Language and cultural barriers in international physical product marketing

Marketing in a Global Environment

Language Differences

Language barrier is a major problem when venturing out into a foreign market to sell physical commodities as the locals could encounter unique problems when it comes to understanding product attributes amongst other things. This may inform poor sales due to lack of sufficient information about a given product and its usage. For instance, in the U.S. The usage of chopsticks is different from the usage of the same in China (Doole and Rowe 158).

However, language differences present an opportunity for the marketer to incorporate online marketing as well as use live shows in the foreign markets as non-verbal communication comes in handy. The latter are seen as more productive ways of marketing new products as consumers will be presented with various definitions of product usage hence demystifying the already present obstacle (Doole 158).

Currency Difference

Lack of common currency or inability to gain uniform modes of exchange is an issue when expanding to foreign markets as one party is bound to feel oppressed due to disparities originating from transactions. Similarly, it is often difficult to quantify labor in such a trading agreement hence resulting probable of exploitation scenarios. Consequently, the rates and tariffs in the new market may be charged differently hence creating bigger problems as calculations may have to be modified significantly. This may prove to be quite hectic for an investor (Renee 346).

Despite the fact that the absence of a common currency may end up bringing about negative effects when making an entry into a foreign physical products marketplace, the trading countries may use this opportunity to embrace a common markets protocol.

4. Economic Systems

Economic differences refer to levels of economic development in foreign markets especially in terms of availability of resources. This entails ability of the foreign market to avail resources and skills that enhance the relevance of marketing the physical product. This includes but is not in any way limited to the most accessible modes of communication and the availability of technological equipment capable of boosting marketing. Foreign markets with adequate resources enable marketers to cover major dimensions of marketing. This is enhanced further by the creation of an opportunity to outsource services that are unavailable hence bringing about an advantage for the foreign marketer to access quality services. In that regard, a competitive advantage over and above any other company marketing similar physical products is created (Renee 354).