• How can I obtain commercial statistics relating to a country?

After registering, you will find in Module 1 “Markets” the major information on the market you are targeting. Country profiles

• A great deal of information and document is accessible free of charge – where do they come from? Are they updated?

Many different sources add to and enrich our information and proposed solutions. These include the World Tourism Organisation, the World Bank, the UNO and Eurostat… It is, however, important to point out that the latter must be both reliable and up to date. Updates are thus carried out twice a year – or even more often – depending on current events.

• Is this website also aimed at foreign websites?

Yes, absolutely. The platform is available in English, German and French. Foreign small and medium-sized companies can browse on the platform without having any translation problems.

• Is access to the website free?

Yes, access to the website and its information and advice is free... The only requirement is for the user to identify him/herself in order to access the online services free of charge.

• Can all companies access the platform?

Yes, all companies can access the platform. However, due to its scope, the platform is mainly intended for small and medium-sized companies that wish to obtain solutions for international development.

• What is the personal profile used for? Is it possible to change/modify the elements of one’s profile?

The personal file enables users to archive their requests and modify their personal information as they wish. It is accessible on the website’s main page – in the top right-hand corner. Moreover, it is possible and even very easy to change or modify one’s profile. Once it has subscribed, a small or medium-sized company can access its personal file at any time and modify its profile with just one click.

• Why must small or medium-sized companies identify themselves in order to access services?

Small and medium-sized companies must identify themselves so that the Poste can control the information given (questionable or abusive uses). This identification is necessary in order to give you the access codes. Moreover, this information enables us to ensure permanent monitoring of the companies which have subscribed to the platform.

• Which international markets are a priority for Laposte-Export-Solutions? And what is the first step I must follow if I wish to export?

Laposte-Export-Solutions offers a guide to the 42 priority markets around the world and 25,000 pages of information with economic data, sector-based trends, consumer statistics, remote sales modalities and demographic breakdowns, etc… In module 1, entitled “Market,” you will find all the information relating to main foreign markets. This is the first step you must follow if you wish to export to a foreign country. Once you have been identified on the site, you simply have to access this module and begin your research on the desired market. You can then narrow down your prospecting in order to launch your international development. This procedure is identical for all the global markets on which you wish to prospect.

• Can I find information relating to external trade techniques on the site?

Yes, you can find information relating to external trade techniques on the site. Click on the tab “Methods” and then on “Drafting a sales contract” and you will obtain information relating to your research. You will also find other information in the site’s glossary. Moreover, the platform will soon offer training on the basics of international trade.

• Do you offer a translation service? If so, is it adapted to precise requests?

Yes, we do offer a translation service. In order to access it, go to the module 1, entitled “Market,” of the platform, click on the tab “Import/Export services” and then click on “translation”. Make your choice and follow the instructions. The translation service which we offer is, of course, adapted to your requirements.

• What methods of payment are accepted on your platform to purchase the proposed services?

Payments on the site can either be made by bank transfer, cheque or credit card. Secure payment methods using credit cards rely on the know-how of SCELLIUS (the financial service of the Banque Postale).

• I would like to make a comment, inform you of my expectations, requirements, etc

It’s very easy – once you have subscribed, you will find our address details in the “Contacts” section. You can also make comments or ask questions in module 1, entitled “Markets/Open Questions.” It is possible to send us your comments, which we will not fail to answer as quickly as possible Other questions

• 42 global markets are presented in module 1; why aren’t 198 countries proposed?

Today, the platform presents 42 markets. These are considered to be the 42 main global markets and have been defined according to their “Economic Potential.” They are also the markets for which our customers wished to obtain the most information. However, if special interest or a request relating to a particular country is expressed, we will be able to add to module 1 rapidly by integrating new countries to the platform. Please don’t hesitate to inform us of your “interests” at question@laposte-export-solutions.com

• Who is responsible for translation services, studies, assistance…?

