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For a successful business, you need a viable business idea, the skills to make it work and the funding. Discover whether your idea has what it takes.

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Advice on protecting your wellbeing, self-confidence and mental health from the pressures of starting and running a business.

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

It is likely you will need funding to start your business unless you have your own money. Discover some of the main sources of start up funding.

Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Some businesses need a high street location whilst others can be run from home. Understand the key factors from cost to location, size to security.

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.

Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.

Receiving an order from an overseas customer

Your business and its goods could be viewed online from around the world - but you may not be prepared for orders from overseas customers. Find out how to deal with online orders from international customers, and how you can use the opportunity to expand

Although exporting is less complicated than many small businesses think, processing overseas orders without taking certain steps could result in losing money or breaching your legal obligations.

Vet overseas customers before you export

The first thing you should do if you receive an overseas order is verify the customer's contact details.

"It is essential to get in touch with the buyer, to check they are genuine," says ecommerce expert Maggie Choo.

"A lot of businesses get over-excited when they get overseas orders, and don't do any due diligence," she adds. "This could leave you with nothing to show for the product you've sent."

Email the customer your terms and conditions - for example, you could ask for 30% of the payment before you send the product, and 70% on receipt.

For smaller orders, those placed by overseas consumers or direct orders via your website, you might receive the whole payment upfront when the order is placed.

"As long as you use a secure payment method, this should be fine for overseas customers, too," adds Choo.

"I'd suggest using PayPal or bank transfers. Be clear on what currency you'll accept, as exchange rates fluctuate and you could lose out if the customer chooses to pay in a currency that is more favourable to them - but if you agree a price in writing, they are locked in to that."

You should also make it clear that they are responsible for paying any import charges.

"When you post the item, opt for a tracked delivery service so the customer can log in to see where it is," suggests Choo.

Check your legal obligations when exporting

Next, consider the legal implications of selling overseas. Goods that are exported can usually be zero-rated, and most services that are exported are 'outside the scope' of VAT: so you don’t have to charge VAT. However, there are special rules for some types of service, including those that are supplied electronically. If you have any questions about whether to charge VAT, you can check with HMRC's VAT helpline on 0300 200 3700.

"If your transactions are transparent, you haven't got anything to worry about," reassures Choo.

For certain products, including technology, plants, art and specific food products, you need an export licence so you should check if you need one first.

Entering new export markets

After receiving an order from overseas, you could use it as an opportunity to enter a new market. However, ensure you assess your export potential first, as exporting on a larger scale is an investment.

"There are free resources, for example the Department for Business and Trade and the BCC run schemes to help you research new markets," says Choo. "And you can use web analytics tools such as Google Analytics to see where your website visitors are based."

You could also contact your local chamber of commerce and ask them to put you in touch with the chamber or embassy in that country. "The Government sees exports as a growth engine, so there's plenty of support available," says Choo.

Choo adds that small firms should not be daunted by exporting. "It really isn't very different from trading locally," she concludes. "You just need to be diligent, because of the distance, and be clear about your terms."

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