Think about how to ship and distribute

When we think of exporting, we often think of putting goods on a plane or ship. That’s certainly part of exporting, but what exactly happens after your goods leave your factory? And how do your goods get to your customers from the airport or seaport? What if you sell services, not physical goods?

This page discusses shipping and distributing, both vital parts of exporting. Remember as soon as you sell to someone overseas, you’re exporting. That includes providing services to someone overseas. 

What exporting is and isn’t

You could ship physical goods yourself. You’ll need to organise things like transport, insurance, duties, packing lists, invoices and airway bills. Make sure you track your goods and know who’s responsible for them at different stages.

Information, guidance and documentation for export(external link) — New Zealand Customs Service

How to choose your international partners(external link) — New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

Custom brokers

You could also use a customs broker. Custom brokers work with customs on your behalf, like clearing goods through customs for you. They may work in specific areas, so you may need a broker in New Zealand and another one in your destination country.

Customs brokers and freight forwarders(external link) — Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation of New Zealand

Choose environmentally friendly shipping options if possible

Shipping and transport often have environmental costs. Look for ways to reduce those costs by planning ahead.

Explore our Climate Action Toolbox(external link)

Benefits of sustainability for your business and supply chains(external link) — Sustainable Business Network

Services are usually shipped electronically. For example, you might provide software to international clients. You might email consulting reports or designs to the other side of the world. Or you might offer online lessons via video conferencing.

But you could also offer a service that requires goods to be shipped. For example, you could repair a damaged violin for someone abroad.

E-commerce: online selling of products overseas(external link) — Ministry for Primary Industries

Distribution means getting your goods or services to customers. As well as shipping and tracking, it includes:

• choosing your sales channels
• deciding whether you use an agent or, a distributor
• recalling your goods (if necessary).

Recall is usually only needed if goods pose a problem, like a food poisoning risk or a defect that can be hazardous.

Product recalls explained(external link) — Product Safety

Good distribution means better sales and profits. The best method of distribution depends on things like: 

• your goods or services — how you sell luxury goods or services will be different to how you sell everyday ones
• your customers — where and how your customers shop 
• market size — how many customers you’re likely to have and whether they’re a big proportion of the population
• logistics — how much of your goods you store, where you store them and what shipping options you have.

You could distribute your goods or services yourself, or use an agent.

Use insights to sell the right thing in the best place

Choose from different sales channels

You could sell through different channels, including some or all of these: 

• websites, social media or online ad placement
• retail outlets 
• catalogues and ads
• word of mouth
• trade shows
• chance meetings.

Think about distribution options

When you start, working with an agent or a distributor may be easiest: 

• An agent is someone you employ or contract to work for you. You’ll have more control and know who your customers are.
• A distributor buys your products and sells them on. You’ll have less control than when you work with an agent.

Find out more about orders and deliveries, including outsourcing.

Orders and deliveries

Some businesses set up an overseas office once they have exporting experience. An overseas office is more efficient and gives you more control. But setting up in another country can be expensive, and creates financial and legal compliance obligations. You may even need a different business structure. An overseas set-up is best left until you’re experienced, but it’s good to think about early.

Business structure overview