Market research for doing business in France

If you want do business in France you need to know the regulations, market structure, competition and what investments you should make.

In this article I will provide basic information about the country and highlight how you can collect and evaluate all the information that you need.

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Doing business in France

France, one of Europe’s largest economies, is a key market for international businesses. Known for its strong consumer culture, diverse industries, and strategic location, France offers numerous opportunities for growth. However, understanding the local market dynamics is essential.

Key Market Numbers

France is a highly developed country with significant global influence. Below are some important statistics about the French market:

  • Population: Approximately 68 million (2023), with a median age of around 42 years.
  • GDP per capita: Around $47,000 USD (2023), reflecting strong consumer purchasing power.
  • Urbanization: About 82% of the population lives in urban areas, with Paris, Marseille, and Lyon as major urban centers.
  • Economic Structure: Services dominate the economy, contributing about 70% of GDP, followed by industry and agriculture. France is a global leader in luxury goods, automotive, and agriculture.
  • Ageing Population: Yes, France is experiencing an ageing population, but at a slower pace than many other European countries, thanks to a relatively high birth rate.

Language and Documentation

Language is a critical factor when entering the French market. French is not just the official language but also a cultural cornerstone.

  • Official Language: French is the primary language for business, legal, and consumer interactions.
  • Language Considerations: English is not as widely used in everyday business as in some neighboring countries. While larger companies and urban professionals may speak English, using French for packaging, marketing, and customer service is highly recommended for success in the local market.
  • Packaging and Documentation: French law requires products sold in the country to include labels and instructions in French, particularly in regulated sectors like food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. English-only materials may limit market acceptance.

Consumer and B2B Buying Behavior

France’s buying behavior is shaped by its culture, focus on quality, and strong emphasis on aesthetics and tradition.

  • Consumer Behavior: French consumers are highly discerning and value quality, brand heritage, and environmental sustainability. They are also price-conscious and appreciate promotions and discounts. In 2023, around 85% of internet users in France shopped online, indicating the growing importance of e-commerce.
  • B2B Buying Behavior: French businesses emphasize formal relationships, trust, and long-term collaboration. Decision-making can be centralized and hierarchical, especially in traditional industries. Having local representatives or partners can significantly ease market entry.
  • Online Presence: E-commerce is steadily growing, with France being one of Europe’s top markets for online retail. An optimized digital strategy is crucial for both B2C and B2B businesses.

Market Challenges and Opportunities

France offers many opportunities but also presents challenges for international businesses.

  • Products/Services that May Struggle: Products that are not adapted to local tastes, lack French-language support, or fail to meet the high quality and sustainability expectations of French consumers may face difficulties. Additionally, overly aggressive sales tactics may be poorly received.
  • Test Market Potential: France’s diverse consumer base and strong urbanization make it an excellent test market, especially for luxury goods, technology, and innovative services. However, adapting to local preferences and regulations is essential for success.

VAlidate the HS-codes you use for shipping

Almost every country or trade block in the world has its own detailing on the international HS-code list. With our report you strongly reduce the risk on misclassifications, delays and higher custom duties than expected. 

Tell us what you want to ship and where to and we ask you all relevant questions to get to the most likely code.

Topics to check before doing business

Where it comes to assessing the viability of a product or service in a new market, I always look at the following aspects:

1. Regulatory compliance

Can the product be imported and sold in the country, what are import duties and are there any restrictions on service delivery? What are the investments to comply to all regulations? 

2. Market needs

Is there a genuine demand for this product or service in the market and which aspects are decisive for the customers? What are common channels for marketing and sales?

3. Competition

How fierce is the competition and is there a clear market leader? Is there room for a new entrant and what happened to other companies trying to penetrate the market?

4. Investments

What steps are needed to enter the market and what are the related costs. How quickly can you expect revenue and what is a reasonable pay-back time?

You can of course find a lot of information yourself, especially about regulations. But in order to have a good view on the competition, you will have to search locally, visit retail outlets or talk with buyers. Only a local expert can do this.

Before you focus only on France

Please note that there are many countries in the world and the biggest ones or the ones nearby are not automatically the best choice. It all depends of the market growth, the competition and the barriers for entry. 

Therefore I would advise you to make a short-list of at least three, but preferably five potential new markets and compare them against the same criteria.

Frequently asked questions

In France all aspects count that you normally have in other countries. What are the relevant regulations? How big is the market? What competition will you face? And how much will it cost to enter the market? These questions will help you decide whether to enter the market or not.