Factors affecting the decision to purchase from third world manufacturers: The British experience

The article focuses on the decision of importers based in developed countries to purchase their goods from developing countries. The factors which influence this decision were classified into price-related, non-price related and mixed. Twenty-one British importers buying from Cypriot suppliers provided the research sample. The results of the study showed that the import decision was influenced by an amalgamation of both price and non-price considerations, where the latter had greater priority compared to the former. "Good value for money", a mixed stimulus, was unaminously declared to be the primary input in this decision. Certain implications for developing country-based suppliers stemmed from the research findings: the need to shift the base of their export strategy from cost-price factors to non-price considerations, to improve their image in the "service" area, to enhance their ability to execute large orders and to take more active participation in marketing their products abroad.