The term "international product" refers to a product or service that is marketed in different countries. In order to properly internationalise a business, it is necessary to analyse whether the product or service is saleable in the country that has been decided to expand.

To do this, several factors must be taken into account, such as the following

1. Language: it should be analysed whether the language of the target country affects the product or service, e.g. whether the name or brand of the product may have a different meaning in the new language.
2. Legal aspects: the specific regulations of the country of destination regarding special permits, waste regulations, health, etc., must be taken into account.
3. Cultural issues: it is important to analyse whether the product or service suits the customs, tastes and preferences of the country of destination, such as the shape of packaging or colours, which can influence the acceptance of the product.

Es importante tener en cuenta que estos factores no deben verse como problemas, sino como oportunidades para adaptar el producto o servicio a las necesidades del mercado de destino. Una adecuada reflexión sobre estos factores puede prevenir sorpresas desagradables y prever beneficios extras para el negocio.

HERE ARE SOME PRACTICAL EXAMPLES OF HOW CULTURAL, LEGAL AND LANGUAGE ISSUES CAN AFFECT AN INTERNATIONAL PRODUCT:

1. McDonald's in India: The culture and food customs are very different in India compared to the United States. Therefore, McDonald's had to change its menu to include vegetarian options and eliminate beef, as cows are sacred in Indian culture.
2. Wine in the United Arab Emirates: The United Arab Emirates has a strict law prohibiting alcohol in public. Wines can only be sold in liquor shops or restaurants that have an alcohol licence. Therefore, companies wishing to export wine to the UAE must comply with these regulations.
3. Product names in China: The Chinese language has unique characters and pronunciations that can affect the name of a product. For example, Coca-Cola in Chinese is pronounced "Kekoukele", which sounds similar to "you will feel happiness in your mouth". Therefore, companies should consider whether their product name will have a positive or negative impact on the Chinese market.
4. Winter clothing in Australia: Winter in Australia is very different from other countries, so winter clothing sold elsewhere is not always adapted to Australian climatic conditions. Therefore, companies wishing to sell winter clothing in Australia must consider the local temperatures and climate in order to adapt their product to the needs of the Australian market.

How can chatgpt help me with the international product?

ChatGPT puede ayudarte en el proceso de internacionalización de tu producto proporcionando información relevante y consejos útiles sobre aspectos como la adaptación del producto o servicio al mercado objetivo, las normativas y regulaciones locales, y las cuestiones culturales que puedan afectar la percepción y aceptación del producto.

In addition, ChatGPT can help you identify opportunities and challenges in your target market, and offer suggestions and recommendations to adjust and improve your product to meet the needs and preferences of consumers in your target market.

For example, if you are looking to expand your business in a foreign country, you can ask ChatGPT about specific product import regulations and get information on the procedures and documents needed to bring your product to the target market. You can also ask for advice on adapting your product to local consumer tastes and preferences, such as packaging, labelling and product size.

In a nutshell, ChatGPT can be a valuable tool to help you develop an effective internationalisation plan for your product and achieve success in foreign markets.

In the Marketing MIX the product is considered a strategic element as it largely conditions the rest of the elements. If you are thinking of internationalising your business, the first thing you have to analyse is the extent to which your product can be sold in the country you have decided on.

And in that reflection you will find out whether the product can be sold as you sell it in the country of origin or whether you need to make changes.

In order to achieve this reflection, you must ask yourself the following questions:

DOES THE LANGUAGE DIFFERENCE AFFECT YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE?

Obviously labelling, instructions if any, and so on, are factors to be taken into account. Sometimes even the name of the product or service or the brand itself may be affected by the new language. Because it is difficult to pronounce or because it resembles a word with a certain meaning (annoying, funny...). E.g. The Mitsubishi Montero whose name in other markets is Pajero and was changed for the Spanish market.

• DOES THE PRODUCT OR SERVICE AFFECT YOU IN ANY LEGAL WAY?

For example, special permits, waste regulations, health regulations... Even if we are talking about European countries, there are common rules but there may be specificities. And let alone if we are talking about non-EU countries. For example, anti-smoking regulations are different in some countries than in others. For example, data protection regulations are much more restrictive in Europe than in other continents.

• CAN A PRODUCT OR SERVICE BE AFFECTED BY CULTURAL ISSUES?

In this case you should think about tastes, hobbies, habits. Sometimes countries that appear to be like-minded can have notable differences in specific products.. In other cases the differences are considerable. Even aspects such as packaging shapes or colours can be a better or worse fit. E.g. foodstuffs such as garlic or offal. E.g. Women's clothing in Muslim countries.

It is important that don't see these issues as problems. In fact, these can be interesting opportunities depending on the product or service you are selling. Imagine that your product is subject to strict regulations in your country of origin and not so strict in the country of destination.

Or your product may be "outdated" for your consumers, but there is an "emerging" market in another part of the world. The important thing is to make a serious reflection that takes all factors into account, so that you can avoid unpleasant surprises or anticipate extra benefits.