If like me you run a small business from home, it’s easy to dream about what it would be like to expand and start selling to people in other countries. The idea of your products reaching new places is so exciting, but the reality can feel a bit overwhelming once you start looking at the costs and the planning involved. You don’t need to be aiming for global domination to make expansion worthwhile. Even reaching one or two new markets can open doors, but it does mean thinking carefully about how you manage your money and where you put your profits. Here are some simple ways to approach the financial side of growing your business abroad without losing sight of the fact you’re still running things from the kitchen table or home office.

When you’re running a small business from home it’s easy to assume that if something is popular with your local customers it will automatically appeal to people abroad too. The reality is that different countries often have different tastes, spending habits, and even shopping traditions. A product that feels like an obvious winner to you might not make sense in another market at all. That’s why it pays to dig a little deeper before making the leap and have a clear and concise product strategy. Looking at what sells well on local marketplaces, reading customer reviews, and even spending time on social media to see what people are actually talking about can give you a clearer picture. You don’t need a huge research budget to do this either. Sometimes just chatting to people in online groups, asking questions in forums, or connecting with business owners who already sell in that country can reveal a lot. It’s worth thinking about practical details too. For example, will the cost of shipping make your product too expensive in that market? Does your packaging meet local requirements? Even things like colours, scents, or flavours can carry different meanings in different cultures, which could change how your product is received. Taking the time to spot these things early can save you from pouring money into stock that ends up sitting unsold.

One of the best things about a small business is that you can change direction quickly. That matters when you’re testing new markets because it’s easy to overspend on things you don’t really need yet, like storage or fancy offices abroad. It’s usually better to start small, see what works, and keep your costs light while you learn. If there are jobs you’re not equipped for, like sorting out overseas tax or shipping rules, it’s worth paying for international company accounting services to help rather than trying to juggle it all yourself.

If you do start making sales overseas, don’t expect huge profits right away. Most of what you make will probably go straight back into keeping things running. It might feel slow, but putting that money back into stock, marketing, or even better packaging is what keeps your business moving forward. Growth at this stage is more about consistency than big leaps.

Trying to figure out a new country on your own can quickly become overwhelming, especially when you’re already busy keeping your business running at home. Partnering with someone who knows the local market can make a huge difference. For example, if you’re a UK business selling handmade candles and you want to branch into Germany, working with a small German retailer or distributor can save you a lot of stress. They’ll already understand customer preferences, shipping rules, and any safety standards that apply to home fragrance products. Yes, it might cost more upfront to build those relationships, whether that’s through commission or consultancy fees, but it’s usually cheaper than learning through trial and error. Having someone on the ground who can guide you means you’re less likely to waste money on mistakes and more likely to see your products land well with new customers.

There’s never really a perfect moment to expand your business. If you wait for one, you’ll probably be waiting forever. Taking small, consistent steps is usually better than sitting back and hoping things line up. Even if that means testing your product with just a handful of overseas customers, it’s still progress and it gives you something to build on.