporters use multiple channels simultaneously.
🔹 Method 1: Global B2B Online Portals
These are international buyer-seller marketplaces.
Popular platforms:
- Alibaba
- Global Sources
- IndiaMART International
- TradeIndia
- ExportersIndia
✅ How to Optimize Your Seller Profile:
- Upload professional product images
- Mention HS Code and MOQ
- Clearly show payment terms
- Highlight certifications
- Display IEC registration
A complete profile builds instant credibility.
🔹 Method 2: Trade Fairs and International Exhibitions
Trade fairs allow exporters to:
- Directly meet bulk buyers
- Showcase product quality
- Sign long-term supply agreements
- Appoint overseas distributors
Indian exporters also get government support for exhibition participation through EPC schemes.
🔹 Method 3: Buyer–Seller Meets Through Export Promotion Councils
Every export sector in India is governed by a specific Export Promotion Council (EPC). After obtaining RCMC registration, exporters get access to:
- Verified buyer databases
- Overseas delegations
- Trade intelligence reports
- Financial participation support
🔹 Method 4: Direct Buyer Prospecting Using Search Engines
This is one of the most effective buyer-generation techniques.
Search keywords:
- Importer of [product] in USA
- Wholesale distributor of [product] in Europe
- Bulk buyer of [product] in UAE
Once a list is created, exporters initiate direct professional communication.
✅ Step 3: Professional Buyer Outreach Scripts (Email & Direct Message)
Buyer approach must be formal, short, and credibility-oriented. Casual messages fail to generate results.
✅ Direct Message (DM) Script
Hello,
We are an Indian exporter of [product name] supplying internationally at competitive rates with quality compliance. May I share our catalogue and price list with you?
✅ Professional Email Outreach Script
Subject: Supply Inquiry – [Product Name] from India
Dear [Buyer Name],
We are a registered exporter from India specializing in [product name], exported under ITC-HS classification. We offer competitive pricing, international quality compliance, customized packaging, and global shipping options including FOB, CIF, and DDP.
We would be pleased to share our catalogue and quotation as per your requirement.
Warm regards,
CA Devesh Thakur
✅ What Builds Buyer Trust Instantly?
- Verified IEC registration
- Clear HS Code declaration
- Incoterm transparency
- Fast sample dispatch
- Clear payment terms
- Timely communication
Export buyers value professionalism more than low pricing.
✅ Why This Milestone is the Core of Export Growth
You may outsource production.
You may outsource logistics.
You may outsource documentation.
But you cannot outsource buyer creation.
Every successful exporter is, first and foremost, a strong international marketer.
📊 Key Export Terms Used in This Milestone
| Short Form | Full Form |
| IEC | Importer Exporter Code |
| DGCIS | Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics |
| EPC | Export Promotion Council |
| RCMC | Registration cum Membership Certificate |
| FTA | Free Trade Agreement |
| HS Code | Harmonized System Code |
| ITC-HS | Indian Trade Classification – Harmonized System |
| MOQ | Minimum Order Quantity |
| FOB | Free on Board |
| CIF | Cost, Insurance and Freight |
| DDP | Delivered Duty Paid |
| B2B | Business to Business |
| MSME | Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises |
🇮🇳 Our Mission Through EtaxSave Export Initiative
Through this initiative, the objective is to:
✅ Simplify export education
✅ Prevent compliance failures
✅ Help MSMEs go global legally
✅ Promote structured export growth from India
This platform is built for serious exporters who want long-term success, not shortcuts.
EXPORT ROADMAP (MILESTONE 5)
EXPORT ROADMAP (MILESTONE 6)