Exporting to Global Markets
Global markets can offer excellent business opportunities. “By designing a product for sale worldwide, you can spread the development costs over the largest market possible,” said Bob Wersen, President of the Interpower® Group of Companies.
Wersen explained that in order to sell globally, it is important to know the mains plug patterns (most countries have their own type of plug pattern), mains voltages (voltages range from 100–250VAC), mains frequencies (frequencies throughout the world are either 50Hz or 60Hz), and national regulations (most countries have electrical safety standards and safety testing agencies).
“Compliance to international regulations will enhance the quality and reliability of your product, meet your competition head on, and create peace of mind in knowing that you sell a product that is not only safe, but one that conforms to international expectations for safety,” Wersen said.
The choice to export globally needs to be a well-researched decision. It is essential for those wanting to export to different countries to be knowledgeable in the desired country’s import/export requirements.
When deciding to export globally, there may be questions about how to start exporting or how to design, build, and/or maintain products for worldwide markets. Interpower has a specially-trained customer service team who is dedicated and available to help with answering questions.
Many times in order for a product to be exported globally, a special design may be needed. “Interpower creates numerous custom parts for our customers,” explained Raina Baker, Customer Service Supervisor. “Custom work can range from simply making a cord a non-standard length to molding a specific connector on to cable, hand-wiring a plug on it, and putting a wrap label on the cord. We have a dedicated team of manufacturing professionals who are able to create nearly any electrical assembly. This process starts with Customer Service.”
When exporting products to multiple markets, it may be needed to have power cords or cord sets with varying plug styles. Custom lengths and different terminations may also be needed on the cable. A cord set may be required in a different color or length with different plug and connector options, all according to specific standards.
Baker added, “If a customer drawing or spec sheet is not available, the customer service representative will be able to guide the customer if needed and share what options we have available on any Interpower product line the customer is interested in. We can offer advice on what will and will not work together.”
Another key element to Customer Service is that Interpower has a technical support specialist, a product compliance specialist, product development specialists, and a quality assurance coordinator. All are available to assist with questions about electrical or electronic products.
Additional Resources
For more information, see Interpower’s Value Added and Custom Services and Guide to Worldwide Plug/Socket Patterns & Power Mains (Single-Phase).
Interpower offers free technical support. For further assistance, please see Interpower’s contact information below.
