Identifies common practices to be aware of when selling in this market, e.g., whether all sales material need to be in the local language.
Last Published: 7/31/2019

Sales materials, labels, usage instructions, and declarations (e.g., information about what the product is made of, who produced it, who imported it, expiry date) must be in Macedonian and Albanian languages.

Selling techniques vary according to the industry and product.  Companies should research North Macedonia’s market before implementing promotional activities, as strategies used in the United States may not be equally effective in North Macedonia.

Price is usually the decisive selling factor, since disposable income in North Macedonia remains low compared to Western European countries.  Brand image is also increasingly important, leading some consumers to purchase cheap knockoff merchandise and counterfeits online and at local shops, often believing they are buying genuine items.

Financing and payment terms play a key role in sales.  Many buyers prefer to pay for purchases in monthly installments.  Quality and support services attract more sophisticated customers with higher incomes.

Strong local contacts are important for success.  Companies should be prepared to spend time cultivating relationships with buyers and finding motivated and skilled local sales representatives.
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.