“How do I find real buyers when I have no export experience or track record?”
This question keeps more aspiring exporters awake at night than perhaps any other. The internet is full of horror stories about fake enquiries, scammers posing as buyers, and experienced exporters who seem to have an unfair advantage.
But here’s what most people don’t tell you: the biggest barrier to finding buyers isn’t your lack of experience, it’s your lack of strategy.
The Buyer Outreach Fears (And Why They’re Overblown)
Let’s address the elephant in the room. When we talk to aspiring exporters, they share these genuine concerns:
- “I waste time on fake enquiries” — Fair concern, but experienced exporters deal with this too. The difference? They know how to filter quickly.
- “Buyers only want experienced exporters” — Buyers want reliable suppliers. Experience is one indicator, but it’s not the only one.
- “I don’t have shipment records to show” — Neither did every successful exporter when they started. There are proven ways to build credibility from day one.
- “I can’t compete on pricing” — Good news: price isn’t everything. Competing only on price is often a losing strategy.
- “Buyer databases are expensive and outdated” — True. Which is exactly why the smartest exporters don’t rely on them.
Here’s the truth: every single concern you have is valid, but also completely solvable with the right approach.
The Myth of the “Perfect Track Record”
Let’s bust the biggest myth: buyers don’t care about your past as much as you think they do.
What buyers actually care about:
- Can you deliver what you promise? Reliability beats experience every time.
- Do you understand their requirements? Clear communication and product knowledge matter more than years in business.
- Are you professional in your approach? Responsive, organized suppliers stand out regardless of experience level.
Think about it from their perspective. A buyer in Germany looking for organic spices doesn’t wake up thinking, “I need a supplier with 15 years of experience.” They wake up thinking, “I need 500kg of organic turmeric that meets EU standards, delivered by March, at a competitive price.”
If you can confidently address those needs, your lack of shipment history becomes far less relevant.
How Buyers Actually Find Suppliers
Understanding buyer search behavior changes everything. Buyers don’t just wait for your email, they actively search through specific channels.
Want to know exactly where and how international buyers search for suppliers? Here’s a Reel walking you through the buyer’s perspective and search journey.
