Find clients and sell your products in Canada

Finding clients abroad is always a challenge, and business development in Canada is not different. You need the right contacts and once you reach the decision maker, you need the right sales pitch.
A lot of companies that want to enter the market in Canada do this with their general sales pitch. However, if you don't know the local regulations, pricing levels and your competition's product, sales meetings may be difficult to conclude successfully.
International business development
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How to sell your product or service in Canada?

Canada, is the second-largest country in the world by land area, but also an interesting economy, and can be a trial market before going to the United States. As of 2023, it has an estimated population of about 38 million. Known for its vast landscapes, multicultural cities, and bilingual heritage (English and French), Canada is a symbol of diversity and environmental richness.

Economically, Canada has a high GDP per capita, standing at approximately $48,000 USD in 2023. The country’s economy is highly diversified, with key sectors including natural resources, manufacturing, and services. Natural resources like oil, natural gas, minerals, and timber are significant economic drivers, particularly in regions like Alberta and British Columbia. The service sector, including banking, insurance, and tourism, plays a central role in the national economy.

Canadian business culture and etiquette

Canadians are polite, easy going and informal. They like to engage in discussions on various topics as they are confident and aware. French and English are the two main languages used. If in Quebec, make sure you know French or keep a translator by your side. The Canadian communication style is pragmatic and based on common sense. Refrain from comparing Canada with the US during your interactions. Canadians are a highly individualistic lot, who like to keep their personal information to themselves.

Most of Canadian companies are focused on leaner and flatter structure of business rather than taking the conventional hierarchical approach. In Canada, it’s far better to do initial research before any embarking on new ventures. Canadians as managers, are not dictatorial, instead they settle issues producing definite result in a decisive manner. When meeting them, make sure that you are more formal than when you are dealing with Americans. While punctuality matters the most to Canadians, meetings usually start with small talk first.

Negotiations tactics in Canada

Due to Canada being a multi-cultural land, most Canadians are adept at conducting business with other nationalities. They are open-minded and have a genuine interest in the world. Toronto and Ottawa are the best business destinations.

  • Be punctual and direct
  • Be aware – Canadians appreciate you more when you are clear about all aspects of your business proposal such as budget, services, knowledge sharing or third party partnerships.
  • Be open  and share information to build trust
  • Approach the negotiation as a relationship building exercise – Canadians prefer a win-win solution
  • Be positive
  • Avoid hard selling, hype or aggression
  • Wrap it up, don’t stall
  • Introduce written terms and conditions

Translate your website and check your SEO

Even if your business is really international, it may be wise to set up local website translations and check whether your text aligns with the culture. 

This also counts for Canada and its inhabitants. People prefer reading in their own language and also search most of the time in their own language. Therefore you need to include the relevant keywords in your texts, and these may not be a direct translation.

With regards to content, my personal experience is that if you have a successful blog topic in one language, it is likely to do well also in other languages. Don’t reinvent the wheel, just make a proper translation.

Shipping your products

If you sell physical products, you need them to get delivered into Canada. Depending on the country you are in, this may be a challenge.

First of all you may have to pay import duties or settle VAT. This can be complex if you don’t have your own legal entity in the country. 

There may also be non-financial bariers, like certifications or approvals to be obtained. Especially for food, cosmetics or medicine this may be the case. Check this in advance, even before you invest in your marketing.

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.

Frequently asked questions

First determine who can be the end-users for your product or service. From who do they purchase now? Interview a number of key players in the value chain how they perceive your offering and ask them who is your competition. Only then you can position your product or service and effectively approach potential buyers.

In Canada, just as many comparable countries, this all depends on your offering and the way you organise your sales. If you offering already sells in other countries, you have good chances, but you still need to figure out the market structure and the sales channels that perform best. We always recommend to do interviews with key players first.
Yes, Canada is certainly open for international business, the country has trade relationships with many other nations and although there may be import duties, certification and other customs regulations, you can certainly sell your goods there.
First of all adhere to the local business culture and follow local ways of making appointments and structuring them. Also in Canada, companies want to make profits so if you can show how your product or service contributes to that, then the interest will be not different than in other countries. Where possible, work with local partners or have your sales supported by an international business consultant.

Yes, we can certainly do that, because we have experienced business developers in the country. Of course it is important that your product is good, well documented and you have discovered the best sales processes already in your home country.

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