🟢 Milestone 3: How to Actually Get Export Orders from India
(Part of the 6-Milestone Export Roadmap Initiative by CA Devesh Thakur)
Starting an export business is not only about registration, IEC, and documentation. The real success begins when you receive your first genuine international export order. Through this initiative, my mission is to educate, guide, and empower Indian entrepreneurs to become successful global exporters.
This blog covers Milestone 3 of the Export Roadmap—How to actually get export orders, which I also explained in my Instagram reel for practical understanding.
🌍 1. Importance of Market Research Before Finding Buyers
Before approaching any international buyer, you must clearly understand:
- Which countries import your product
- What is the market demand
- Who are your competitors
- What are the quality standards
- What are the payment terms commonly followed
✔ Reliable Market Research Sources:
- DGCIS Export-Import Data
- Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)
- Indian Embassies & Trade Missions Abroad
- Free Trade Agreements (FTA) & Preferential Trade Agreements (PTA)
🔹 Example: If you are exporting handicraft products, major markets include the USA, Germany, UAE, UK, and France.
🔎 2. Practical Ways to Find Genuine International Buyers
✅ Method 1: International B2B Platforms
These platforms connect exporters and importers globally:
- Alibaba
- IndiaMART International
- Global Sources
- TradeIndia
- ExportersIndia
🔹 A strong profile must include:
- Clear product images
- Certifications
- MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
- Packaging & shipping options
- Payment terms
✅ Method 2: International Trade Fairs & Exhibitions
Trade fairs provide face-to-face buyer interactions and bulk order opportunities.
Popular fairs include:
- IHGF Delhi Fair (India)
- Canton Fair (China)
- Heimtextil (Germany)
- Dubai Trade Expo
✅ Method 3: Buyer-Seller Meets via Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)
India has 27 Export Promotion Councils, each dedicated to specific industries.
Examples:
- EPCH – Handicrafts
- AEPC – Apparel
- Spices Board – Spices
- APEDA – Agricultural exports
Registering under RCMC gives you official access to buyers.
✅ Method 4: Direct Buyer Outreach (Most Powerful Strategy)
You can directly search buyers on Google using keywords:
- “Wholesale importers of leather bags in USA”
- “Bulk buyers of handicrafts in Europe”
After finding leads, send:
- Company introduction
- Product catalogue
- Certifications
- Pricing & shipping options
- Sample policy
📧 3. Professional Buyer Outreach Scripts
✅ Short DM Script:
“Hello, we are an Indian exporter of [product], supplying to global markets. May I share our catalogue & pricing with you?”
✅ Professional Email Script:
Subject: Reliable Export Supplier from India – [Product Name]
Hello [Name],
We are registered exporters from India (IEC & RCMC holder) dealing in [product]. We offer competitive pricing, custom packaging, and global shipping under FOB/CIF/DDP terms.
We would be pleased to share our catalogue and samples.
Regards,
CA Devesh Thakur
💰 4. Export Pricing Formula – Step-by-Step
Your export price must include:
✅ Base Cost:
- Raw material
- Labour
- Factory overheads
✅ Export-Specific Costs:
- Packaging
- Inland transport
- CHA Charges
- Freight
- Insurance (if CIF)
- Bank & ECGC charges
✅ Incoterms (Decide Cost & Responsibility):
- EXW – Ex Works
- FOB – Free on Board
- CIF – Cost, Insurance & Freight
- DAP – Delivered at Place
- DDP – Delivered Duty Paid
✅ Profit Margin:
Normally 10% – 30%, depending on product & market.
📦 5. Understanding HS Code (ITC-HS Code)
The ITC-HS Code is an 8-digit code used for:
- Product classification
- Customs duty calculation
- Export policy verification
- Government incentives
Structure:
- First 2 digits → Chapter
- First 4 digits → Heading
- First 6 digits → Subheading
- Full 8 digits → Tariff line
HS Codes can be verified on DGFT or ICEGATE portals.
📤 6. Samples & Product Presentation
Your sample quality decides your export future. Always ensure:
- Professional packaging
- Branding
- Clear product labeling
- Fast courier tracking
- Customization if required
🏦 7. Payment Terms & Risk Control
✅ Best payment methods for beginners:
- Advance 20–30% + balance before shipment
- Letter of Credit (LC) for bulk orders
- PayPal / Stripe for e-commerce
⛔ Avoid full credit sales without buyer verification.
🧠 8. Psychological Closing Techniques
✅ MOQ Anchoring Strategy
✅ Incoterm flexibility
✅ Fast response time
✅ Professional mails with clear timelines
These help build buyer trust quickly.
📘 Milestone 3 Summary
In this milestone, you learned:
- How to find international buyers
- How to communicate professionally
- How to price your export product
- How to identify HS codes
- How to send samples and close orders
This milestone transforms you from a registered exporter into a revenue-generating global seller.
📊 Common Export Terms Used in Milestone 3 (Short Form & Full Form)
| Short Form | Full Form |
| IEC | Importer Exporter Code |
| HS Code | Harmonized System Code |
| ITC-HS | Indian Trade Classification – Harmonized System |
| EPC | Export Promotion Council |
| RCMC | Registration Cum Membership Certificate |
| FOB | Free on Board |
| CIF | Cost, Insurance & Freight |
| DDP | Delivered Duty Paid |
| DAP | Delivered at Place |
| MOQ | Minimum Order Quantity |
| LC | Letter of Credit |
| CHA | Customs House Agent |
| ECGC | Export Credit Guarantee Corporation |
| DGCIS | Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence & Statistics |
🇮🇳 A Message from CA Devesh Thakur
Through this Export Roadmap Initiative, my mission is simple—
✅ To make exporting from India easy, practical, and profitable
✅ To encourage Indian entrepreneurs to enter global trade confidently
✅ To contribute towards India’s export growth and economic strength
🤝 Connect With Me
I, CA Devesh Thakur, have started this initiative to simplify exporting for Indians who wish to go global.
If you wish to learn exports, follow updates, or reach out for guidance, connect with me:
🔗 Instagram
🔗 Facebook
🔗 LinkedIn
🔗 YouTube
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EXPORT ROADMAP — MILESTONE 6