Discover the opportunities of exporting to and doing business in France
Are you considering exporting your products or services to France? Doing business in this country is a great opportunity! France is not only one of Europe’s largest economies, but also an important hub for trade and investment in the European Union because of its central location.
Brilliant Work is a coaching and consulting firm with years of experience in assisting companies & entrepreneurs in their international trade. We can help your company successfully do business in France. And this often on a heavily subsidized basis!
Free consultation
Exporting to France is familiar territory for the team at Brilliant Work
French love their own cheese and wine, but also open to Dutch products
The French economy is the second largest in the European Union
The French economy is the second largest in the European Union and has a population of nearly 67 million. The country is an important trading partner for the Netherlands and offers plenty of opportunities for Dutch companies. France imported 47.4 billion euros worth of goods from the Netherlands in 2022, making it one of the top three European Union countries to which the Netherlands exports.
Why export to France?
- It is a short travel distance from the Netherlands.
- Few additional laws and regulations in France compared to the Netherlands.
- France offers great potential for new customers for your products or services.
- By exporting to France, you reduce your dependence on the Dutch market and spread your risk.
- France has a lot of activity in ICT, energy, life sciences, automotive and aerospace. So there are good opportunities here for Dutch suppliers of services and products to these sectors.
- Despite some cultural differences, the Netherlands and France also share many similarities in culture and lifestyle. As a result, Dutch products are often relatively easy to adapt to the French market.
What do you need to know to export to France?
Required certificates
Certain products require mandatory certificates in France. This applies, for example, to food safety, health and environmental products. We help you clarify which documents are required and where to get them. So that you can export to France without worries.
Communications
When doing business in France, it is important to take into account that the French consider the Dutch to be ‘direct’, whereas they are much more indirect and communicate more politely. We help you to choose the right communication style and form and to overcome any language barriers.
Hierarchy and formality
In France, there is a strong hierarchy and formal manners between colleagues and business partners. It is customary to address each other with Monsieur/Madame and you, and to use titles such as Directeur, Chef or Professeur. When doing business, it is important to show respect for this hierarchy and formality, otherwise it may be perceived as rude.
Brilliant Work helps gather the right export documents
Please feel free to contact us
Curious about the possibilities around business coaching for your company? You’re always welcome for a free consultation.
Free consultation
The French like to do business over a sumptuous lunch
How can Brilliant Work help you enter the French market?
Brilliant Work has a wealth of experience in assisting companies & entrepreneurs in exporting and introducing them to the French market. We can help you at every step of the process. Below is an overview of our services:
Market Research
We help you find the right market in France. We can carry out free market research for you, so that you can enter France well informed. Here we look at the competition, local laws and regulations and market opportunities.
The right sales channels
Once your market research shows that there is indeed a market and enthusiasm in France for your product or service, the next step comes. How are you going to market your product or service? If you are going to use sales partners, sales agents or importers, the choice of a sales channel is really crucial. We know exactly where to find the right sales channels and what to look for when choosing a distributor and/or agent.
Language & culture
The French are not the Dutch and vice versa. To do good business in France, you need to know the language and the culture. Thanks to our years of experience with trading in and to France and the French consumers and companies, we know what works and what doesn’t and of course we speak quite a bit of French.
Retail & wholesale
Because of our knowledge in and with exporting to France, we know very well how to get into the retail and wholesale business. We know how to approach them, how to pick the best ones and what guarantee conditions to set.
Why choose export consulting from Brilliant Work?
Brilliant Work has extensive experience in assisting companies with their international trade and introduction to France. We are known for our personal approach and our ability to explain complex issues in simple terms. Moreover, our export coaches and consultants have themselves spent many years living, working and trading abroad.
Free consultation
Our coaches and advisors have traded abroad themselves
Experiences of our customers
In the past, we have had the pleasure of guiding many entrepreneurs toward their successful businesses. Read more about the experiences of our satisfied clients.
Mariëlle’s Furniture Factory: even a creative entrepreneur cannot do without a clear marketing and sales plan
After a career as an innovation consultant at a multinational company, Mariëlle decided to follow her passion and become a…
Femke Lucassen on growth, self-confidence and success thanks to Brilliant Work coaching
After a career in logistics, Femke Lucassen launched her own company, Focus Support, at the end of 2021. Her aim…
The journey from skin therapist to successful owner of Huidkliniek Maas en Waal
Lotte Reijers, owner of Huidkliniek Maas en Waal, embodies perseverance and ambition. Since 1 February 2023, she has proudly run…
What does exporting to France cost at Brilliant Work?
Did you know that as a company of 1- 250 employees, you can take advantage of multiple export subsidies? The government wants you to succeed as an entrepreneur, your business to grow abroad and your employees (if you have any) to grow with you. This applies to both start-ups and older companies, self-employed and SMEs.
For exporting to France, there are different types of subsidies available such as one for market introduction, but there are also subsidies available to have market research done or to have you guided by an export consultant. Brilliant Work has been working with export subsidies for years and knows exactly how to apply for them. Apart from coaching and advice, we also have a large network of agents and distributors in France that you can use if you are a customer of ours.
Want to know more? Then contact us without obligation for your first steps in France!
Free consultation
There are several export subsidies available to your company
Why a business coach from Brilliant Work?
Rated best
Our clients rate us with 5 stars. In addition, we have been named the best consultancy for 2 years in a row and were chosen as the best business coaching consultancy in the Netherlands 2022 by AI.
Experienced coaches
Our team consists of experienced coaches who use their expertise and experience to support your business.
Flexible & bespoke
Your journey with us is completely bespoke! You can choose how often and with which coach(es) you meet.
Subsidies
Many entrepreneurs are entitled to subsidies. We are familiar with numerous possibilities and know immediately what you can take advantage of.
Request a free consultation
Fill in your details on the right. We will contact you as soon as possible for a free consultation. We will look at your needs and wishes and together we will see how we can accelerate your success!