All of the proposed services are managed by our different partners and service providers – who are all experts in their field (translation, market studies, assistance, files, etc…). These are services which require a range of different skills – for example, translations are offered in 22 different languages and are carried out by specialists.

• Why have you chosen the 3 modules “Markets”, “Selling” and “Dispatching”?

The website is made up of 3 distinct modules in order to facilitate and optimise research. The 3 modules represent the 3 fundamental stages to be followed in order to prospect for new markets. Module 1 - “Markets” - is an ideal assistance tool to find out about key foreign markets.Module 2 “Selling” offers services with added value which will enable you to study the feasibility of your international development. It also enables you to access “sales links” when you are prospecting new customers as well as a number of services designed for a target of “intermediaries” as well as a “consumer” target. You can also access a search engine to find data and services to help you with prospecting activities, as well as advice and services to develop a marketing strategy to build customer loyalty. Module 3 “Dispatching” enables you to find all the customs formalities (guide, documents, services…) for the shipment of your letters, packages and merchandises worldwide, tools enabling you to follow in real time your mail and packages while they are in the shipment process in various countries, and services to cash and recover fees managed by experts of the field, etc. This site will also help you to launch work and prepare your exploration of the market at an international level.

• Some terms relating to marketing or exportation…are foreign to me and prevent me from understanding. What should I do?

Our platform was created to provide solutions for small and medium-sized companies that wish to export. The lexicon used in marketing/exportation is sometimes not well known and too technical for some companies. To solve this problem, our site contains an appendix called “Glossary” which is there to help you. Go to the platform’s homepage and click on the “Glossary” tab to find the terms you don’t know.

• In the event of a problem, where should I apply to and who should I ask for advice?

Go to the “Contacts” section, where you will find all the resources placed at your disposal to contact us.
• In the event of a problem (sudden disconnection, opening a page is impossible, etc…), we advise you to send all your comments, questions and suggestions by e-mail to the following address: question@laposte-export-solutions.com. We will answer you as quickly as possible.
• In France, you can also send us a letter to: La Poste - Direction des activités internationales du courrier
Case Postale D304 / Plate-forme PME
111 boulevard Brune
75670 Paris cedex 14. If you require assistance, please contact customer services advisers of La Poste Courrier International on 36 34 (€0,225/min inc. VAT). They will answer all your questions relating to your business sector.

• Is there a “Business” forum on the platform?

No, there is no forum on the site yet, but we are considering the possibility of creating one in the form of a “business forum,” in which small & medium-sized businesses will be able to place offers or requests on-line (jobs, calls for tenders, partners, etc….) This forum could propose debates on specific themes (e.g. developing on international markets) in which each subscribers could give his opinion, share his ideas and put forward solutions. We will keep you informed of this creation.

• Does Laposte-Export-Solutions have a documentation centre which can be accessed by the public?

No, there is no documentation centre which can be accessed by the public. The documents which have been posted on laposte-export-solutions can only be viewed by the small & medium-sized companies that have subscribed to the platform. However, all the information which you find on the platform can be printed and you can even store it on your computer if you so wish.

• Is it possible to purchase or hire files of prospective customers/customers via the platform?

Yes, it is possible to purchase or hire files of prospective customers. You simply go to the 3rd module of the platform, entitled “Canvassing,” and indicate your requirements – you will be assisted by the export solutions section. Prospect intermediaries
Search for international postal address files

• Within the scope of a trip for private canvassing, can laposte-export-solutions organise my appointments? Can it accompany me to clients’ premises whilst I am prospecting overseas and can it guarantee the presence of an interpreter? Can it book me a hotel, a car or a chauffeur?

Yes, within the scope of a trip for private prospecting, laposte-export-solutions can organise your appointments. During your mission, you can be accompanied by a correspondent who will act as an interpreter during your prospecting. To help you, the platform has implemented within module 3 – “canvassing” – a tab entitled “meeting prospective customers.” This will enable you to obtain a quote and all other information relating to your procedure for development on international markets. How to canvass