Until recently we have only been able to accept payments in British Pounds.However, we have been aware that it is easier for clients’ accounting systems if they can pay in their local currency. This has now been put in place. Along with the fact that we don’t add any surcharge for credit cards payments, this will give our customers even more payment choice.

Will this help you? I hope so. Let us know what other improvements you would like to see us make to help ordering easier.

However, sometimes you just need someone ‘on the ground’. In certain countries we are aware that engineers are more open to talking to companies who have a physical presence and can attend meetings to discuss particular applications. So, we are looking to expand our distributor network.

BUT (there always is one, isn’t there?) they need to match our stringent criteria. We are increasingly proud of our global reputation for excellent products, application knowledge and first-class customer service and we need any potential distributors to uphold this when they represent us.

If you think that you can match our checklist, then please e-mail me at info@lcmsystems.com putting ‘Distributor Request’ in the Subject line.

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net 

I am also proud to be a UK manufacturer – sometimes I think there’s not       many of us left. However, I was recently surprised to learn that the UK is the world’s sixth largest exporter of goods and services. (source: British Chambers of Commerce website).

However, we do find dealing with some countries more challenging than others and I often wonder what it is that stops people from not buying the best solution for the best price, even though it is from a different country.

Some countries we find won’t buy from us because our website is in English. Well, okay if they don’t understand what we say, but bearing in mind most engineers are concerned with the specifications, then surely it’s just a matter of looking at the numbers? I don’t want to appear to be flippant, but we get orders via the internet from many countries in the Far East and Eastern Europe – why not Europe?

And then there’s the customs documentation and parcels “getting stuck” in local offices and depots. There is nothing more frustrating than rushing through an urgent order, despatching it on time, with the correct paper work and then finding out it is held up by bureaucracy.

I’m thinking of compiling a list of pitfalls in exporting industrial products. Would it be useful? Maybe we could do it together.

I can offer £10 iTunes voucher for the craziest export story from a UK manufacturer. Closing date is December 31st 2010